Air to air heat pumps
Air to air heat pumps comprise of both an outdoor and an indoor unit, with both working in tandem to supply a home’s heating requirements. The outside unit extracts energy from the air outside, which is then absorbed by a refrigerant solution within the unit itself. This solution is then converted into warm air by the indoor unit, before being pumped back to the outdoor unit.
Installation of an air to air heat pump requires an outside wall, but they take up very little space internally, which makes them ideal for smaller homes and apartments. They can also function as air coolers and air purifiers when needed. Amongst the benefits of having the system installed are:
- Could lower fuel bills, especially if replacing an older and less energy efficient system
- Can function as an air cooler for the summer months
- Can function as an air purifier, which is advantageous for allergy sufferers
- Has the potential to provide you with an income via the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive
- No fuel deliveries required
- Requires little maintenance, as it is considered a ‘fit and forget’ technology
- Often easier to install that a ground source heat pump system, though it is usually less efficient
How do they work?
Air to air systems, as mentioned, comprise of two units. The outdoor unit absorbs air from outside your home into a refigerant solution that allows it to be transported to an internal unit.
This internal unit then extracts the warm air from this solution and distributes it through the home via a system of fans, in a similar manner to how an air conditioning system distributes cool air. An air to air system can also work in the opposite way, cooling air to distribute throughout the home in summer months. However it can’t be used to heat water.
What do I need?
To install an air to air heat pump system you will need to consider the following;
- Do you have the space required to have the outdoor unit installed. Ideally it should be fitted on an external wall or placed on the ground, with plenty of room to allow air to circulate around it. The indoor unit is generally quite small and easy to place.
- Your home must be well insulated. Air to air heat pumps work best when producing heat at lower temperatures than standard boilers, so your home must be well insulated and made drought proof to ensure maximum effect.
- Which fuel the system will be replacing. Air to air pumps tend to pay for themselves quite quickly when put in place of an electric or coal heating system. However they may not be the best option for homes that use a gas based system.
- Which type of heating system it will operate with. Air to air heat pumps work best with underfloor or warm air heating systems.
- Whether or not the air to air heat pump is intended for a new development. Combining the installation of the system with other building work can help to reduce costs.
