Air to Water Heat Pumps

Air to water heat pumps are an efficient way to regulate indoor temperatures and can be connected to systems like radiators or underfloor heating. They use green energy to extract heat from the air and transfer it to a hot water loop which can be circulated throughout the home.

This system has been growing in popularity amongst high-performance builders. Check out this video for a sneak peek!

How do they work?

Air to water heat pumps generate heating and cooling through a hydronic distribution system rather than using forced air. This makes them a good choice for homes with existing ductwork that air to water heat pump aren’t compatible with ducted systems used in forced-air heating and AC. Air-to-water heat pumps can also be used in new construction to supply both heating and cooling to the entire building through a single system.

Unlike traditional air-to-air heat pumps, which use air to make hot heating, air-to-water heat pump units absorb the heat from the circulating water and convert it to electricity for heating the home. These units are a good fit for radiant panel or low temperature radiator heating, and they can also be used to pre-heat domestic hot water before flowing it to taps.

While air-to-water heat pumps can be used for cooling, they’re less efficient at it than air-to-air models. This is because they don’t transfer as much heat from the incoming air, so they’re more likely to run at lower temperatures to get the house comfortable.

As with other HVAC systems, it’s important to size your air-to-water heat pump properly for maximum performance and efficiency. Your contractor will help you determine the ideal size for your system based on a variety of factors, including your home’s size and level of insulation.

What are the benefits?

The primary benefit of an air to water heat pump is that it delivers more thermal energy than it consumes. This is especially true in moderate climates. However, the system does not deliver as much intense heat as boilers do. Therefore, it requires adequate insulation to get the most out of it.

Another advantage of an air to water heat pump is that its installation is simpler and less disruptive than a boiler system. The system can also be used in homes without ducts for forced-air heating and AC.

These systems can be used in combination with solar power for a zero-energy home. However, the equipment can be expensive. Also, it takes a while for the system to pay for itself with electricity savings.

Finally, there are some concerns about the noise generated by the system. While newer models are getting better at this, it is still a significant issue. However, there are solutions for those who are concerned about the noise. For example, some systems have a built-in domestic hot water tank, which can reduce the need for additional piping. Also, there are some models that run almost silently. Ultimately, it is important to find a model that suits your home and meets your needs.

What are the disadvantages?

The major drawback of an air to water heat pump is the upfront cost. These systems are not cheap to install, but the good news is that they will pay for themselves in lower running costs. They also come with a warranty and are very durable. This makes them a sound long term investment, especially when the state is rewarding people for switching to green energy.

Another drawback is that the electricity used to run an air to water heat pump isn’t necessarily emission free. This is because the majority of the UK’s energy comes from fossil fuels like gas, coal and oil. Therefore, it’s important to look at your home’s current energy use and see if you can make changes to help reduce carbon emissions from your property.

If you’re looking for a heating system that is environmentally friendly and low maintenance, an air to water heat pump could be the perfect solution for you. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that these systems require a very good thermal efficiency in order to work at its best. Therefore, key home improvements like insulation and draught proofing are recommended in order to get the most from your new system. Then there are the running costs to consider, which may be higher than other heating systems if you’re moving away from a gas boiler.

How do I install an air to water heat pump?

Air to water heat pumps (ASHPs) are a very efficient way of heating homes and buildings. They can offer up to air to water heat pump three times as much thermal energy as the electricity they consume. They use the same vapor-compression refrigeration process as air conditioners but work in reverse. They can be used to warm or cool buildings and in some cases, provide domestic hot water too.

An ASHP should only be installed by an MCS accredited installer. This ensures that the installer has completed all the necessary training and adheres to the correct codes of conduct and industry compliance. This will help to prevent any problems occurring with the installation. The best way to find an MCS accredited installer is to get a referral from a friend or family member who has already had an ASHP installed. Alternatively, you can look on the MCS website to find approved and accredited installers in your area.

It is essential that the piping for your ASHP system is properly sized, insulated and connected to your heating, cooling and domestic hot water systems. It is also important that you install a suitable hot water tank or cylinder to enable the ASHP to make domestic hot water. Hitachi offer models that have a built-in water tank, which reduces the amount of connection work and space required for the system.