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Air Source Heatpumps explained

Unlock the power of renewable energy with an air source heat pump. An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a modern, efficient heating and cooling system that transfers heat between the air outside your home and the air inside, keeping you comfortable year-round. It's a fantastic, low-carbon alternative to traditional gas or oil boilers.

How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Work?

Think of an air source heat pump as a refrigerator in reverse. While a fridge removes heat from its interior and expels it into the kitchen, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air, even on cold days, and transfers it indoors. The process relies on a clever cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion.

Evaporation: The outdoor unit of the heat pump contains a liquid refrigerant with a very low boiling point. A fan draws in outside air and blows it over the coils. Even when the temperature is low, the air contains enough thermal energy to cause the refrigerant to absorb heat and evaporate into a low-pressure gas.
Compression: This gas is then moved to an electrically-powered compressor. The compressor increases the pressure of the gas, which in turn dramatically raises its temperature. This super-heated gas is now ready to transfer its warmth indoors.
Condensation: The hot, high-pressure gas flows through a second set of coils inside your home. It releases its heat to your central heating system, which can be connected to radiators or underfloor heating. As the gas transfers its heat, it cools down and condenses back into a high-pressure liquid.
Expansion: The liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, which lowers its pressure and temperature. The refrigerant becomes a cold, low-pressure liquid, ready to head back to the outdoor unit and start the cycle all over again.

This continuous cycle allows the heat pump to efficiently move heat, providing up to four times more energy than it consumes in electricity.

The Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps

Energy Efficiency: ASHPs are incredibly efficient, often converting a small amount of electricity into a large amount of heat.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: By using renewable energy from the air, they significantly lower your home's CO2 emissions.
Versatility: Many systems can be reversed to provide cooling in the summer, acting as an air conditioner.
Works in Cold Weather: Modern ASHPs are designed to operate effectively in temperatures as low as -15°C to -25°C, making them suitable for many climates.

The process of an air source heat pump is a simple, yet powerful, example of using established refrigeration technology to create a sustainable and comfortable living environment.