Air source heat pumps have gained popularity in recent years. Let’s take a look at what you should know about them.
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump is one of several types of heat pumps that can transfer heat from outside to inside.
How does an air source heat pump work?
The first stage involves the extraction of heat from the air. This heat is transferred to a heat exchanger, with the exchanger containing a liquid refrigerant that absorbs the heat and is turned into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas.
In the second stage, the gas is transferred to a compressor. This compresses the refrigerant, raising the pressure and the temperature of the gas.
Once the gas is hot, it is passed to the heat exchanger and circulated, The heat is transferred to a cold-water circuit, causing the water temperature to increase as it absorbs heat. When the water reaches a sufficient temperature, it can be sent to radiators and underfloor heating systems. When heat is transferred to the water circuit, the refrigerant cools down and turns back into a liquid.
In the final stage, the refrigerant (now cooler) moves through a special expansion valve. This lowers the pressure and enables more heat absorption. The cycle is then repeated.
What are the benefits?
Air source heat pumps use an unlimited resource (air) to generate the warmth you need, can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and can lower your energy bills. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain.
Air source heat pump experts
If you are interested in learning more, there are a number of companies that specialise in air source heat pumps Gloucester. Some of these companies, such as https://gsmlimited.com/services/, have excellent online resources.
How much do they cost?
The average cost is estimated to be around £14,000; however, they can pay for themselves over a period of time due to reduced energy bills.
The other main types of heat pumps are ground source, water source, air-to-air, and absorption.
