Investing in an Air Source Heat Pump for your South Wales Home

If you’re looking to choose a more renewable solution for heating your home, then an air source heat pump is an excellent choice. In fact, it could even help you to save money on your energy bills.

If you are looking for more information on air source heat pumps at the pros and cons of such a choice, make sure to read on below. Here at Summit Energies, we are one of the leading providers of air source heat pumps in South Wales and have put together our guide to help you decide whether installing one is right for you. If you feel as though you are in need of any more information, do not hesitate to call our South Wales-based team on 01291 421 671.

What is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air-source heat pump is an excellent way to heat your South Wales home. They’re low maintenance and can even cut your heating cost. Brilliant, right?

Air source heat pumps use air as their main source of energy. They take energy from the air outside your home, even when it is cold, and convert it into heat. Essentially, they work in the same way as fridges do, just all in reverse.

The whole process works by;

The unit firstly absorbs heat from the air into a liquid refrigerant,
Then, this fluid is turned into gas,
Using electricity, the pump then compresses this gas, to heat it up,
This heat is then transferred into your home’s heating system, through your radiators, underfloor heating or warm air convectors.
Lastly, then as the heat transfers, the gas condenses back into a liquid and the cycle restarts.

The compressor unit will be installed outside your home, in your garden. Keep in mind that it’s handy to have a sunny spot for this so your pump won’t have to work as hard. Though, the system can even absorb heat from sub-zero air, so don’t fret about this.

What are the Benefits and Disadvantages of an Air Source Heat Pump?

Air source heat pumps are low maintenance and a very environmentally friendly choice compared to the systems they typically replace. The main component used in this system is air, after all. However, like many systems, they’re not suitable for all types of homes, so of course, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons when considering one;

The Pros of Air Source Heat Pump

They lower the costs of your heating, especially if you are switching from an electric, oil, LPG or coal system,
They produce much fewer carbon emissions than most systems,
As the system makes use of air, which is a renewable resource, it will lower your carbon footprint,
These systems are also very efficient,
They will typically last longer than a boiler – around 20 years.

The Cons of Air Source Heat Pumps

The pump will work best for lower heating temperatures (making them ideal for large radiators or underfloor heating),
They typically provide a lower temperature than traditional systems (insulation and draught-proofing with help with heating efficiency and keeping your home warm),
Only homes with outside garden space will be able to make use of one of these systems, yet they will free up space inside your home where your boiler would typically be,
Some older models may have noisy fans, yet this is something that manufacturers are working on for new models.

What are the Two Types of Air Source Heat Pumps?

There are in fact, two different types of air source heat pump available. Air-to-water systems will distribute heat by pumping liquid through your pipes and radiators, or through your underfloor heating pipes. Right now, this is the most commonly used types of air source heat pump, as it is best suited for heating and hot water. The second system is the air-to-air system. This produces warm air and circulates it around your home using a network of fans.

How Much Could You Save With an Air Source Heat Pump?

The savings you make when installing an air source heat pump will all depend on the type of fuel you’re replacing. So, if it is gas, you’ll likely find that your gas usage will drop and your electricity will go up slightly. However, if you are replacing an electric, oil, LPG or coal system, it could work out much cheaper, particularly if your system is old and inefficient. An air-source heat pump is an excellent choice if you are looking to build a new home. They’re simple to install and you can even include underfloor heating at the same time.

What Should You Consider Before Installing an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air-source heat pump will work at its best in a well-insulated home. Great ways to insulate your home before installing a system include;

A well-insulated loft (this is important!),
Cavity wall insulation,
Draught excluders on outside doors, windows and letterboxes,
Replace old windows with newer double glazing.

Can You Get Financial Help Towards Installing Your Air Source Heat Pump?

If you are looking to install an air source heat pump into your South Wales home, the Nest scheme could provide you with financial help towards the system.

Talk to Summit Energies Today for More Information on Air Source Heat Pumps in South Wales

Here at Summit Energies, our team has been providing Air Source Heat Pumps in South Wales for over 40 years. Over these years, we’ve worked with many happy domestic and commercial customers to lower their energy bills and carbon footprint.

Aside from air source heat pumps, we provide a wide range of renewable energy solutions across South Wales, including;

Ground Source Heat Pumps,
Solar Thermal,
Underfloor Heating.

Aside from air source heat pumps, we provide a wide range of renewable energy solutions across South Wales, including;

Ground Source Heat Pumps,
Solar Thermal,
Underfloor Heating.

If you would like to find out more about installing an air source heat pump into your South Wales home, make sure to get in touch with our team of experts today on 01291 421 671. They’ll be more than happy to help and give you any information you need.