The Ultimate Guide to Air Source Heat Pumps

Jay Moody HVAC is proud to be considered Massachusetts heat pump specialist, offering efficient, engineer-designed air source heat pump systems for homeowners and businesses across the state. 

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We believe that it is crucial for homeowners to feel informed and confident of their HVAC options. That&#;s why Jay Moody HVAC strives to offer educational resources such as this article, to help guide any homeowner through their home improvement project.  

In this article we offer the Ultimate Guide to all things Air Source Heat Pumps. We hope to help you better understand heat pumps, how they work and whether they are the right option for your home! 

What Are Air Source Heat Pumps 

Heat pumps are devices that transfer heat from one place to another. They can be used to heat or cool a space, depending on the direction of the heat transfer.  

There are two primary types of heat pumps: geothermal and air-source. 

Geothermal heat pumps move heat from the ground outside. On the other hand, air-source heat pumps move heat between the inside and outside air.  

Air-source heat pump systems are more common than geothermal systems. In this article, we will only discuss air-source heat pumps.  

How Air Source Heat Pumps Work 

Unlike fuel heating systems that create heat energy, heat pumps move heat energy. Heat pumps work by using a refrigerant to absorb heat from the air outside, and then pumping it inside a home using a compressor.  

In the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it inside to warm up the building. In the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump extracts heat from inside the building and releases it outside to cool down the building.

The efficiency of a heat pump system depends on a number of factors we will discuss shortly. That being said, heat pumps tend to operate more efficiently than fuel systems. This is because heat pumps move heat energy while fuel systems create it.  

Types of Air Source Heat Pumps  

When it comes to air source heat pump systems, there are two primary types available in the market. There are central (ducted) heat pump systems and ductless mini-split systems.  

Central Heat Pumps 

The first type is the central heat pump system which requires ductwork to move heat to and from a home.

This system uses a heat exchanger to extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to the indoor air. The ductwork then distributes the heated or cooled air throughout the home. The central heat pump system is commonly used in larger homes with multiple rooms and floors and existing ductwork. 

Ductless Mini-Splits  

The second type of air source heat pump system is the ductless mini-split heat pump system.

This system moves heat to individual zones through a single inside unit. It is a great option for smaller homes or for homeowners who want to have more control over the temperature in different areas of their home. The ductless mini-split system doesn&#;t require any ductwork, which makes it easier to install and maintain. Additionally, mini-splits can be more energy-efficient than central heat pump systems because they don&#;t lose heat through ductwork. 

Overall, both central heat pump systems and ductless mini-split heat pump systems have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It&#;s important to consider factors such as the size of your home, budget, and heating and cooling needs before choosing which type of system is right for you. 

Pros & Cons of Heat Pump Systems  

Now that we&#;ve discussed the different types of heat pumps and how they work, let&#;s take a closer look at their pros and cons.  

Benefits of Heat Pump Systems  

A well-designed, professionally installed, heat pump system can offer top-tier home comfort at efficient cost! We&#;ve outlined a few of the most primary benefits of heat pump systems below.  

Energy Efficiency 

Heat pumps are highly efficient as they don&#;t generate heat but transfer it from one place to another. This means that they consume less energy and are more environmentally friendly than traditional heating systems. 

In fact, air-source heat pumps have found to be 2-3x more efficient than traditional fuel heating systems. What&#;s more, air-source heat pumps can reduce your electricity use by 50% compared to electric resistance heating! (Read more at Energy.gov)  

Versatility 

A key benefit of heat pump systems is their versatility. Heat pumps offer efficient heating AND cooling, all in one system! This allows you to take advantage of heat pumps all year-round. They can also be used in conjunction with other heating systems, such as furnaces, to create a hybrid heating system.  

Mini-split heat pumps are especially versatile! Because mini-splits are ductless systems, they can be installed in almost any space for additional comfort. Many homeowners choose to use mini-splits to supplement heating or cooling in specific rooms in the home!  

Read about alterative uses of mini-splits, here.

Cost Savings 

Although heat pumps can be more expensive to install than traditional heating systems, they can save you money in the long run due to their energy efficiency. Because the systems offer dual-heating and cooling, they also require less maintenance. Opposed to having two systems to maintenance (your air conditioning and heating system), you only have one! 

Check out Mass Save&#;s Heating Comparison Calculator to approximate your potential heating savings!

Improved Comfort 

Heat pumps provide consistent and even heating and cooling throughout your home, which can help improve your overall comfort. In addition to dual heating and cooling, many heat pump systems also offer advanced air filtration and dehumidification modes.

What&#;s more, heat pumps also operate quietly, so you won&#;t be disturbed by loud noises! 

Environmental Benefits 

As mentioned earlier, heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than traditional heating systems as they use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases. This means that you&#;ll be doing your part to help reduce your carbon footprint. 

Disadvantages of Heat Pump Systems  

While heat there are many advantages to installing a heat pump system, there are possible disadvantages. Heat pump systems may not be the right fit for every home. For this reason, it&#;s incredibly important to work with a qualified HVAC installer that will outline all your options. Here are a few disadvantages you may come across:

Initial Cost of Installation  

An initial disadvantage and common barrier preventing homeowners from upgrading to heat pumps is the often-high cost of installation.

Heat pump systems are generally more expensive to install than traditional heating and cooling systems. This is because they require more specialized equipment and installation practices. On top of this, some homes also require additional ductwork and/or electrical work. 

Initial Transition from Fuel Heating to Electric  

Heat pumps utilize electricity to operate, whereas fuel heating systems utilize natural gas, propane, or oil. This can be a difficult transition for some homeowners.

The cost of electricity varies by region, but it is generally more expensive than the cost of fuel. While the energy efficiency of heat pump systems means that they can save homeowners money on energy costs in the long run, the initial transition can be difficult for some.  

Potential for Poorly Designed System Installation 

Unfortunately, as access to heat pump systems has grown, so has the number of unqualified installers. As we&#;ve discussed, a well-designed and properly installed heat pump system can offer significant improvement in home comfort and efficiency. A poorly designed/installed system, however, can be a costly mistake. 

For this reason, it&#;s crucial that homeowners choose a qualified heat pump installer for their project.  

Read about the five questions to ask your heat pump installer, here.

Heat Pump Rebates & Energy Incentives  

Heat pump rebates and energy incentives are available in Massachusetts and many other states throughout the United States. These programs are designed to help homeowners and businesses switch to more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, such as heat pumps. 

In Massachusetts, for example, the Mass Save program offers rebates of up to $10,000 for qualifying air source heat pumps. Mass Save also offers zero-interest financing for eligible heat pump installations.  

Many Massachusetts towns unable to participate in Mass Save offer their own energy incentives for the installation of heat pump systems. Most of these energy incentives are offered through a similar program called Next Zero.  

In addition to state energy incentives, the Inflation Reduction Act offers residents a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 when installing a heat pump system!  

To take advantage of these programs, homeowners and businesses typically need to work with a participating contractor who can help with the installation and application process. It&#;s important to check the specific requirements and guidelines for each program to ensure eligibility and maximize savings. 

Overall, heat pump rebates and energy incentives can be a great way to save money while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Heat Pump Effectiveness in Massachusetts  

Based in Leominster, Massachusetts, Jay Moody HVAC has installed hundreds of heat pump systems for Massachusetts homeowners. A common question we are asked is &#;How effective are heat pumps during the winter?&#;. There is understandable skepticism around the ability of heat pumps to heat your home through cold winters. Let&#;s start the discussion by answering this common question.  

Yes, heat pumps can offer efficient heating to your Massachusetts home, even in the winter!  

Hyperheat systems are designed to withstand cold weather and can offer effective heating throughout the winter. So long as the system is properly designed to fit the size and needs of a home, it should be able to offer efficient comfort year-round.   

That being said, heat pumps do become less efficient at extreme temperatures. If it is extremely hot outside or extremely cold, your heat pump system has to work extra hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.  

Massachusetts does not commonly experience extreme temperatures below zero, or above one-hundred degrees. This means that your heat pump system is not likely to experience consistent strain that causes inefficiency. However, to be safe, Jay Moody HVAC chooses to implement back up heat as necessary, to ensure our customers&#; homes are supported throughout the winter.  

Read more about heat pump efficiency during the winter, here!  

Required Heat Pump Maintenance  

Heat pump systems, like any HVAC system, should be maintained once a year by a qualified HVAC technician.

Annual system maintenance helps to ensure your heat pumps operate efficiently and it can improve the system lifespan. During annual maintenance, the technician will thoroughly inspect, test and clean your heat pump system.  

In addition to annual maintenance, homeowners with mini splits should clean the air filters every few months. This can be done by you, no tools required!  

If you are a Massachusetts homeowner looking for heat pumps, we would love to offer you a free in-home consultation! To schedule a free heat pump quote, click here!  

We hope you find this article helpful as you navigate your home improvement project.  For more information related to heat pumps or other HVAC systems, check out our blog!

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As energy costs continue to rise and the emphasis on working towards creating a greener, more carbon neutral way of life increases you&#;ll no doubt have heard a wide array of terms relating to renewability, sustainability and energy efficiency. When it comes to the way in which we heat, or potentially cool, our houses, those terms will likely have included things such as &#;biomass boilers&#;, &#;heat pumps&#; and &#;solar water heating systems&#;.

In this post we&#;ll be focusing on &#;heat pumps&#;, or more specifically &#;air source heat pumps&#; (ASHP&#;s), identifying exactly what they are, the varying types including how they work as well as the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing to install them at your home, business or development.

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Choosing the right air source heating system for your commercial or domestic requirements can be a daunting prospect. With more than 15 years providing energy conservation consultancy services Falcon Energy is perfectly placed to help you do just that, and in addition to performance estimation, cost analysis and bespoke system design we also offer complete MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified installation packages.

Call us today on , or complete our online contact form to see how you could benefit from our MCS air source heat pump installation package.

What is an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump system is a reversible heat pump which facilitates the heating, or cooling, of a room or building.

Unlike many conventional heating systems which burn fossil fuels (think the traditional gas boiler, oil boiler etc) to generate heat for your central heating system, non-traditional heating systems like air source heat pumps require only the heat from the outside air (and, depending on a number of factors, electricity) to operate.

How do air source heat pumps work?

Air source heat pumps are mechanical systems which allow the transfer of thermal energy from one location at a cooler temperature (the source) to an alternate location at a higher temperature (the sink, or heat sink).

This process in which heat is transferred in the opposite direction, as would be normal for heat transfer without an additional external power source, is known as the refrigeration cycle, or thermodynamic heat pump cycle.

How an air source heat pump works:

1. When used as &#;heaters&#; air source heat pumps absorb thermal energy from an external source via a collector system, through which a refrigerant is passed (typically a gas such as R407C, R32, R410a and R417a) essentially &#;collecting the heat&#;.

2. Upon absorbing the heat the refrigerant within the cycle boils and vaporises, creating steam which is compressed to further raise the temperature within the cycle.

3. The resulting heat is then passed through the system to the heating circuit, whereby it can be used to heat the room or building.

 

There are two types of air source heat pump: air-to-water pumps and air-to-air pumps. When used as an air conditioner, or &#;cooler&#; the air-to-air system works in reverse to transfer heat from inside the building to the outside. This cannot be replicated by air-to-water heat pumps.*

Air source heat pumps are examples of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) systems.

What types of air source heat pump are there?

&#;Air-to-water&#; heat pumps

The most commonly installed air source heat pumps are the &#;air-to-water&#; variant. As the name would suggest they transfer thermal energy from the exterior of a building to heat water, which is then used to heat a building via the central heating system.

Because air source heat pumps typically generate less heat than a conventional boiler they are often best used alongside heating circuits with large surface areas, for instance an underfloor heating system. In some instances existing radiators are too small to effectively transfer the heat generated by the pump.

These systems qualify for the UK Governments RHI (Domestic / Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive).

&#;Air-to-air&#; heat pumps

&#;Air-to-air&#; heat pumps, as you&#;ve no doubt concluded, work in exactly the same way but require a warm air circulation system to operate. As the air is heated directly the &#;warm up&#; time is relatively short.

These systems do not qualify for the UK Governments RHI (Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of air source heat pumps?

Advantages of air source heat pumps

Reduced carbon footprint

Air source heat pumps are a low carbon alternative to gas, LPG and other electrical heating systems. As we collectively aim towards &#;Net Zero&#; there are calls from The International Energy Agency to stop the sale of new gas boilers by .

High Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP)

The coefficient of performance (COP) of air source heat pumps when the external temperature is 7°C and above is calculated at 3.2. Effectively this means that the system is running at 320% efficiency; for every 1kWh of electricity required to operate the system it produces 3.2kWh heat.

The seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) takes into account fluctuations of the external temperature, and thus is dependent on the location and climate of the heat pump. Air source heat pumps can operate in temperatures as low as -20°C, however they begin to lose efficiency progressively as the temperature decreases.

Eligible for RHI*

Air-to-water heat pumps are eligible for the Government&#;s RHI scheme (Domestic / Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive). Air source heat pumps currently qualify at a rate of 10.85pence per kW for the first 7 years after installation. The RHI is set to end in March , but is expected to be replaced by an alternate scheme.

Long lifespan

Depending on maintenance, location and climate, the life expectancy of air source heat pumps can often exceed 20 years, a relatively long period when compared to the 10-15 year life expectancy of a traditional gas or oil fired boiler.

Low maintenance

Air source heat pumps typically require less maintenance, and less frequent replacement of costly parts than traditional boilers and other renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar PV. However, as with all heating systems we advise referring to the manufacturers recommendations regarding safety and servicing requirements.

Can be used for both heating and cooling*

Air-to-air heat pumps have the unique capacity to provide both heating and cooling, mitigating the requirement for two separate systems. Some air source heat pumps are also able to provide both space heating and hot water. These systems will need to run with higher flow temperatures than those that provide space heating only.

Disadvantages of air source heat pumps

Less heat output than traditional boiler systems

When compared with conventional boiler systems air source heat pumps produce a lower heat supply. Gas boilers for instance may run with a flow temperature of 70°C, with water entering the heating circuit at 70°C and exiting at 60°C. An air source heat pump may run with a flow temperature of only 35-45°C, and whilst they typically only lose around 5°C throughout the circuit they are unable to produce the same heat output as the gas boiler.

Possible costs incurred for installing underfloor heating / larger radiators

Because of the decreased heat output existing radiators need to be replaced with larger models to increase the heated surface area, and many choose to combine the air source heat pump with underfloor heating systems. These costs can be considerable, particularly if underfloor heating is applied retrospectively.

Building must be well insulated

In some circumstances air source heat pumps are unable to provide the level of heat required to warm a poorly insulated building. Although this is no different to most heating systems it is worth noting, and particularly relevant to older properties.

Potential for reduced efficiency dependent on external temperature

Air source heat pumps work most efficiently when there is minimal difference between internal and external temperatures. As the difference between these temperatures increases they become less efficient and require more electrical energy in order to operate.

How much do air source heat pumps cost?

Purchase and installation costs vary considerably, and will be reflective of the size of pump required as well as other factors, but you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £-£20,000. Speak to one of our energy consultancy experts today for a free, no obligation estimate for your commercial / non commercial premises.

Things to consider before installing an air source heat pump

Find a reputable installer

As previously mentioned, installing an air source heat pump at your property can range in costs. Ensuring you have a reputable installer will give you peace of mind that you&#;re getting the very best service and an efficient heating system that is compliant with all regulations.

At Falcon Energy, we&#;re an MCS certified installer, hold all the relevant qualifications for heat pump installation and are approved installers of Mitsubishi air source heat pumps. You can rely on our team of professionals to offer a compliant and trustworthy service.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations

For an air source heat pump to work with maximum efficiency the fluctuations in external temperature should ideally be minimal. If your proposed installation site experiences large seasonal changes in temperature it may be worth considering an alternate heating system, for example a ground source heat pump.

Level of insulation

For similar reasons, buildings (typically older) with poor levels of insulation are often not best suited to air source heat pump systems. The potential reductions if carbon emissions and financial savings on energy bills are minimal in these circumstances.

Improving the insulation and efficiency of the property will ensure air source heat pumps work optimally, but this will mean you incur an extra cost before installation. However, this will be of benefit in the long run, as you&#;ll reduce energy loss from your property and enjoy lower energy bills.

Space required

The average gas boiler may measure approximately 750mm x 450mm x 300mm. MORE INFORMATION NEEDED

Suitable heating circuit

Air source heat pumps are perfectly suited to properties with existing underfloor heating or larger radiator systems. Otherwise you&#;ll incur extra costs of adapting systems to work efficiently with the air source heat pump.

FAQs

How noisy are air source heat pumps?

Air source heat pumps will typically generate more noise than ground source heat pumps. However, with the average noise levels within 1 metre of the unit ranging from between 40-60 decibels this is still far from a problematic level of noise.

Air source heat pump installations are subject to the following building regulations requirements: &#;The distance at which the noise level from each of the measured ASHPs is reduced to below the façade level of LAeq 45 dB&#; [Source]

To put this in perspective 45db is thought to be equivalent to the hum generated by a refrigerator.

How efficient are air source heat pumps?

Air source heat pumps operate with a coefficient performance rating of 3.2 when the external temperature is 7°C and above. This means that the system is running at 320% efficiency; for every 1kWh of electricity required to operate the system it produces 3.2kWh heat.

What grants are available for air source heat pumps?

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

Air source heat pumps installed before March (subject to certain requirements) are eligible for the Government&#;s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. Payments are made quarterly for 7 years from installation based upon the amount of renewable energy produced by your heat pump. Find out more here.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

From March the RHI scheme is to be replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This scheme will provide capital grants for the installation of heat pumps, &#;&#;and in some circumstances biomass boilers, in homes and some non-domestic buildings&#;. Find out more here.

What&#;s the difference between air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps?

Although an air source heat pump (ASHP&#;s) and a ground source heat pump (GSHP&#;s) utilise the same technology, the source from which they draw heat differs. ASHP&#;s draw heat from the outside air whilst GSHP&#;s draw heat from the ground.

Do air source heat pumps work with solar panels?

Absolutely. Whilst air source heat pumps are low carbon heating alternatives, they still require some amount of electricity in order to operate. Generating that electricity through a renewable energy source further reduces the carbon emissions created.

Book a free air source heat pump consultation

If you&#;d like to find out more about how you could reduce your carbon footprint whilst creating financial savings, give our team a call on . Our air source heat pump installation packages include:

• Full site survey and bespoke design of the system

• Supply of the air source heat pump, accessories, DHW cylinder & buffer tank (if required)

• Heat loss calculations

• Performance estimate and cost analysis

• Commissioning of all equipment

• Certification for the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive/Government Grant

• MCS compliance certificate

• Heat pump installations, if required

  For more Air Source Heating And Coolinginformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.