Air source heat pumps

A horizontal closed loop heat exchanger comprises a ‘slinky’ that runs in a ground trench.

A horizontal closed loop heat exchanger
comprises a ‘slinky’ that runs in a
ground trench

Air source heat pumps utilise the outside air as their source of solar heat, rather than the Earth. They are used extensively in office buildings, but are less common in domestic applications. They can also operate in what’s known as ‘reverse cycle’. This means that they can be used to provide both heating and cooling.

Some of the pros and cons of air source heat pumps:

Pros

  • Don’t require extensive trenching or drilling outside.
  • Generally less costly than a ground source heat pump of a similar size
  • Can provide cooling in summer

Cons

  • Require an air source heat exchanger to be located outside your property. This is about the size of a large fridge
  • Less efficient than the ground source equivalent during colder weather. In very cold conditions, a supplementary gas or electric heater may be required

So, if a ground source heat pump is impractical due to cost, space or access issues, then the air source alternative may be what you’re looking for.

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