Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) prove to be both cost and energy efficient to a homeowner. ASHP are used for both heating and cooling a home, as well as heating the water tank. On average, these pumps are able to produce up to three times more heated energy than the electrical energy needed to operate. Here are a few points to consider when looking into an ASHP for your home.
All outside air with a temperature above absolute zero contains heat. ASHP works by pushing it from the outside air into a distribution system in order to provide warmth to the space or water heater. This same type of process can also be used to cool a home. These pumps come in two different types of systems, split and packaged.
A split system contains three main components for operating, the indoor exchanger coil, the outdoor exchanger coil, and a compressor. The outdoor coil is responsible for getting the heat and the indoor coil then transfers it into a distribution system. The compressor fan is what is used to power the move of the warm air throughout the system. The efficiency of this system is dependent on temperatures above forty degrees Fahrenheit.
Packaged systems typically have all three components placed outside the home. In this system, the heated air is brought to the inside of the home through duct work. One option exclusive to the packaged system is a ductless room heat pump. These are typically installed either through a window or a small hole in the wall. They are a great option to increase heating and cooling efficiency in small spaces like apartments.
ASHP can be used for both heating and cooling a home. This provides an advantage to homeowners in costs for maintenance and energy use. These pumps have a twenty year plus life span and typically have low maintenance. They are also very cost efficient to a home owner compared to other sources, like an electric heater. ASHP can give off up to four times more warmth than an electric heater.
A disadvantage of the ASHP system is the reliance on outdoor temperature for efficiency. Temperatures below forty degrees Fahrenheit decreases the efficiency of the system drastically. This can be a problem for homes who normally live in warmer climates, but may experience a colder than normal winter. Some other problems reported are with leaky ducts, low airflow, or incorrect refrigerant charge. All of these things can be avoided by having regular tune ups of your system.
ASHP technology is working to improve systems and provide optimal performance for homeowners. A recent development created to give homeowners more choices is the reverse cycle chiller. It gives a choice in heating and air conditioning distribution systems, such as radiant floor systems. Another advance that is well on its way to completion is the cold climate heat pump. This pump features two cylinders on a two speed compressor, creating a system that should operate at optimal efficiency despite cold temperatures.
Air Source Heat Pumps are a low cost, energy efficient solution for a homeowner’s heating and cooling needs. If you reside in a warmer climate, this pump system could benefit both your value in your home and your wallet. And if your home is in a cooler climate, an ASHP should still be considered as a supplemental system. The low cost and savings could be worth the switch for you.
Eco Green Innovations are a renewable energy company and suppliers of air source heat pumps operating in Yorkshire and surrounding areas