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Understanding Air Source Heat Pumps: A Guide to Air-to-Air and Air-to-Water Systems

Overview

 

Heat pumps have been gaining popularity across the UK, offering homeowners a more sustainable way to heat their homes and reduce energy bills. 

A Guide to Air-to-Air and Air-to-Water Systems


Heat pumps have been gaining popularity across the UK, offering homeowners a more sustainable way to heat their homes and reduce energy bills. But did you know that there are two types of air source heat pumps: air-to-air and air-to-water? In this blog we’ll guide you through the differences, advantages, and considerations for each type.

 

Introducing air to water heat pumps

 

Air to water heat pumps operate by drawing in outside air, extracting the latent heat, and then transferring this accumulated warmth to water. That means they’re typically installed in homes with water based heating systems that are already equipped with radiators or underfloor heating.

 

 

A quick overview of air to water heat pumps

 

 

• High energy efficiency:

Air-to-water heat pumps are renowned for their high energy efficiency, providing significant savings on both heating and hot water costs.

 

• Hot water production:

These pumps can efficiently heat water for domestic use, eliminating the need for a separate water heater or boiler.

 

Limited cooling:

Primarily designed for heating, air-to-water heat pumps may not have the capability or be as effective at cooling.

 

Introducing air to air heat pumps

Air-to-air systems extract heat from the outdoor air and distribute it throughout your home via an air handler or ductwork. Their main advantage is their ability to provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer..

 

 

A quick overview of air to air heat pumps

 


• Versatility:
Air to air heat pumps excel at providing both heating and cooling, making them a versatile solution for year-round comfort.

 

Zoning capabilities:

These systems allow for the creation of different temperature zones within your home, offering personalised comfort and energy savings. With programmable thermostats, you can achieve optimal energy efficiency.

 

Space saving:
Air to air heat pumps may require the need for air ducts throughout the property, but that negates the need for radiators which frees up a lot of wall and floor space.

 

 

Summary

 

The primary difference between air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps lies in their application and infrastructure compatibility. Air-to-water systems are suited for homes with water-based heating systems, providing both space heating and hot water. In contrast, air-to-air systems are ideal for properties that prefer direct air heating and cooling but require a separate solution for hot water.

 

If you're looking to replace a gas boiler and have an existing central heating system, an air-to-water heat pump is the way to go. However, if you need a system that offers both heating and cooling with zoning capabilities, an air-to-air heat pump might be the better choice.

 

Choosing between these two types of heat pumps depends on your specific heating and cooling needs, existing infrastructure, and whether you prioritise energy efficiency and hot water production or versatility and space savings.

 

Get in touch today if you’d like more information about our heat pump installation services. We’d love to help you!