Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps (ASHP) extract heat from the air using electricity. They are a good alternative to gas boilers and use less energy than electric furnaces.
These systems are installed in homes with ductwork. A partner installer can check that the ductwork is adequately sized during a free site visit.
Energy Efficiency
Air source heat pumps move energy between indoors and outside, using a refrigerant cycle that’s powered by electricity rather than by fossil fuels like propane or heating oil. They typically use far less energy than electric-resistance furnaces or baseboard heaters to keep a home at the desired temperature, so their operating costs are much lower. Depending on where you live, your home’s insulation, and the cost of electricity, an air source heat pump may save you money over time even when you factor in its initial installation cost.
Air-source heat pumps are most efficient when they operate at temperatures above freezing. When the temperature drops, they start to lose efficiency and you will need supplemental heating (such as a gas boiler or oil furnace) to get through the coldest nights. There are specially designed heat pumps that can extract useful heat at outdoor temperatures as low as -5°C.
Ask your local coop or public power district about contractors that offer this technology. Green-energy resource groups might also know of installers in your area. You can also find a contractor through our Energy Efficiency Directory. And don’t forget that if you own a single-family or multifamily home or building serviced by Ameren Illinois, you may qualify for an energy assessment that could lead to savings on your energy bills.
Cost
An air source heat pump works like a conventional heating system and is powered by electricity. It can deliver up to three times more heating energy for every unit of electrical energy it consumes. This is achieved by transferring heat instead of converting it from a fuel, as in combustion boilers.
The performance of a heat pump is measured in terms of its Coefficient of Performance (COP) and the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (HSPF). The minimum SEER and HSPF allowed for new heat pumps is 13 in northern regions and 14 in southern areas, but systems with higher ratings will cost more upfront.
Heat pumps are less expensive than fossil fuel heating systems for many reasons, but their operating costs depend on how the home is insulated and its heating needs. If the home is not well-insulated, or if a heat pump is too small for the household’s heating requirements, it will work inefficiently and cycle on and off more frequently. This will not only cause excessive wear and tear, but it can also lead to high energy bills.
Having professional installers plan and install an air source heat pump properly will help to keep running costs air source heat pump low. You can find reputable contractors through word-of-mouth or by searching online. Green-energy resource groups can also provide referrals. Homeowners in England and Wales may be able to apply for funding from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which can cover up to PS5,000 of the upfront cost of an air source heat pump.
Maintenance
Unlike other types of heating systems which use fossil fuels heat pumps need very little maintenance. However, they do require regular professional inspection and service to keep them running smoothly. Not following a maintenance regime can lead to high repair bills and reduce the lifespan of your heat pump.
Your heat pump is powered by a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air around it. The heat is then pumped throughout your home. It’s similar to the process your refrigerator uses to create cold. In order to maintain optimum performance the heat pump’s indoor and outdoor coils need to be kept free of debris. A professional can air source heat pump help you to do this and will ensure that any plants that are growing near the unit are trimmed and not blocking the fan.
The technician will also check the power supply, relays, compressor motor and all other electrical components in the heat pump. In addition, he will make sure the indoor components such as the thermostat and defrost cycle timer are functioning properly. He will also lubricate the condenser fan motor to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear. The technician will also check the ductwork and make sure there are no leaks. The indoor evaporator coils will be cleaned as well and the air filters checked and replaced as needed.
Noise
During operation heat pumps emit noise from their compressor, which can be noticeable to homeowners and neighbours. Noises may also be generated from other components, such as the fan or water pump.
Some heat pump manufacturers publish noise ratings for their systems, often in decibels, on their technical specification sheets. These usually include estimates for various outdoor temperatures and fan speeds.
In general, air source heat pumps produce a gentle hum or whirring noise that is not particularly noticeable when they aren’t operating. When operating at full capacity however, heat pumps can generate higher levels of noise. In this case, it’s worth checking with your installer to ensure your new heat pump is within regulations.
A noise that sounds like metal on metal could indicate a problem with the unit’s motor bearings, which require regular maintenance. If you hear this type of noise, call in a technician to investigate and replace the motor bearings.
In most cases, heat pumps that are installed by a professional will comply with all necessary regulations. This includes ensuring that they don’t produce noises that are more than 45 decibels when located a metre away from neighbouring windows. If you live in a very noisy neighbourhood it may be worth investigating the option of building an enclosure around your heat pump to prevent noise pollution.
