Everything you need to know about air source heat pumps

As UK businesses place an increasing focus on sustain­ability, many are looking for innov­ative ways to reduce energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Heat pumps are becoming increas­ingly popular and offer a cost-effective and environ­men­tally friendly alter­native to heating and cooling commercial properties. But like Clade Engineering, a leading manufac­turer of commercial air source heat pumpshas noted that there is still a lot of confusion about the different types of heat pumps that exist. To provide clarity, take a closer look at air source heat pumps (ASHPs) – what they are, how they work and why they may be the right solution for your business.

What exactly are air source heat pumps?

Let’s start with the basics. An air source heat pump is a device that extracts heat from the outside air — even on cool days — to warm your building. Think of it like a refrig­erator working in reverse. Instead of keeping things cool, it extracts heat from the surrounding air and pumps it inside. ASHPs are a renewable energy option because they rely on the natural heat in the air, which is virtually always available. Unlike Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs), which require a nearby body of water to operate, ASHPs are much more flexible in instal­lation as they can be used almost anywhere fresh air is available.

How do air source heat pumps work?

While the mechanics of an ASHP may sound a bit technical, the concept is pretty simple:

Heat absorption

The pump uses a fan to draw in outside air and passes it over coils filled with refrig­erant, which can retain heat even when it’s freezing outside.

Heat transfer

This heat is then trans­ferred to the refrig­erant, which turns into a gas. This gas is compressed, causing its temper­ature to rise even further.

Heat distribution

The hot gas flows through a heat exchanger and transfers its heat to your build­ing’s heating system, such as radiators, under­floor heating or even the hot water supply.

Cooling and recycling

After heat transfer, the refrig­erant cools and becomes liquid again, allowing the entire process to begin again.

This cycle allows ASHPs to provide a steady and reliable source of heat even in the coldest months.

Why should your company consider an ASHP?

So what drives companies to choose ASHPs and why might they be a good choice for you?

Significant energy savings

ASHPs are incredibly efficient, with many systems boasting a coeffi­cient of perfor­mance (COP) of 3.0 or greater. In simple terms, this means that for every unit of electricity consumed, they can produce three or more units of heat. Over time, this efficiency can result in signif­icant savings in energy costs, especially when compared to tradi­tional heating systems.

Environmental benefits

Because ASHPs use air as their primary heat source, they produce far fewer green­house gas emissions than fossil fuel-based systems. This makes them a great option for businesses wanting to align with the UK’s carbon reduction targets.

Easy installation and flexibility

One of the biggest advan­tages of ASHPs is their flexi­bility. Unlike WSHPs, which require a nearby lake or river, ASHPs can be installed virtually anywhere there is enough outdoor space for the device. This makes them a versatile option for different types of properties, from urban offices to rural warehouses.

Double functionality

Many ASHP systems can also be operated in reverse to provide cooling during the hotter months. This makes them a practical, year-round solution for your build­ing’s climate control, as they manage both heating and cooling with a single system.

What you should consider before installing an ASHP

Although ASHPs offer many benefits, there are a few consid­er­a­tions to keep in mind before switching:

Space Require­ments: You will need some outdoor space for the ASHP unit. The area should be well venti­lated and free of obstruc­tions to ensure good air circu­lation. If your property is in a densely developed area, it may be a little more difficult to find a suitable location.

Initial Costs and Incen­tives: The upfront cost of installing an ASHP can be higher than tradi­tional heating systems. However, government incen­tives such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) or the Clean Heat Grant can help offset these costs and make the investment more manageable in the long term.

Noise Consid­er­a­tions: ASHPs produce some noise, partic­u­larly the outdoor unit. Although modern models are much quieter than their prede­cessors, it is still worth consid­ering whether the device should be placed near common rooms or noise-sensitive areas.

Regular Mainte­nance: Like any heating system, ASHPs require regular mainte­nance to ensure efficient operation. Regular checks and mainte­nance will help keep your system running smoothly and can extend its overall lifespan.

Looking into the future

The demand for sustainable heating solutions like ASHPs will only increase. As the UK government pushes for a greener economy and more companies look to reduce their carbon emissions, ASHPs represent a smart, forward-looking investment. As technology continues to improve, we can expect ASHPs to become even more efficient and affordable. Companies that make the switch now can enjoy immediate benefits while positioning themselves as sustain­ability leaders – a poten­tially signif­icant advantage as more customers value green practices.

Diploma

Air source heat pumps are a fantastic option for UK businesses looking to reduce their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. With the potential for signif­icant savings, easy instal­lation, and reduced environ­mental impact, ASHPs are well worth consid­ering for your business’s heating and cooling needs.