- 05/11/2023
- Posted by: Robert Hawksworth
- Category: News
Air source heat pumps are well known for being an efficient, green way to heat your home. But just how efficient are they? In this post, we’ll dig a little deeper into air source heat pump efficiency including how they generate heat, their typical coefficient of performance and how it compares to other methods of heating.
How does an air source heat pump work?
An air source heat pump works in a similar way to air conditioning, but uses the energy to heat instead of cool.
The unit takes in air and then uses this air to heat a chemical called a refrigerant or coolant. This is then compressed to increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. The warm coolant is then used to create warm water, which is circulated throughout your house through radiators, under the floor or hot water taps.
How efficient is an air source heat pump?
Air source heat pump efficiency varies from unit to unit. It’s measured by a ratio called the coefficient of performance. This is calculated by dividing the energy output by the energy input. For heat pumps, the energy input is the small electricity used to power the pump – the rest is renewable.
For example, if a unit produces triple the amount of energy that it takes in, the coefficient of performance is three – one unit used turns into three units produced. A higher coefficient of performance means a more efficient unit.
Most air source heat pumps have a coefficient of performance between two and four, but some even reach five.
How does air source heat pump efficiency compare to other heating methods?
On average, air source heat pumps are three to five times more efficient than a gas boiler. That’s because a gas boiler’s coefficient of performance is less than one.
As a result, heat pumps are more eco-friendly, as they use electricity rather than gas and can cut your household’s carbon emissions. This is especially true if your home uses renewable energy such as solar panels.
Air source heat pumps are better suited to warmer climates, as it takes more electricity to warm up when the air it takes in is colder. However, they still function in colder climates and will still work in winter in the UK’s relatively mild weather.
As well as air source heat pump efficiency, there are some other advantages over gas boilers. For one, they don’t require as much servicing. They can also have a longer lifespan too – with many lasting up to 20 years.
Choosing an air source heat pump
Air source heat pumps can feel like another world if your home has had a gas boiler for several decades. COA Services can make things clearer with impartial advice on heating options for homes throughout Leeds and Harrogate.
Once you’re happy with our no-obligation consultation and quote, we’ll supply and install the right your air source heat pump for your home. We can also help with servicing when required to get you more back for your investment.
Call 01423408336 to get started, or email [email protected] with any questions