How Does Air Source Heating Work?

Since the launch of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, more and more people have been considering the alternatives to a fuel-burning boiler. One of the most popular options is air source heating – which is eligible for the scheme.

But unlike a conventional boiler, not everyone knows how air source heating works. Read on as we take a closer look.

Where does air source heating come from?

Air source heating is generated by an air source heat pump. This is a small box that’s fitted to the outside of your building, which extracts heat from the air outside. Like a boiler would be, the heat pump is connected to your central heating system.

The heat it generates can provide air source heating, but it can also be used to deliver hot water to your taps. To be eligible for the Boiler upgrade scheme, your heat pump needs to provide both heating and hot water – as opposed to a heat-only system.

How does the air source heat pump work?

It’s one thing knowing that a heat pump provides air source heating. But how does it actually do it?

The simplest way to describe the process is like a refrigerator in reverse. In a refrigerator, a refrigerant fluid is turned from a liquid into a gas. The resulting evaporation process cools the surrounding area.

With air source heat pumps, the same process takes place when a refrigerant is warmed by air from outside your home. However, the vapourised refrigerant is then passed through a compressor to increase the pressure and create more heat.

Once the gas is hot and compressed, it passes into a heat exchanger. The cool water or air around the heat exchanger is then warmed, providing hot air or water for your home.

What about winter?

If air source heat pumps rely on the air outside your home, surely it stands to reason that they don’t work when that air is cold. That puts some Brits off, given that our climate is far from tropical. Fortunately, it’s not quite the case.

Air source heating relies on a refrigerant, which – by nature – absorbs heat. Most importantly, it can do so in temperatures as low as -20°C. With the average UK winter temperature between 2 and 7°C, you won’t have to worry about your air source heating shutting off when it’s cold.

Where do I sign up?!

Air source heating only requires a tiny amount of energy to power the pump itself. The rest is completely renewable, making it a sustainable, cost-effective solution for homes across the UK.

COA Services provides exactly that throughout Yorkshire. Based in Harrogate, we install top-rated air source heat pumps that are tailored to your requirements. Our experienced team can advise you on the best model for your needs. We’ll then take care of design and installation to give you reliable, renewable and long-lasting air source heating.

Book a site visit today by calling 01423 408 336 or emailing [email protected].