Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air. This heat can then be used to heat radiators or other heating systems and hot water systems.

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside.

It can get heat from the air even when the temperature is as low as -15° C. Heat pumps have some impact on the environment as they need electricity to run, but the heat they extract from the ground, air, or water is constantly being renewed naturally.

Heat pump systems typically come with a 10 year warranty. You can expect them to operate for 20 years or more, however they do require regular scheduled maintenance. A yearly check by you and a more detailed check by a professional installer every 3-5 years should be sufficient.

Air source heat pumps could be used in conjunction with conventional heating methods to provide a portion of the required heat load for a development such as this.

Heat pumps are electrically powered and are very efficient. Their efficiency is measured using an industry standard term called ‘coefficient of performance’ (COP); this is where the input is offset against output, in the case of air source heat pumps this provides a COP of 3.5 – 4.0

In simple terms this means that for every kW used to operate the unit a net gain of 3.5 – 4kW would be generated.

This heat generation could be best utilised in conjunction with an off peak tariff from the utility provider overnight to provide low grade heat to keep the system ‘topped up’ at a reasonable cost.