With minimal electricity, air source heat pumps transfer energy from the air into heat to provide you with all your central heating and hot water needs.
There are three main components that make up this technology. The evaporator (the first heat exchanger), compressor and condenser (the second heat exchanger) work together using the outside air to create heating and hot water.
The air source heat pump absorbs air through fins at the back of the unit. There is energy in the air that can be used by an air source heat pump at temperatures as low as -20°C.
Once in the heat pump it causes the refrigerant to evaporate.
The compressor increases the temperature of the refrigerant to a usable temperature.
Heat is then transferred via a condenser which acts as a second heat exchanger. This in turn causes the refrigerant to turn back into a liquid within the condenser.
Lastly, the colder water from the central heating passes through the heat exchanger and withdraws this heat for use in radiators or underfloor heating and hot water.
Why are air source heat pumps worth it?
Air source heat pump survey
Many properties in Cornwall are stone or granite built with no cavity wall insulation and as a result have thermal bridging, all details we pick up at our initial survey. The more information we have before we start working on the heat loss report means we can provide you with the most accurate specification and make sure it comfortably covers your homes heating demands. We have installed many heat pumps in Grade II buildings.
You’re right to be concerned as it is often an oversight for installers outside of Cornwall. However, we always consider your local environment at survey stage. For properties near to the coast we recommend coastal protection in the form of blygold coating. Salt mist does corrode metal very fast but a layer of blygold prevents this deterioration and preserves the internal and external components of a heat pump. The minimum rule of thumb is that if you can see the sea from the heat pump location then protection is needed.
Heat pumps are best sited in the open air away from enclosed spaces. When the heat pump expels cold air the last thing you want is the retaining wall restricting circulation.
The air source unit sits outside your property so it’s just the hot water tank that needs to be housed inside. If there is limited space in the house the garage or a small insulated shed is an equally good option. We work with a wide range of heat pump ready cylinders and often fit hot water tanks in confined spaces. We will work with you from survey stage to find the most suitable solution.
As Harvest Cornwall is an MCS accredited company we need to ensure you have a heat pump and cylinder in line with these government standards.
You will most likely find the cylinder you have currently is not heat pump ready.
Air source heat pump installation
We discuss each step of your air source heat pump installation with you prior to our start date to ensure all your needs are met.
We aim to make the air source heat pump installation process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.
The life of a heat pump can be extended by using corrosion resistant coatings, micro strainers, magnetic cleaners and power flushing the system.
Power Flushing
A power flusher will run until the central heating system is clean. It will stop any cold spots in radiators, help flow rates, improve efficiency and ultimately improve the life of your air source heat pump.
Antifreeze
Although we very rarely get deep frosts here in Cornwall, glycol (antifreeze) is needed in the system in case a frost occurs. Without the right percentage of glycol there is a risk that the unit could be damaged by frost. Percentages of glycol are checked and recorded using a refractometer and should be tested annually.
Future Accessibility
Access for serving and any maintenance should be as simple as possible. A heat pump should be serviced at least once a year, therefore easy access to strainers, lever valves, pumps and diverter valves must be planned at install stage.
Heat Emitters
Running at a lower flow temperature means that the balancing of the radiator/underfloor system becomes more important in order to efficiently heat your home.
Commissioning
Our highly trained engineers are not only qualified to industry standard but also trained specifically to install the brand of chosen heat pump. Further to this we are MCS Accredited, which means our work is regularly audited and held to the highest standard by an inspector of the governing body.
Air source heat pump maintenance
Maintenance and air source heat pump servicing should be carried out by an accredited and qualified installer.
Each manufacturer stipulates their own criteria for air source heat pump servicing, which must be met in order to carry out the service correctly. In many cases a yearly service is necessary to keep the warranty valid.
If your service is due, please contact us and we will arrange a visit.
Servicing Checklist
Air source paybacks
An air source heat pump is a sure-fired way to reducing your reliance on fossil fuels. Although, you will still be reliant on electricity supply, this can be responsibly sourced from various renewables providers. And whilst the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is available why not take advantage and have your heat source heavily subsidised?
The BUS provides homeowners with a voucher to the value of £7500 paid from the government for having an air source heat pump installed instead of using fossil fuels. To be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if you meet a few simple requirements:
There are three valid paths to making sure your EPC is eligible:
More information on the scheme is available here: BEIS, Ofgem, Energy Saving Trust7500
Air source underfloor heating
Optimal comfort is possible with underfloor heating for air source heat pumps if it is designed and fitted accurately.
The flow temperature required to run underfloor heating for air source heat pumps is typically around 35-45°C depending on how well your property is insulated.
We design the underfloor to a plan and a specification that will provide the right level of heat for the room. We produce a design for your approval before the date of install – it’s vital as areas under baths, showers, fitted wardrobes and fireplaces are avoided but need to be compensated for in other areas. All of the pipework will run back to a manifold at a destination agreed by you.
Underfloor heating is more expensive than a standard radiator system and for this reason many of our clients have underfloor downstairs and radiators upstairs.
Most households spend the majority of their time downstairs in warmer temperatures of 21°C, whereas upstairs in bedrooms, design temperatures are slightly lower at 18°C. Radiators upstairs and underfloor downstairs can be a very cost effective and resourceful combination.
For more details on underfloor heating for air source heat pumps visit here.
Air source heat pump FAQs
If you can’t find an answer to your air source heat pump questions please contact us.
Harvest Cornwall Ltd, Unit 6 Darbari Building, Prow Park, Treloggan Industrial Estate, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2SX
Harvest Renewables Cornwall Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 998767) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.
Drop us a quick message here and we will get back to you as soon as possible
Harvest Cornwall Ltd, Unit 6 Darbari Building,
Prow Park,Newquay,TR7 2SX
01637 808244 / 01637 854997
hello@harvestcornwall.com
