The most commonly asked questions about Air Source Heat Pumps III

air source heat pump water heater

11. Can an air source heat pump meet all the heating and hot water needs for a house throughout the year?

Under anything but the most severe weather conditions, provided the property is well insulated and the unit has been sized correctly, the heat pump will supply the necessary heating requirements for the majority of the year. However, in any situation where the weather can be severe, a supplementary heat source will be required to maintain target temperature. This would normally be provided by a backup immersion, but could also be in the form of a supplementary gas/oil boiler.

An air source heat pump works at a higher COP when run at lower flow temperatures, typically 35-50^oC. Domestic hot water is normally stored around temperatures of 60^oC, so it is therefore likely that a supplementary heat source in the form of a tank immersion element may be required, especially if the heat pump is the only provider of domestic hot water and is not being assisted by solar thermal.

12. What water temperature will the air source heat pump generate?

Even at a temperature as low as -15^oC, air contains a certain amount of heat. In the United Kingdom it is rare that our external air temperature would fall below this point, meaning air source heat pump technology can be a very effective heating method. In traditional terms an air source heat pump produces low temperature water, in comparison to traditional heating appliances. This is due to the following:

1) The physical properties of the refrigerants used are limited to the amount of energy that they can absorb and therefore give up, further into the process.

2) httphttp://www.fsdetn.com/The ambient air contains insufficient heat energy to successfully boil off

the refrigerant vapour.

Refrigerants used throughout the industry can comfortably produce water temperatures in the region of 50^oC based on current independent testing criteria.

13. Can I connect an air source heat pump to my existing hot water cylinder?

Due to the lower water temperatures produced by a heat pump, any heat exchange taking place in an indirect cylinder will require a coil with a larger surface area compared with that of a traditional cylinder. This will ensure efficient heat transfer. Therefore it is recommended that the cylinder be checked for suitability and changed for one designed for use with heat pumps. Grant produce a range of ASHP cylinders, specifically for this application.

14. I am aware that an air source heat pump works well with under floor heating but can it also work with radiators?

A heat pump will cope well when used with panel radiators, provided that the system is properly designed and that the building has a high level of insulation. Due to the lower temperatures involved, radiators have to be over-sized and the heating will need to be on for longer periods, in order to meet the heating demand. Customer perceptions may be different as the radiators will be cooler to touch, giving the impression that the heating is not functioning correctly, even though room temperature targets are being met. Radiator and underfloor heating systems can also be combined.

15. Can I heat a swimming pool with an air source heat pump?

Yes, an air source heat pump can be used to heat a swimming pool provided the system is correctly designed and the heat loss is calculated. The system design must ensure that the swimming pool water does not come into direct contact with the heat pump components.

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