Air Source Heat Pumps: Installations
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps are an excellent alternative to ground source or water source heat pumps, especially when there isn’t enough outdoor space for a ground array.
They typically have lower installation costs, and modern refrigerant technology now allows them to achieve efficiency levels comparable to ground source systems. Because of this, air source heat pumps should always be considered before installing outdated fossil-fuel heating systems.
How Air Source Heat Pumps Work
An air source heat pump works in a similar way to an air conditioning unit, but in reverse.
The system absorbs heat from the outside air using a heat exchanger called an evaporator, which contains a refrigerant liquid. As outside air passes over the evaporator, the refrigerant warms up and boils into a gas.
This refrigerant gas is then drawn into a compressor, where it is compressed to a high pressure. Compressing the gas increases its temperature and energy.
The hot refrigerant then flows through another heat exchanger called a condenser, where the heat is transferred into your heating system. This heat can be used to warm:
Radiators
Underfloor heating systems
Domestic hot water
Swimming pools
Once the heat has been transferred, the refrigerant cools down and returns to the evaporator. The cycle then repeats, continuously extracting heat from the outdoor air.
Efficient and Cost-Effective Heating
An air source heat pump only requires electricity to power:
The fan
The circulation pump
The compressor
Because the system moves heat rather than generating it, it can deliver more heat energy than the electricity it consumes. This means an air source heat pump can often run more efficiently and cheaply than older gas boiler systems.
Reliable Heating in Cold Weather
Many people assume heat pumps stop working in cold weather. In reality, air source heat pumps can still extract heat from outdoor temperatures as low as –7°C.
This means they provide a reliable, low-carbon heating solution throughout the year, even during colder winter conditions.
Choosing the Right Air Source Heat Pump for the UK
At Baystar, we understand that not all air source heat pumps are designed for the UK climate, where winters are often cold and damp.
Some lower-cost systems use smaller, mass-produced evaporators. These units can ice up more frequently in British weather conditions. When ice forms on the evaporator, the heat pump must enter defrost mode to remove it. In some systems, this can happen four or five times per hour, reducing efficiency.
As experienced air source heat pump installers, Baystar only installs tried and tested systems designed to perform reliably in UK conditions.
We are not tied to any single manufacturer, which allows us to select the most suitable and proven equipment for each project. This ensures that the heat pump systems we install deliver reliable, efficient heating all year round.
Air Source Heat Pump Installation: how does Baystar work?
Once you’ve settled on an Air Source Heat Pump, what happens next? Our team at Baystar are here to walk you through every step of the process, answer any questions, and make sure you have everything you need to get the Renewable Energy ball rolling. Here’s what happens on your Baystar journey towards cleaner energy and lower fuel bills…
Desktop Assessment
Design
The Fit
Always There
Desktop assessment
This is where we look at the specifics of your project. Because every property or development is unique, each project we take on has a bespoke solution designed by our in-house engineers and technicians. After carefully consulting with you about your needs and based on the property plans and EPC ratings, we create a bespoke proposal outlining exactly what we can deliver, and the likely cost.
Design
Our team come to your property for their first site visit to create your official Heat Loss Assessment. Working to existing plans – or measuring the property to create a new one if you don’t have plans available we map out where in the building you’re losing heat, and how we can combat that. We also scout the area to find the best location for the external Air Source Heat Pump unit, which ideally should be as close to the properties as possible..
The fit
Our work usually takes place during three particular phases of any property: the build, the refurb, or the ‘retrofit’. During a build or a refurb (house extension, building renovation), construction teams are usually already on site, so our team can come in and work alongside your existing team. A ‘retrofit’ project simply means that we’re the only project happening at that time. Less intrusive or disruptive than the Ground Source Heat Pump, our Air Source Heat Pump installation team can be in and out typically within 2 to 4 weeks depending on the final design, leaving you with a smooth-running, renewable heating system that, with the right maintenance and care, can last you decades.
Always there
Once everything is installed and running perfectly, we don’t just leave you holding the proverbial baby. We ensure your heat pump is registered with MCS and the relevant manufacturer for the official warranty. We provide you with a fully comprehensive handover pack with all of your certificates, manufacturer’s literature and any extra information you may need in the future. We’ll answer any questions you have post-installation and we can return annually to make sure your heat pump is fully serviced and covered for its warranty.
Renewable Maintenance
Your Renewable Heat System is a long-term investment and so maintaining it is just as important as the installation. Baystar work in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the warranty remains valid. We can offer a fully insured maintenance contract for all new installations, or we can be called to service installations laid down by other companies. All our engineers are fully certified and trained to the highest standards, with years of experience in maintaining bespoke renewable systems.
GET IN TOUCH
Baystar LTD
Beechover House
Springfield Ln
Horsham
RH12 4TA