With this incredible technology, it’s possible to use the energy that is trapped in the air around us, and harness it for practical applications, such as heating buildings or boiling water. These systems are not a new invention and have been successfully used in several countries, but they are yet to be recognised as a ground-breaking way to replace carbon-based fuels by the general public.

Air source heat pumps are one of the cleanest technologies available today, and with assistance from a professional service provider like EnviroTech, it can be readily deployed in a wide variety of commercial and residential contexts.

 This brief overview of pros and cons is intended to showcase why air source heat pumps are a promising approach that is simultaneously economical and environmentally friendly:  

How do air source heat pumps work?

This type of system relies on vapour compression refrigeration to leverage the difference in temperature between outside and inside air. The system contains a compressor, a condenser, as well as an expansion valve, evaporator, and exchanger coils, each of which plays a crucial role in the process of heat exchange that is at the core of air source heat pump operation.

It’s a two-way process, so it can be used for either heating or cooling, depending on local conditions and needs. While all of this may sound complex, the system is fully automated and requires little to no interaction once it’s properly installed by a competent technician.

How much energy can commercial heat pumps generate?

To provide the initial power necessary for starting the heat exchange process, heat pumps rely on grid electricity. However, they are vastly more efficient than classic electric heaters, as they produce considerably more energy than they consume (4Kw generated per every 1Kw expended). In essence, this means the system is scalable and each installation can be customised to reflect the client’s actual needs. In addition to slashing heating bills, heat pumps also reduce the amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere to almost zero, which is a tremendous improvement in comparison with most other forms of heating, such as electric heaters or burning coal.

Why should you consider this type of sustainable energy?

The financial benefits of air source heat pumps are obvious, especially in colder climates where heating bills are larger. Additional incentives or refunds of installation expenses are available in some countries – for example, in the United Kingdom it’s sometimes possible to get government support through the Renewable Heat Incentive program.

Looking beyond the material gains, air source heat pumps are extremely versatile and can be deployed in a wide variety of buildings, causing minimal environmental impact. Elimination of the need to transport and store fuel is another under-appreciated advantage, allowing businesses to save both time and space.

Which incentives are available for this technology?

We understand that switching to air source heat pumps becomes more feasible when you can get some financial support, for example through a government-run program. Some of them, like the aforementioned RHI, provide cash payments to eligible UK recipients, while others may provide funds for implementation directly. For commercial entities, decreasing the carbon footprint might be even more important, since they have strong reasons to meet government-imposed targets. While the situation may differ from one location to another, it is generally possible to obtain assistance for this type of technological upgrade.