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Air Source Heat Pumps

Our air source heat pump ranges are from leading manufacturer Panasonic.

We are one of only a few companies trusted to install these much acclaimed ranges, which are ideally suited to the UK climate. We do also service and maintain Dimplex air source heat pump systems.

How does an air source heat pump work?

An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) – also sometimes referred to as an air to water heat pump – works like a fridge in reverse. It takes energy from the air around you and, using a system of heat exchangers and compressors with a refrigerant, multiplies this up to heat enough hot water for both heating systems and hot water taps.

Panasonic air source heat pumps are ideal for properties of all ages and sizes and operate even in low temperatures

Step by step process

Air is pulled over a series of fine coils by a finely balanced fan unit. The coils contain a liquid refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the air. The refrigerant boils at -24°C so, even if the air outside has dropped below -10°C during a cold snap, it will still be warm enough to make the refrigerant boil.

The vaporised refrigerant is compacted using a compressor. This creates hot gas, up to 100°C, which is used to heat the water contained in the thermal store via a heat exchanger.

The air source heat pump continues to work in this way until the water in the thermal store hits the temperature required for the radiators installed and hot water required. The fan unit then switches off until the temperature of the thermal store falls and needs recharging again.

The efficiency of an air source heat pump varies as the outside temperature changes. Overall, we would expect most systems to generate 3.5kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity used, creating an average COP of 3.5. COP, also known as the Coefficient of Performance, measures the ratio of heat to electricity and is the standard measure used to describe the efficiency of a heat pump.

Key benefits of an air source heat pump

  • No ground works required during installation
  • Minimal space required
  • Can be used for both heating and hot water production
  • Designed to be low maintenance and usually lasts twice as long as a conventional boiler
  • Ideal for smaller properties

For more information on the many advantages of owning a heat pump, see our Benefits page.

“We’re pleased to have an air source unit in our new home. It would definitely always be our first choice for heating.”

Mike and Ellie, Breckland, Norfolk

“I am very happy with all my experiences with Finn Geotherm. They were recommended to me by a friend and I, in turn, would be happy to also recommend them to anyone thinking of installing an air source heat pump.”

G. Roche, Halesworth, Suffolk

Additional renewable technologies

Solar PV

The air source systems we install can be complemented by a Solar Photovoltaic (also known as Solar PV) array to help provide some of the energy required to run the heat pump. Solar PV panels installed on the roof of your property work by converting energy from the sun into electrical power.

Electricity generated by Solar PV may also be eligible for the government’s Feed in Tariffs (FITs) scheme, where you could be paid for the electricity you generate through solar technology.

It is worth bearing in mind that there is no perfect synergy between the systems, as the time of day when demand from the heat pump is at its highest, happens to be when the solar panels are generating the least energy – i.e. early in the morning or late at night.

Solar Thermal

Not to be confused with Solar PV is Solar Thermal, which uses heat from the sun to warm up hot water used for taps, showers etc. As the name suggests, Solar Thermal relies on the sun to provide the heat needed for it to work.

Solar Thermal systems have to be backed up by an immersion heater or conventional boiler to ensure the property’s hot water needs can be met during cloudy or wintry days and that the water warmed by the sun is heated to the required temperature. It cannot provide all of your water heating needs, whereas a heat pump can do this and provide all of your heating at the same time.

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