Green Energy

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a type of green energy technology that can help reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. Here’s how they work:

ASHPs use the renewable energy stored in the air outside to heat your home. This is done by absorbing heat from the air through a heat exchanger and then compressing it to raise the temperature. This compressed heat is then used to heat your home through radiators, underfloor heating, or warm air vents.

ASHPs are incredibly efficient and can be up to 400% more efficient than traditional heating systems. This means that for every unit of energy they consume, they can generate up to four units of heat. This is a much higher rate of efficiency compared to traditional boilers that only convert around 80% of the energy they consume into heat.

One of the major benefits of using an ASHP is that it operates using electricity, which is becoming an increasingly green source of energy. As the UK transitions to renewable energy sources, this means that ASHPs are becoming an even more environmentally friendly option for heating your home.

Another benefit of ASHPs is their versatility. They can be used for both heating and cooling, making them a great all-in-one solution for year-round temperature control. They can also be integrated with other green energy technologies, such as solar panels, to create a fully sustainable energy system.

ASHPs are also incredibly low maintenance and require very little upkeep. They have few moving parts, so there is less chance of them breaking down, and they are designed to last for many years. This means that once you have installed an ASHP, you can sit back and enjoy the benefits of green energy heating for years to come.

If you’re interested in switching to an air source heat pump, our experienced technicians can help you choose the right system for your home. We offer a full range of ASHP installation services, from surveying your home to ensure it is suitable for an ASHP, to providing detailed quotes and carrying out the installation itself.

We take pride in our work and always strive to provide our customers with the highest quality of service. Our team is fully trained and experienced in installing ASHPs, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your energy bills, or simply want a more sustainable way to heat your home, an air source heat pump is a great choice. So why not get in touch with us today to learn more?

How does an air source heat pump work?

An air source heat pump works by absorbing heat from the outside air and transferring it into the home to be used as heating. The system consists of an outdoor unit, which collects heat from the air, and an indoor unit, which distributes the heat to the home. The process is similar to a refrigerator, but in reverse, as it releases heat instead of cooling. The system uses a refrigerant, which is a special fluid that evaporates and condenses to transfer heat, and a compressor to circulate the refrigerant. The heat collected from the air is passed through the refrigerant and then through a heat exchanger, where it is transferred to the indoor unit. This process provides a renewable and efficient source of heat, reducing the need for traditional heating methods and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How much does an air source heat pump cost?

The cost of a top-notch air source heat pump system and its installation for a 250m2 property can range from £5,000 to £11,500. This cost includes a custom design for the property, installation schematics, lifetime technical support, and MCS support for accessing government grants. The package also covers the ASHP, hot water cylinder, buffer tank, circulation pumps, and connecting brassware.

Can an air source heat pump be installed in my home?

ASHP systems can be installed in a variety of properties, regardless of size or location. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to heat your home, an air source heat pump may be a good choice for you. The efficiency of the system depends on the insulation of your property, so it’s important that your home is well insulated. Unlike ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps only require a space on an exterior wall and enough room for air flow. These systems work best with underfloor heating, as they are most efficient when producing low water temperatures. Whether your home is new or existing, it can benefit from the energy-saving capabilities of a heat pump.

Heat pump installation

The first step of the installation process involves placing the ASHP unit on a flat concrete base located outside the property. The appropriate flow and return heating pipes as well as the electrical power cable should be connected from the unit to the interior of the property. It is recommended that a qualified electrician carries out the electrical work in a similar manner as they would with a traditional gas or oil boiler.

The second step is to set up the heat pump controls and pipework layout, which is similar to that of a traditional gas or oil boiler, configured as a Y or S plan in accordance with industry standards. To simplify the installation process, TBK Boilers provides a complete set of ‘as installed’ mechanical and electrical drawings, which serve as a detailed and accurate template of the complete air source heating system layout.

The final step of the installation process is commissioning, which is critical to ensuring the system is MCS compliant. TBK Boilers, being an MCS accredited company, can provide the necessary MCS paperwork and support documentation required

for government grants, warranties and guarantees, as well as onsite commissioning carried out by one of their field service engineers. The engineer will explain the system set up and functionality of the heat pump controls and provide a thorough handover to the homeowner. This will ensure that the system operates efficiently and effectively, providing low running costs and reducing the homeowner’s carbon footprint.

In conclusion, installing an ASHP with TBK Boilers is a simple and straightforward process that provides a fully integrated heat pump solution, and the company offers comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including MCS compliance, commissioning, and after-sales support.

Step 1

It’s crucial to select a seasoned ASHP provider when it comes to heat pump system design. You want to be sure the system will function efficiently and effectively, reducing operating costs. TBK-Boilers offers standard features including:

Guidance on the suitability of an ASHP for the project Detailed heat loss calculations for the property to correctly size the ASHP A precise quote for the system components that meet MCS and RECC standards Help with MCS compliance, including site commissioning Mechanical and electrical diagrams specifically for the installation, as well as clear installation instructions and user guides for customers.

Step 2

The process of installing an air source heat pump is straightforward for heating and plumbing engineers. Its control system and piping layout are similar to those of a traditional oil or gas boiler and can be configured as a Y or S plan, in accordance with industry standards.

The heat pump is mounted on a flat concrete base outside the property and connected to the internal heating system through appropriately sized flow and return pipes and an electrical power cable. Electrical work should be performed by a qualified electrician, similar to the installation of an oil or gas boiler.

To simplify the installation process, TBK Boilers provides a complete set of “as installed” mechanical and electrical drawings, offering a thorough and error-free layout of the air source heating system.

Step 3

Once the installation process is done, the ASHP is ready to be commissioned. TBK Boilers can handle this final stage and ensure the system is compliant with MCS standards by providing:

  • Assistance with MCS compliance paperwork and documentation required for government grants, warranties, and guarantees
  • On-site commissioning by a field service engineer who will explain the system setup and control functionality to the homeowner.

Underfloor heating

Pairing air source heat pumps with underfloor heating is a popular choice due to their compatibility. Air source heat pumps are most efficient when producing low temperatures over a long period, and underfloor heating systems use water around 40-45°C to heat the home evenly across the entire floor area. This is a more efficient solution compared to traditional radiators which need water at 70-80°C to heat smaller surface areas.

Opting for an air source heat pump and underfloor heating combination results in a low flow temperature solution, increased efficiency of up to 40% compared to boilers and radiators, and a reduced carbon footprint. By choosing a single supplier like TBK Boilers, you can have a fully integrated and designed heat pump and underfloor heating solution.