What is an air source heat pump and how does it work?

The air source heat pump is a solution that has found its way into the hearts and homes of Estonians. Installing an air-source heat pump is easier than installing any other air conditioning system, which is why it is the most common form of air heating in Estonian households. Cohabitant ground source heat pumps have almost disappeared from Estonia and air-to-air or air-to-water heat pumps are the most common. They can be used as the only heating solution in a house, but it is very popular to use an air-source heat pump as a supplementary heater, for example in a house or apartment with a stove.

How does it work?

An air source heat pump works in much the same way as a refrigerator. Unlike a refrigerator, hot and cold air move in opposite directions in a heat pump. Namely, while the refrigerator freezes the air inside and expels the warm air outside, an air source heat pump heats the room and expels the cold air outside. An air-source heat pump consists of four main components: the evaporator, the condenser, the compressor and the expansion valve, which are connected by pipes to form a closed system. The evaporator takes the heat from the outside, the compressor raises the temperature of the refrigerant in the system to a high pressure, and the condenser delivers the warm air to the room. The process ends with a damper valve, where the cold air is let out into the air and the whole system drops to the original temperature. The operation of an air-to-water heat pump is slightly different. It sends the warmth into the room through the water, and can therefore also produce domestic hot water.

Why to choose an air source heat pump?

First and foremost, it is the euros saved on heating costs. An air source heat pump uses electricity to operate, but it does so many times more efficiently than electric radiators or other electric heaters. If we take the average electric radiator and the average air source heat pump, for 1kW of electricity the air source heat pump produces 5 times more heat. In layman's terms, this means that an air-source heat pump is 5 times better than an electrically powered radiator. Thanks to its low electricity consumption, it is also more environmentally friendly than electric radiators and central heating. In addition to low costs, you don't have to worry about heating yourself or rely on central heating. You don't need to switch the air source heat pump on and off yourself, just select the temperature and the air source heat pump will automatically maintain it, switching itself on and off as needed. A warm room is guaranteed at all times.

Things to consider when choosing an air source heat pump for your home?

Most of the heat pumps produced in the world are designed for much warmer climates than Estonian winters and are effective down to -15 degrees Celsius. With colder frosts, more electricity is consumed and efficiency is significantly reduced. In order for an air-source heat pump to be effective in crispy cold temperatures, you should choose a special model designed for use in the Nordic countries, which will work perfectly even at -30 degrees. It is true that such harsh weather is not very common in Estonia any more, but it is better to be safe than sorry, because it would be awfully awkward if your children had to spend a cold holiday in a chilly room.Although it was mentioned earlier that an air-source heat pump works like a refrigerator, the similarities end there. The efficiency of an air-source heat pump is achieved by the use of high-pressure refrigerant and requires real construction work to install. It is therefore wise to call in a specialist who will come to your premises, make a design and advise you on which model to choose.

What to take, what not to take?

Today, there is an app for everything, and air source heat pumps can also be controlled via a mobile phone. The real need for such an app arises when you're driving to the country for the weekend and you're already heating the cottage before you leave. At home, where you live on a daily basis, such an app is not really important.You should definitely pay attention to how quietly or loudly one or the other model runs. It is often the case that attention is only paid to the internal part of the pump and then you are in for a bad surprise when something makes a racket outside the window. To find out how loud one box or another is, it's worth going for a walk on a cold, still day and listening to how other people's equipment works, and then choosing your brand. As well as listening to the noise level, the internet is a good companion when choosing a brand. If three or more different air source heat pump dealers are already selling the same brand of air source heat pump, you are probably dealing with a quality manufacturer.

                                                                                                                                                                        The source of this material is Postimees.ee