Geowarmth Heat Pumps

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the air, even when the temperature is as low as -20oC.  In the UK average winter temperatures are around 5oC.  In an air source heat pump system there are three independent circuits: the outside air, the refrigerant circuit and the building’s water based heat distribution system.  They are connected via two heat exchangers within the heat pump which transfers the low grade heat from the air into useable heat to heat the building.  Air source heat pumps require a buffer tank as part of the installation.  Most have a defrost cycle.  They are not as efficient as a ground source heat pump, but benefit from lower installation costs.  Some models of air source heat pump can also operate in reverse mode to provide active cooling.

An air source heat pump can be positioned inside the property on a corner wall in say a garage or utility room.  This model includes an integrated buffer tank and it can provide heat for an underfloor or radiator system (at up to 58oC) as well as providing most of the heat for domestic hot water purposes.  Matching hot water cylinders are available.

Air source heat pumps can also be situated externally.  They can produce heating water flow up to 55oC.  The thermal output of air source heat pumps extends to 11kW on single phase electricity or 28kW where three phase power is available.