What Is An Air Source Heat Pump?

Gas-powered boilers are standard in UK homes, and this is how homes are heated across the country. But change is in the air, and air source heat pumps are being talked about as the answer to gas consumption for traditional heating options.

Air source heat pumps aren’t anything new, but they’re increasing in popularity thanks to their eco benefits and the government’s push towards being net zero in 2050.

But what is an air source heat pump? And do you need to get one installed?

Basically, an air source heat pump takes heat that is already in the outside air and uses it to heat your home. Like a refrigerator but in reverse is how it’s usually described.

It sounds odd, though, doesn’t it? Especially for the UK climate. If you’re imagining a “heating” system using the cold winter air of January and February and shivering at the thought, think again.

The system can draw heat out of the air in winter and use the same system to cool down your home in the summer, too. It’s like a two-for-one deal.

There are two different kinds of air source heat pumps you can choose from for your home: an air-to-air system or an air-to-water system. 

• Air-to-air systems push warm or cool air into your home, similar to an air conditioning unit, but in reverse for heat.
• Air-to-water systems work with your radiators and hot water to heat your home.

For both systems, air is used to generate heat, but without the need to burn fuel for the same result. The use of air is why they’re both seen as greener, more eco-friendly alternatives to standard heating options.

Living with An Air Source Heat Pump

Now that we understand a little bit more about air source heat pumps, it’s time to dive into the realities of living with one and discuss life, daily air source heat pump servicing, and the reason why the small details and upkeep matter to properly maintain your system, your home, and your bank account.

The reality of living with an air source heat pump is far less drastic than you might expect. You don’t spend the winter huddled up in blankets because it can’t source heat from the cold winter months, and you don’t experience the roar of the system as it fires up like you do with a boiler. For most households, it’s nothing more than background hum, simply doing its thing in the background, largely unnoticed.

Unlike standard boilers, which often turn homes from freezing cold ot sweltering in the blink of an eye, with your heat pump, you can expect a more consistent buildup of heat as your home warms up. This feature makes it easier to control the level of heat and comfort within the home.

However, there are some lifestyle tweaks you need to consider. With the air-source heat pump, you can’t just flick up the heat before your guests arrive. They’re effective and efficient when they’re left to tick along rather than being blasted on and off. It’s a mindset shift that you need to adjust to.

And while we’re on the topic of the functionality of the air source heat pump, let’s look at the air source heat pump serving and what it entails.

Air Source Heat Pump Servicing

Like standard gas boilers and heating systems, servicing is integral to extending the longevity of the system and ensuring it delivers the efficiency and heating you need and expect.

You see, air source heat pumps are built to last; they can last 20 years chugging away in the background. But just because they can, it doesn’t mean they should be left without check-ups or servicing. The lifespan is a guide based on proper care and maintenance. 

A service isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s an integral aspect of ensuring the whole system stays up and running efficiently and that you’re not paying over the odds on your energy bills because the pump is straining as it tries to pull air through a clogged filter or dusty coil.

But it’s not just about the money and the bills. Most warranties are void if you don’t keep up with your regular servicing, and if the system breaks due to not being serviced, you could be facing some hefty repair bills.

How Often Do You Need Air Source Heat Pump Servicing?

With boilers, you know you need to get it serviced annually. That’s standard. But how often do you need air source heat pump servicing?

The timescales of air source heat pump services aren’t vastly different from those of standard heating systems. 

A yearly service is sufficient for your air source heat pump, although some people prefer to have it checked twice per year in the spring and autumn, which checks its health and condition pre- and post-winter.

Did you know that your heat pump soon has the same safety concerns as a gas boiler; there’s no carbon monoxide fumes to worry about and no flue gases. 

This means that the service is about performance rather than safety. It’s checking the pump is clean, the fan’s cog and oil aren’t locked, and that the refrigerant levels are where they should be.

And if you skip a service? It’s likely your system will still continue to work, but you might experience a dip in performance or creeping energy bills.

What Does an Air Pump Service Involve?

Your air source heat pump service isn’t just about cleaning; it’s a bit like a service for your car. Your MOT checks its roadworthiness, but your service checks everything is running properly to keep the car going and identifies any major issues you need to address.

A technician will carry out the following checks.

• Flow rates
• Current amperage and unit voltage
• kWh consumption
• System performance
• Heating ability
• Leak inspections
• Expansion vessel checks
• Functionality of all components 
• Cleaning and examination of the filter; replacement if required 
• Testing of inhibitor or glycol strength

Your annual service is also the perfect time for you, as the homeowner, to ask any questions about your heat pump’s functionality or even just uncover best care tips for your system. 

Raising concerns with the technician while they’re in your home can help you address minor problems before they escalate and impact operations.

The Benefits of Air Source Heat Pump Servicing

But why bother with a service anyway if the system is still working or going to work regardless of whether or not you service it? After all, it’s still humming away in the background.

And as tempting as it is to leave it until something goes wrong your bank account won’t thank you for it- and you can guarantee if it does go wrong it’ll go wrong when the UK is experiencing a cold snap and you need heating more than ever.

• Increased energy efficiency – Regularly serving stops, turning on and off, and addressing small signs of wear and tear that can impact how the air pump works day to day. Over time, you might find that dirt, dust, and wear and tear can chip away at the functionality and reduce efficiency. Regular servicing spots these issues, addresses them, and everything is good to go. 
• Increased longevity – If you’re not getting your heat pump serviced regularly, this will impact its lifespan. Your heat pump can last from 15 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Without this, the lifespan drops considerably, and no one wants to spend thousands on a new system simply because you didn’t want to pay for annual servicing.
• Cost-Effective – Again, neglecting to carry out repairs or servicing means that you can expect increased bills over time. Because things will still continue in the background, you’ll be oblivious to any problems until they’re more significant and more significant promises cost a lot more money.
• Fewer breakdowns—Servicing spots potential problems and gives you the opportunity to resolve them before they cause too much damage. Mechanical systems can and do often fail, especially if you rely on them on a daily basis. Regular servicing, along with proper care and maintenance, reduces the risk of breakdowns, giving you added peace of mind.

4 Top Care Tips for Air Source Heat Pumps

To tie this up nicely, there are many things you, as a homeowner, renter or business owner, can do to maintain your air source heat pump and ensure it works to its full capacity every single day.

1. Keeping the outdoor unit clean and clear is your first point of call. This stops debris from building up or weather elements like pooled water or even snow from clogging it up and blocking the airflow. A quick sweep every now and again is usually enough.
2. Cleaning or replacing your filters when needed can also help you eliminate and reduce efficiency issues and keep your system in top condition.
3. Pay attention to any odd noises or sounds coming from your unit, as this can help you identify if there is anything that needs checking out. While they often make a gentle hum constantly, anything that isn’t usually audible needs investigation to determine that nothing untoward is going on, or you can catch problems early.
4. Resist the urge to meddle with the system yourself; even if you’re armed with a YouTube video and the best intentions, it’s best to leave things to the professionals. Plus, self-repairs can invalidate your warranty, so it’s worth adopting a hands-off approach.

If you want to learn more about air source heat pumps or arrange air source heat pump servicing, contact ServiceMy today.