Air source heat pumps

Description
Air source heat pump, with warm air or water distribution system. Seasonal efficiency typically 250%.

Unit cost of installation
Installation costs around £5000 - £6000 plus the costs of the heat distribution system. £300.

Bulk cost of installation
Data not available

Indicative energy cost and carbon emissions

Maintenance
Little maintenance required.

Lifetime
20 years.

Technical suitability
Storage heaters are used with non-standard tariffs which require a separate wiring circuit and meter to be installed.

Less efficient than ground source heat pumps, and likely to be more variable because air temperatures fluctuate both daily and seasonally. However, they are easier to install and may be suited to some dwellings not suitable for other types of heat pump. In cold weather evaporator coil is likely to need defrosting.

Non-technical constraints
No specific issues.

Potential concerns with fuel poor
No specific issues

Ancillary benefits

Improved heating (coupled with insulation and ventilation measures) will reduce incidence of condensation and mould growth, thus decreasing maintenance costs for the building fabric and reducing damage (resulting from mould growth) to occupants possessions. There may also be benefits to occupants health.

Technical Guidance Available
» Hard to Treat Group, UK Heat Pump Guidance.
» http://www.heatpumpnet.org.uk/ www.heatpumpnet.org.uk/
» Heat Pump Association - 0118 940 3416: www.feta.co.uk/hpa/