Green and efficient heating systems
For environmentally-friendly homes looking to keep energy bills down.
They work by taking energy from outside and transferring it into heat to be circulated around the heating and hot water system. As well as providing heat through radiators and underfloor heating, they can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your home’s hot water supply.
What is an air to water heat pump?
An air to water heat pump system collects ambient thermal energy in the environment and, through a 4-stage process, transfers it into usable heat for the home:
- Warmth is absorbed from the outdoors, via a fan in the external unit, outside your home
- The warmth of the air is transferred into a refrigerant circuit and compressed to a high temperature
- The now hot refrigerant is transferred into water via a heat exchanger
- Hot water is circulated around your system, to heat radiators and underfloor heating as well as hot taps, showers and baths
Getting your heat pump installed
Getting an air to water heat pump boiler is a relatively simple and straightforward process, which requires little outdoor space and uses the same controls and pipework as a boiler.
The process involves installing an external fan unit to the outside of your home, either on the ground or mounted to a wall. This will gather the warmth from outside air. A corresponding indoor unit is installed inside the home, which is needed to transfer the compressed refrigerant into heat throughout your heating system and hot water taps.
Hot water solution
Air to water heat pumps utilise natural energy to provide your home’s hot water supply.
Highly efficient
The heat produced is significantly greater than the electricity used to run it.
Environmentally friendly
Air to water heat pumps require no gas, oil, or fuel to run – using natural thermal energy.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of heat pump is more efficient?
Ground heat pumps, which rely on a more stable and consistent underground temperature, are considered to be the more efficient of the two types of heat pump. However, lower monthly bills must be considered against a considerably higher cost of installation. Air source heat pumps are still an extremely efficient solution, much more so than traditional fuels.
What’s the difference between a heat pump and a boiler?
Boilers work by using a fuel, like gas or oil, to heat water for the home. Heat pumps work by absorbing thermal energy and then, via compressed refrigerants, heating it to a usable temperature and releasing it into the home – without the use of any fuels. Boilers can heat up faster and can be used intermittently, whereas heat pumps work by circulating a low temperature and raising it when required.
When should I get my heat pump serviced?
Heat pumps require less servicing than boilers – normally every few years, rather than annually. Regular simple checks may be required by the owner.
How much do heat pumps cost to heat my home?
Your monthly bill will vary depending on air source vs ground source heat pump, the size of your home, its insulation quality, and where you are in the country. But in most scenarios, heat pumps will provide lower energy bills than traditional boilers.
Can I connect a heat pump to an existing heating system?
Most heat pumps are compatible with most boilers, but there are some considerations:
- If your original system was designed for high temperature heating, you may need to make some adjustments to fit a heat pump.
- Heat pumps will not provide an intermittent use solution, like turning the heating on instantly on an unexpectedly cold day.
- If you use a combi boiler, you’ll need a hot water storage cylinder installed in your home.
How much does it cost to install a heat pump?
Air source heat pumps will cost £8,000 on average, whilst ground source heat pumps may be as much as £20,000. However there are grants available which can significantly lower these costs.
How much noise do heat pumps make?
Air heat pumps require a fan for the outdoor unit, but they are not considered noisy. Both our 7001i AW and 7400i AW are Quiet Mark certified.
Find a local installer
Each heating system needs custom designing. Find and contact a Worcester Accredited Installer in your area to book a home visit.
After calculating the best system for your home and hot water requirements, your installer will then provide you with a free quote.