Air source heat pumps, such as the Baxi Ambiflo, are a popular option for those looking for a renewable and low carbon heat generation technology.
They offer the potential to significantly lower heating costs, depending on the current fuel type, and they can provide substantial carbon savings over the unit's lifetime.
But are they right for your home and your heating needs? In order to determine whether or not an air source heat pump is the best option for you, there are several key factors to take into account:
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Location
You will need somewhere suitable outside your house to install the unit. An air source heat pump can either be fitted to a wall, preferably sunny, or placed on the ground, but it should be as close to the building as possible to prevent heat loss and requires sufficient space around it to ensure a good air flow. -
Insulation
In order for air source heat pumps to be fully effective it is important that your home has good insulation and draught proofing because heat pumps work best at a lower temperature than a conventional boiler. -
Current fuel
You also need to consider what type of fuel you will be replacing. An air source heat pump system will return its investment much quicker if it replaces a direct electric, i.e. storage heaters, or coal heating system.
If your current system uses oil or LPG you can still reduce your fuel bills but the amount saved will be lower. However, air source heat pumps are not necessarily a cost-effective option for homes that have mains gas. -
Heating system
The type of heat distribution system you use will also affect the efficiency of the air source heat pump; because of the lower water temperatures required with underfloor heating this is the most effective system for use with air source heat pumps, followed by large radiators or warm air convectors. -
Existing property or new build
The cost of installing an air source heat pump system is generally lower in a new build development than when integrated into an existing property as the work can be carried out at the same time as other building work.
Field trials recently undertaken by The Energy Saving Trust showed that air and ground source heat pumps are most suitable for people living in a well-insulated existing property without mains gas, or in a new-build home.
