Air source heat pumps extract heat from outside to heat space and hot water inside the home. Outside air contains a reliable level of heat that can be captured by an air source heat pump and converted into energy, producing three to four units of heat for every one unit of electricity needed to drive the pump.
An air source heat pump can offer substantial carbon savings when compared to other heating sources such as electric storage heaters and oil boilers.
Highly efficient, air source heat pumps are ideal for well-insulated properties with underfloor heating or low temperature radiator systems.
Types of air source heat pumps
The two main types of air source heat pump are:
- An air-to-water system - similar to a conventional central heating system this type of heat pump produces hot water that can be used to preheat water in a storage tank or distributed around the home via underfloor heating or large radiators.
- An air-to-air system - this type of air source heat pump heats the home directly by producing warm air which is circulated by convector fans, but it does not provide hot water.
How does an air source heat pump work?
An air source heat pump extracts heat from outside air in much the same way that a fridge removes heat from the air inside it, but the refrigeration process is reversed. Even when the outside temperature drops as low as minus 15°C, air source heat pumps can still operate.
During the winter air source heat pumps may need to be left on constantly in order to heat the home efficiently. This is because they are most effective when working at a lower temperature than standard gas or oil boilers, and it also means that radiators should not feel as hot to the touch.
About the Baxi Ambiflo
The Baxi Ambiflo is an air-to-water heat pump, available in a choice of three outputs - 7.5kW, 9.0kW and 10.5kW.
It is a one piece, compact, lightweight air source heat pump that is supplied as part of a system pack containing all the essential accessories: heat pump, auxiliary 5kW electric heater, programmable room thermostat, outdoor sensor and flexible connection hoses.
The Baxi Ambiflo is a comparatively low noise air source heat pump, making it perfect for the home.
