Top Three Questions About Air-Source Heat Pumps in Commercial ...

More and more states and cities across the U.S. are mandating alternative energy sources over fossil fuels such as natural gas. As a result, the HVAC industry is increasingly interested in alternative energy sources for heating and cooling equipment. One alternative technology that has worked well in residential HVAC applications but has only recently started to be used in commercial buildings is the air-source heat pump (ASHP).

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Improvements to ASHP technology have made it a viable and effective option, especially where natural gas use is restricted. Here are answers to three common questions about this technology.

1. What Is an Air-Source Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

A heat pump is an HVAC unit that moves energy to heat or cool depending on the need. The energy moved by heat pumps has typically come from geothermal energy in ground or water sources. Some heat pumps use waste energy created in a factory. Now, improvements in heat pump technology can generate heating and cooling energy from ambient air.The primary parts of ASHPs are:

• An outdoor coil and an indoor coil
• Compressor(s) to pump refrigerant
• Outdoor fan(s) to move ambient air across the outdoor coil
• Indoor fan(s) to move supply air across the indoor coil
• An expansion device to regulate the flow of refrigerant and maintain pressure and temperature
• A reversing valve to offer both heating and cooling

Liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and evaporates into a gas. As the gas moves through the compressor and its pressure increases, its temperature rises. The gas then condenses back into a liquid as its heat energy is released. Using the reversing valve, the system can either:

• Absorb heat at the indoor coil and release it to the ambient air at the outdoor coil, providing indoor cooling, OR
• Absorb heat at the outdoor coil and release it to the supply air at the indoor coil, providing indoor heating.

Our air-source heat pump application guide goes into more detail about how ASHPs work and how to design them to maximize their benefits.

2. Can Air-Source Heat Pumps Function in Cold Weather Climates?

The two heat pump technologies that offer the most potential for commercial buildings are geothermal and air-source. In deciding which to use, it is important to consider that geothermal heat pumps require access to thermal energy generated by the Earth. This can mean finding a large area of land or water to accommodate the closed-loop pipe system needed for operation. Commercial facilities in rural or suburban locations may have access to the additional land necessary to install geothermal systems. However, geothermal heat pumps seldom work for buildings in densely populated urban areas where land is scarce.

Air-source heat pump technology does not require a geothermal field closed-loop pipe system. It accomplishes heating and cooling by simply transferring energy between ambient air and supply air. The outdoor coils replace the need for the extensive piping required for geothermal heat pumps, making it unnecessary to have a large land footprint around the building.

Selecting the Best Heat Pump Option

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Given the impact we have had on climate change, it’s crucial to be environmentally conscious today. Keeping that in mind, the government has launched the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) program to encourage the UK to produce more clean and green energy. So if you’re thinking about installing an air source heat pump (ASHP) on your premises, you’re already aware of the financial incentives involved, not to mention the cost-saving that’s a part and parcel of the whole idea.

However, is this all you need to know before you go ahead and get an ASHP installed?

When you plan to switch from a conventional boiler to an air source heat pump, there are some other aspects that need due consideration. 

Are you interested in learning more about Commercial Air Source Heat Pump? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

At JL Phillips, we’ve compiled a list of 5 questions that you need to ask before you go ahead.

Is an Air Source Heat Pump Ideal for My Property?

An ASHP will work brilliantly in most domestic and commercial premises. Although, for it to function most efficiently, it’ll be best if you have top-notch insulation in your property including the loft space and the cavity walls. Also, you need to have sufficient space outside to install the unit. 

Will All My Heating and Water Requirements be Taken Care of with ASHP Installation?

Yes, however, you need to check with our installers at JL Phillips first. After we conduct a survey of your property we’ll recommend the correct size of pump for your premises. If you have radiators heating your home, you may have to invest in a larger and more efficient model so as to make the most of your ASHP installation. 

To iron out the basic details, get your free quick quote here. 

Yes, you can because underfloor heating is the perfect match for an air source heat pump. The constant heat that it provides coupled with the fact that it heats the water to a pleasant 40 degrees makes it ideal to work with an ASHP. The flow temperature at the base blends flawlessly with underfloor heating and emits a heating solution that’s sustainable. 

Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work All Round the Year?

ASHPs are capable of converting heat from the air even at temperatures below -5 degrees. In fact, some of the best pumps work at frigid temperatures of -20 degrees as well. That being said, for a more cosy atmosphere, you can put a secondary heat source like a wood-burning stove to work. 

Heat pumps are as intelligent and efficient as technology can be. If the warmth in a room is at the desired temperature, they won’t heat that space at all as a secondary heat source has already done the job. This attribute right there makes ASHPs particularly energy-efficient.

Will ASHP Installation Save Me Money?

Yes, absolutely!

When compared to gas boilers, ASHP installation can save up to 26% running costs. What’s even better is that a typical 2 bedroom home can make a yearly revenue of around £2,500 under the Domestic RHI scheme.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Air Source Heat Pump Manufacturer.