Air Source Heat Pumps
Efficient Heating for a Sustainable Home
Air source heat pumps offer a smart, energy-efficient way to heat your home while lowering your carbon footprint. By harnessing renewable energy from the air, they deliver reliable warmth and comfort throughout the year — even in colder weather.
Whether you are upgrading from an older heating system or looking to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, an air source heat pump provides an effective and sustainable solution.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a renewable heating system that extracts heat from the air outside and transfers it indoors to provide heating and hot water. It works much like a refrigerator in reverse — instead of removing heat to cool, it captures warmth from the air and uses it to heat your home.
There are two main types of systems:
Air-to-water heat pumps – transfer heat into your central heating and hot water system.
Air-to-air heat pumps – blow warm air directly into your living spaces.
Both types deliver efficient, low-carbon heating suitable for a wide range of properties.
How Does It Work?
Air source heat pumps use electricity to power a compressor that boosts naturally occurring heat energy from the air. The process typically delivers three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed, making it far more efficient than traditional heating systems.
Here’s how it works:
The system draws in air from outside your home.
A refrigerant absorbs the heat energy.
The compressor increases the temperature of that heat.
The resulting warmth is distributed throughout your home for heating and hot water.
Even when temperatures drop, the system can continue operating efficiently, keeping your home comfortable all year round.
What are the Benefits?
Choosing an air source heat pump offers a range of long-term benefits:
Lower energy bills – Highly efficient performance helps reduce your household running costs.
Reduced carbon footprint – Uses renewable heat energy to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Year-round comfort – Provides reliable heating, and some systems can also cool during warmer months.
Low maintenance – Modern systems require minimal upkeep compared to conventional boilers.
Future-ready – Supports the transition to sustainable, low-carbon living.
Air source heat pumps are suitable for a wide range of properties, but there are a few practical factors to consider before deciding if one is right for your home.
Is an Air Source Heat Pump Right for You?
Home Insulation
Good insulation is essential for getting the best performance from an air source heat pump. A well-insulated home helps retain the warmth produced, ensuring greater comfort and improved energy efficiency.
Heating System Compatibility
Because air source heat pumps operate at lower water temperatures than traditional boilers, your existing radiators or heating system may need to be assessed. In some cases, upgrading to larger radiators or underfloor heating can help achieve the best results.
Outdoor Space
These systems require adequate space outside your home for the unit that draws in air. A suitable area such as a garden, driveway, or wall-mounted location is needed to accommodate this and allow for proper airflow and efficient operation.
Sound Considerations
While modern systems are designed to run quietly, the outdoor unit will emit a low level of sound during operation. It’s worth considering its placement to minimise any potential disturbance to you or your neighbours.
How We Can Help
At Ignite Sustainable Energy, we’re committed to helping homeowners take meaningful steps towards more efficient, sustainable living. Our team provides clear, practical guidance on how air source heat pumps work and how they can benefit your home.
We can also help you explore available government funding schemes that support energy-efficiency upgrades, including air source heat pumps. By understanding your property’s needs and eligibility, we’ll help you make the most of these opportunities to reduce costs and improve your home’s energy performance.
With the right system and the right support, you can enjoy a warmer, more efficient home while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Did you know you could be eligible for free energy efficient upgrades for your home?
Get an Air Source Heat Pump and other home improvements 100% fully funded through the ECO4 scheme.