Across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and South Yorkshire, more homeowners are asking the same question: “What is an air source heat pump, and how does it work?”
As families look for ways to cut energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have become a popular solution. They don’t burn fuel like a traditional gas boiler; instead, they cleverly capture heat from the air outside and use it to warm your home and hot water.
At Piped Up Ltd, we specialise in helping households make the switch to greener, more efficient heating systems. In this blog, we’ll explain how air source heat pumps work, why they matter, and what to consider before installing one.
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump is a low-carbon heating system that uses electricity to move heat rather than generate it. Even on a chilly winter’s day, there’s warmth in the outside air. A heat pump captures that warmth and transfers it inside your home.
Think of it as a fridge in reverse. A fridge extracts heat from inside and releases it outside, keeping food cool. An air source heat pump does the opposite: it extracts heat from the air outside and moves it indoors for heating and hot water.
Key points:
- Works in temperatures as low as -15°C
- Can provide both central heating and hot water
- Runs on electricity but is highly efficient (producing more heat than the electricity it uses)
How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Work?
The process may sound complex, but it’s actually quite straightforward:
- Air is drawn in – A fan inside the unit pulls in outdoor air.
- Heat is absorbed – The air passes over a refrigerant fluid that absorbs heat, even from cold air.
- Heat is compressed – A compressor boosts the temperature of the refrigerant, increasing the heat energy.
- Heat is transferred indoors – The system transfers this heat into your home’s heating system, such as underfloor heating, radiators, or a hot water cylinder.
Because the system is powered by electricity, pairing an ASHP with solar panels can make it even more sustainable and cost-effective.
Why Air Source Heat Pumps Matter
1. Lower Energy Bills
Air source heat pumps are more efficient than traditional boilers. For every unit of electricity used, they can generate up to three units of heat. This efficiency can help reduce your heating bills, particularly if you currently rely on oil or electric storage heaters.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Unlike gas or oil boilers, heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuels. This means lower carbon emissions and a greener way to heat your home. With the UK government pushing towards net-zero targets, heat pumps are a future-ready investment.
3. Versatile Heating and Cooling
While mainly used for heating and hot water, some air source heat pumps can also provide cooling during summer, a handy bonus as we see hotter weather across the Midlands and Yorkshire.
4. Government Incentives
Schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can help offset installation costs by offering grants towards renewable heating systems. This makes the transition to a heat pump more affordable.
How Piped Up Approaches Air Source Heat Pump Installations
At Piped Up Ltd, we know every home is unique. That’s why we take a tailored approach to each project:
- Initial assessment – We’ll look at your home’s insulation, heating system, and hot water needs.
- System design – Our MCS-accredited team designs a heat pump system that balances efficiency, comfort, and aesthetics.
- Installation – We handle the full process, from fitting the unit outside to connecting it to your radiators or underfloor heating.
- Aftercare – With over 45 years of combined experience, we don’t just install and walk away. We provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep your system running at its best.
By offering plumbing, electrical, and renewable services under one roof, we make it easy to integrate heat pumps with other green solutions such as solar panels or EV charging points.
What to Consider Before Installing an Air Source Heat Pump
If you’re thinking about switching to an ASHP, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Insulation matters – Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes. Good loft and wall insulation help keep the warmth in.
- Heating system compatibility – They pair well with larger radiators or underfloor heating, which operate effectively at lower water temperatures.
- Outdoor space – You’ll need space outside for the unit, ideally with good airflow.
Upfront costs vs. long-term savings – Installation costs are higher than a gas boiler, but government grants and long-term savings make it worthwhile.
Wrapping Up
Air source heat pumps are an innovative, eco-friendly way to heat your home cutting carbon emissions, lowering bills, and supporting a greener future. They may seem like a new idea, but in reality, they’re a proven technology that’s already helping thousands of households across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and South Yorkshire.
If you’re curious about how an air source heat pump could work for your home, Piped Up Ltd is here to help. From assessment to installation and aftercare, we provide a complete solution tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to find out how an air source heat pump can transform your home heating.