We’re using air source heat pumps to provide efficient, effective heating for home owners. Redrow’s Eco Electric homes are part of our collection of energy efficient properties. These homes have an air-to-water heat pump which means the heat pump will use the heat energy in the outside air and convert it into usable heat for your home.

 

How does an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) work?

The pump captures outside air which is blown over a network of tubes filled with a refrigerant. This then warms up, and it turns from a liquid into a gas. The air is passed through a compressor, into a heat exchanger and surrounded by cool water, making it warm. This warm water is then circulated around your home through underfloor heating and radiators upstairs to provide your heating and hot water.

Your heat pump is designed to work in heating with a low to medium flow temperature. The temperature of the water flowing through your heating system will be between 35-55°C, rather than 60-70°C, which would be the case for a traditional gas boiler system. Your radiators will feel cooler to touch than a traditional system, but they will be sized to ensure each room stays warm and comfortable, even on the coldest days.

To get the best from your new heat pump heating system, using the controls and settings correctly is very important. Please refer to your heat pump manufacturer’s guidance for more information, and check out our guide to some common heat pump myths.

 

 

Maintaining your Air Source Heat Pump

Your air source heat pump requires an annual service by a qualified engineer. A well-maintained heating system will give you hassle-free, peace of mind operation, whilst ensuring you are getting the best performance from your heat pump.

It’s really important to keep your ASHP clear of any debris.

As part of your standard maintenance:

• Remove any leaves and snow.
• Keep things away from the pump and do not use the pump to stack things like bikes, garden furniture or toys.
• Keeping it clear will ensure the required airflow.

Don’t panic if you see steam coming from the heat pump

This is a process called de-icing that happens following a build-up in the system. It should only last a few minutes, and the frequency will depend on the humidity of the air, the amount of energy being taken out and the period of time the energy is being taken. The de-icing cycle will happen more often when the outside air temperature is around 2.5°C, but will happen less often when the air temperature is below 0°C, as there is less water in the air.

Always keep the system running

Heat pump heating systems should never be turned off completely – if your home cools down it will require more energy to heat your home back to a comfortable level. Your heating system control will have a 'Comfort' temperature and 'Set-back' rather than with a traditional heating system which may have been 'on or off'.

Remember that pump heating system is different to a traditional boiler

Your heat pump system has a weather compensation control as standard so when the weather outside is warmer, the flow temperature in the radiators and/or underfloor heating will be lower.
Your home’s radiators will feel cooler to touch, but they will keep your home warm and comfortable, whilst also making sure the heat pump is working as efficiently as possible. When the weather is cooler, the flow temperature will increase meaning your radiators will get hotter as the temperature outside gets colder.