We are currently hearing lots about air source heat pumps in conversations and in the news, but what does an air source heat pump actually do and how do they work? In this blog we will help answer those questions for you and also talk about how an air source heat pump can help you with your swim spa or hot tub running costs.
How do air source heat pumps work?
Air source heat pumps work in a similar way to your fridge-freezer at home, these draw heat from within the unit and, using a refrigerant and compressor, removes the heat to the outside. It then removes the heat from the air and, using the same technique in reverse, puts the heat inside your spa water.
Is an air source heat pump energy efficient?
Air source heat pumps use a very energy efficient process as it only has to power a fan and compressor. The most popular air source heat pump has a current draw of between 0.8 and 2 kilowatts of electricity, but can produce as much as 12 kilowatts of heat. This is referred to as C O P (co-efficency of performance) so 0.8kw - 2kw intake would produce an estimate of 6 C O P (up to 12 kilowatts out). When looking at air source heat pumps this is the most important thing to look at.
The next thing to check is the lowest working temperature - the lower the better! If your air source heat pump has a lowest operating temperature of -10, it will still be able to produce heat from the air, down to -10 degrees. Unfortunately, it won’t be making up to 12 kilowatts at that temperature, more likely 4 kilowatts. This is still a better return than a standard 3 kilowatt heater that constantly draws 3 kilowatts. The air source heat pump is more efficient and quicker at heating your spa meaning it is drawing power for less time too.
Will an air source heat pump save me money?
The weather, location and outside air temperature all have an effect on the individual output and performance of your air source heat pump, but ultimately you are still saving money. You will also find that you get more efficiency in the summer, as the days are warmer there is more heat in the air for the heat pump to use.
When looking at air source heat pumps you will see some described as ‘Inverter Controlled”. Some pumps use inverters to control their output. To explain this better, imagine one heat pump draws full power as soon as it runs, an inverter heat pump can reduce its output according to demand (like having a volume dial for your speakers but on your heat pump). They can be very quiet as they do not need to run at full power all of the time and are also much more efficient, the air source heat pumps that do not have inverter control just simply switch on at full speed until they switch off.
View our Air Source Heat Pump Range
Need more information on Air Source Heat Pumps? Email MySpa on info@myspashop.co.uk, call us 0116 4645 870 or visit one of our showrooms!
MySpa Leicester, Dobbies Garden Centre, Loughborough Road, Leicestershire, LE7 7NL
MySpa Derbyshire, 37 Chequers Lane, Chaddesden, Derbyshire, DE21 6AW
MySpa Cheshire, Units 2&3, Old Mill Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 7PA
