Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps provide a more energy-efficient and cheaper way of heating and cooling your home. Millions of these energy-efficient heat pumps have already been installed throughout Europe and are set to be heating the majority of homes within the next decade.
But how exactly does an air source heat pump work? How can they be both eco-friendly and cost-effective? And are they the right heating choice for your home?
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump harnesses free and clean thermal energy in the air to heat your home. As it only requires a small amount of electricity to achieve this, they are four times more efficient than fossil-fuel-dependent gas boilers.
It’s why an air source heat pump won’t just slash your CO₂ emissions by 75%, it’ll shrink your heating costs too. In fact, people who switch to an air source heat pump cut their household heating costs by 25%
How does an air source heat pump work?
While an air source heat pump uses the latest technology, the process of transferring heat from the air to your home is quite simple. An air source heat pump works a little bit like a refrigerator in reverse, but harnesses the energy from the air to provide you with energy-efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, depending on the type of heat pump you have.
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Step 1 — Heat absorption and evaporation
The heat pump, which sits outside your home, draws in the surrounding air using a fan and extracts heat from it. This heat is absorbed by the refrigerant inside the heat pump, which turns from liquid to gas and enters the unit’s compressor.
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Step 2 — Compression and condensation
The compressor pressurizes the vaporized refrigerant, causing its temperature to rise. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant then enters a condenser, where it turns into a liquid again.
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Step 3 — Heat exchange
The hot refrigerant liquid passes across a heat exchanger where it releases heat to the surrounding air or water in your home.
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Step 4 — Cooling and expansion valve
The high-pressure liquid refrigerant moves through an expansion valve, where its pressure is reduced. The cooler refrigerant turns back into a low-pressure, low-temperature vapour, ready to start the process again.
Benefits
An air source heat pump reduces your energy bills and your impact on the planet. If you switch your gas boiler to an air source heat pump you can:
Save 25% on your household heating costs
Never pay another gas heating bill again
Cut your reliance on energy providers
Produce 75% fewer carbon emissions
Add up to £8,000 to the value of your property
Enjoy an appliance that outlives standard gas boilers (15-20 years)
Grant Eligibility: Boiler Upgrade Scheme
According to the government, you may be eligible for a £7,500 grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to cover the majority of the cost of installing an ASHP with EEH-S. This scheme is temporary however, as it covers installations before March of 2028.
You may be eligible for a grant if both the following conditions are true:
You own the property you are applying for (including if it is a business, second home, or property that you rent out to tenants).
You will be replacing fossil fuel heating systems - such as oil, gas, electric or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
You are not replacing a heat pump or previous renewable system.
If you are still unsure whether you are eligible or not, feel free to contact us and a member of EEH-Solutions will guide you through the criteria.
Available Funding options
As of 2025, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is still OPEN to people in England.
If you are eligible, you can get one grant per property, £7,500 towards an air source heat pump to be installed.
As a certified installer, EEH-S will install your ASHP to meet appropriate standards, as the maximum capacity is 45kWth for individual systems and 300kWth for shared ground loops.
Air Source Heat Pump FAQ
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How do I control the temperature with an ASHP?
Most ASHPs come with a user-friendly controller to set your desired temperatures and schedule - EEH-Solutions also provide assistance on how to use these.
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What are the maintenance requirements for an ASHP?
ASHPs require minimal maintenance, although typically require annual servicing to check refrigerant levels and ensure optimal performance.
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Can I fully replace my boiler with an ASHP?
Yes. ASHPs are up to four times more efficient than the average boiler. There will no need to pay for oil or gas to heat the house.
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Is it worth getting an air source heat pump?
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Can I install my own heat pump?
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What are the types of air source heat pumps?
Air to water heat pump- An air to water heat pump, like the Heat Pump, absorbs heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to heat water. This heated water can then be circulated through your home’s existing underfloor heating system or radiators. This is the only type of air source heat pump included in the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Air to air heat pump- Instead of heating water, an air to air heat pump powers fan coils to release warm air into your home. During summer this process can be reversed for cooling, with the heat pump absorbing indoor heat and releasing it outside.
Hybrid heat Pump- A hybrid air source heat pump works in combination with another heating system, like a gas boiler. These are typically designed for people who have an unusually high household heat demand.
Want To Know More?
EEH-Solutions can help.