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Modern Living Room

Sustainable

Heating & Cooling

by RAMAC a HVAC Specialist

How it Works

  • Heating Mode: In winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air (even when it's cold), compresses it to increase its temperature, and then transfers this heat into the home.

  • Cooling Mode: In summer, the process is reversed. The heat pump removes heat from the indoors and transfers it outside, effectively cooling the living space.

  • Energy Efficiency: ASHPs are generally more energy-efficient compared to traditional gas boilers because they move heat rather than generate it by burning fuel. This can lead to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial installation cost may be high, the long-term savings on energy bills and maintenance can make them a cost-effective choice over time.

  • Considerations: an air source heat pump, it's important to assess the climate in your area, insulation of your property, the size of your home, and your specific heating and cooling needs.

  • FREE: we offer no obligation information on products, installation and benefits of an Air-to-Air system

Air-to-Air Heat Heating
Air Conditioning Heat Pump

What Are The Benefits?

Save Energy

Air-to Air Energy Efficiency

Key Points Regarding Efficiency

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  1. Efficiency Rating (COP): A typical efficiency rating of 300% (or a COP of 3) means that for every unit of energy consumed by the heat pump, it can deliver three units of heat. This high efficiency makes them an attractive option for heating.

  2. Energy Consumption: In your example, if the average home in the UK uses around 12,000 kWh for heating annually, a heat pump operating at a COP of 3 would require only about 4,000 kWh of electricity to provide the same amount of heat. This represents significant energy savings.

  3. Environmental Impact: The energy efficiency of air-to-air heat pumps not only reduces energy bills but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to fossil fuel systems.

Reduce Energy Bills

Reduced Bills

Key Points Regarding Energy​

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  1. Energy Efficiency: Their high efficiency means they use significantly less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy bills.

  2. Lower Carbon Emissions: By reducing energy consumption and often utilizing electricity from renewable sources, air-to-air heat pumps help decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

  3. Dual Functionality: These systems combine heating and cooling capabilities, eliminating the need for separate units. This not only saves space but also reduces installation and maintenance costs.

  4. Reduced Resources: Utilizing outdoor air as a source of heating and cooling contributes to conserving resources, as it does not rely on fossil fuels.

  5. Cost Savings: The combination of lower energy bills and reduced maintenance costs keeps more money in your pocket over time.

 

Control at you Fingertips

Air Conditioner

Complete Control​​

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  1. Remote Control: Using the supplied remote allows you full control of each unit for heating, cooling, fan speed and flow direction. All of the above combined with in an built air filtration system gives you the ultimate comfort and feel in each room.

  2. App Control: The supplier provided app which works on both Android and Apple devices not only provides ease of use around the house, but when out and about you are able to access each of your units remotely setting either heating or cooling ready for your return.

  3. Control Cost: You can form the app monitor your air source heat pump usage, which will if needed allow the opportunity to learn how to reduce the operating cost more. It also shows air flow around each room to get the best from each unit fitted.

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Overall, air-to-air heat pumps are a smart investment for those looking to enhance home comfort while being mindful of energy consumption and environmental impact. If you have more questions about their operation, installation, or benefits, feel free to ask!

Different Heat Pumps Explained

Air to Air Heat Pumps

This is what we believe is the best option for your home as it not only provides heat, but it is the ONLY system that provides Air Conditioning. With our climate increasingly getting warmer this advantage is what our customers are commonly asking for? 

Air-to Air Panasonic
Air-to-Air Heat Pump

Advantages

  • SAVE ENERGY - Reduce your energy needs

  • SAVE MONEY - Slash bills from month one

  • AIR CONDITIONING - Unique to this system

  • HEAT & COOL - At the touch of a button

  • UK CLIMATE READY - Performs all year

  • NO VAT - Saving you more money

  • INSTALLATION EASE - No plumbing needed

  • POWERFUL - Instant Heat & Cool

  • ECO - Reduces carbon footprint

Disadvantages

  • GRANT - Government grant not available

  • HOT WATER - Does not provide hot water​

Why Air to Air?

​Air conditioning is why people choose an Air to Air system. How the technology works can be found HERE

Most houses still have a combi-boiler or a tank to provide hot water, this is the preferred option currently to heat your hot water and use Air to Air for heating and cooling This will provide significant savings not only on your our gas bill, but electricity bill too.

With the efficiency of the Air to Air units installed providing the heat for the Winter months and Air-Con for the Summer months, for every 1 Kw power usage you get  c4 Kw out which inevitably will also reduce your electricity  bill.​​

The installation is much cheaper than the others below and is quick, simple with no disruption to your property making it the smart choice for most customers. 

Air to Water Heat Pumps

These systems are designed to replace traditional boilers and can work efficiently even in colder temperatures. However, their performance can vary depending on the outdoor climate, and they often require supplementary heating during extremely cold weather. Additionally, the need for extensive plumbing and water-based distribution systems can add to the complexity and cost of installation.

Unlike air source heating and cooling systems the air to water heat pumps also require more space for components like the heat pump, water storage tanks, and distribution piping. This can be a limitation in homes with limited space. Moreover, the installation process can be more complex and time-consuming, often requiring significant modifications to the home’s existing infrastructure and decor.

Advantages

  • GRANT - The government grant of £7,500 is available

  • HOT WATER - Provides Hot Water

Disadvantages 

  • COST - Huge cost implication, even with the grant!

  • NO AIR CON - The radiators can cool, but cause condensation

  • EQUIPMENT - More equipment required​

  • INSTALLATION COST - Huge installation cost 

  • COMPLEX INSTALLATION - More pipes & equipment

  • MAINTENANCE - Higher need for ongoing maintenance 

  • SPACE - More space required for all equipment

  • SLOW - Similar to gas, very slow to heat room

  • RADIATORS - May need changing

  • PIPES - Almost certainly need changing

  • PIPES - Inevitably need changing, does not work on small bore

  • DISRUPTION - Floors, walls, decor are all disrupted

  • HIGHER COSTS - Higher costs in cold weather 

Air to water heat pump

Why would you consider Air to Water?

There are some serious considerations to look at with such a complex system and the disruption with an Air to Water installation. Yes the advantage is you replace your existing hot water supply, but with new technology already here you might want to consider other options like an air source hot water tank or keep using your combi boiler for your hot water supply.

Air to Water does provide cooling (Not Air Conditioning) by cooling the radiators to reduce the ambient temperature of each room, however this does cause serious condensation on your windows internally causing damp over the years to your walls and house interior.

On average, air to water heat pumps can cost between £15,000 and £30,000 to install, even with the grant of £7,500 makes this system expensive.

IMPORTANT: This figure does not include the possible disruption to your property i.e. plastering, flooring and any decorating costs.

In contrast, an air-to-air system the cost can be up to a third of the price, offering a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance or efficiency. The lower cost of air to air heat pumps makes them an attractive choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their heating and cooling systems.

The lower air source heat pump installation cost is a significant advantage of air to air systems, along with the simplified installation process and reduced need for extensive modifications makes air source heating cost much more attractive for homeowners.​

Ground to Air Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, extract heat from the ground. This system involves burying a network of pipes, known as ground loops, deep into the earth. The ground remains at a relatively constant temperature throughout the year, providing a stable heat source. In the winter, the system absorbs heat from the ground and transfers it into your home. In the summer, the process is reversed to provide cooling.

There is certainly more disadvantages on installing an Ground Source Heat Pump system, however it works a similar way to Air to Water in the fact it  would still provide hot water once installed.

This system only really works in commercial developments, farms and rural areas.

Ground source heat pump

Disadvantages 

  • SURVEY COST - You would need to have a land survey to see if it is viable

  • GROUNDWORK COST - Requires drills, excavators and a groundwork team

  • LAND OR POND - Requirement for a large piece of ground or pond 

  • NO AIR CON - The radiators can cool, but cause condensation

  • HEATING - Works better on underfloor heating, more cost.

  • EQUIPMENT - More equipment required​

  • INSTALLATION COST - Huge installation cost 

  • COMPLEX INSTALLATION - More pipes & equipment

  • MAINTENANCE - Higher need for ongoing maintenance 

  • SPACE - More space required for all equipment

  • SLOW - Similar to gas, very slow to heat room

  • RADIATORS - May need changing

  • PIPES - Inevitably need changing, does not work on small bore

  • DISRUPTION - Floors, walls, decor are all disrupted

  • HIGHER COSTS - Higher costs in cold weather 

Conclusion

Air to Air does have significant advantages on functionality, cost, ease of use, instant heat and air conditioning and has to be the consideration for most homes in the UK.

Despite not receiving the government grant of £7,500 Air to Air is still a huge cost saving over an Air to Water system of course both are VAT free.

Technology is moving fast in the renewable market and we would advise solar panels, batteries and a heat pump cylinder for your hot water, but still advocate getting Air to Air in your property first even if it is for those hot summer days and nights where you will get the real benefit from Air Conditioning.

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