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Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
SME Energy Centre supplies and installs Air Source Heat Pumps in Surrey and beyond. An air source heat pump (often described as an air-to-water heat pump) transfers heat from the atmosphere outside, to water. That water then heats rooms in your home via your radiators, or underfloor heating. It can also be used to heat water stored in a cylinder, providing hot water for your showers, baths and hot taps.
The heat pump collects heat from the atmosphere, which in turn is absorbed into a liquid. This liquid then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump. The heat pump increases the temperature and then transfers that heat to the water.
Is an Air Source Heat Pump the Right Fit for My Home
Air source heat pumps are a good fit for many types of property. They are the most commonly fitted domestic heat pump in the UK, with literally tens of thousands of installations.
You’ll need space somewhere outside your home, where a unit can be fixed next to a wall, or set on the ground. There should be space around the heat pump allowing a good flow of air.
If you have the space available inside your home, it could be beneficial to install a split system. The Energy Centre can talk you through your options, helping you to select the design and set-up that works best for you.
If you’re interested in Air Source Heat Pumps supply and installation get in touch with us.

What if I live in a flat, or have no garden?
The smaller compact heat pump is specifically designed to heat well-insulated modern flats and smaller homes. They only need an area (ideally a cupboard or storage space) with about 80cm x 80cm floor space. This should ideally be near an exterior wall.
Another potential option could be an air-to-air heat pump. These are more often used to heat smaller properties such as starter homes or flats. Other solutions are only suitable if you’re in a flat with shared services where each flat is provided with heating communally.
Is there funding available for Air Source Heat Pumps?
If you live in England and Wales, there is a grant of up to £7,500 available towards an air source heat pump, using the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
If you live in Scotland, you could potentially get an interest-free loan or a grant to make your home more energy efficient.
In Northern Ireland, there aren’t any specific grants currently available, but you can still apply for funding towards insulation via NI Energy Advice. At least you’ll be ready for your new heat pump!
Does an Air Source Heat Pump Store Hot Water?
You’ll need a way of storing your hot water, as a heat pump doesn’t provide hot water oil the same way as a combination boiler. You’ll need something like a hot water cylinder to provide hot water when you need it.
Hot water cylinders
The capacity of your hot water cylinder will vary, depending on the amount of hot water your household normally uses. They can generally fit inside any cupboard or storage space that measures at least 80cm x 80cm.
Other options
Even if you don’t have an area for a hot water cylinder, there are other options. Some hybrid systems allow for a heat pump to provide your heating, whilst a boiler provides hot water on demand.
There is also the option of installing a heat battery, this takes up less space than a hot water cylinder.
Instantaneous hot water heaters can be installed under your kitchen sink, providing a smaller amount of hot water.
What are the benefits of an Air Source Heat Pump
There are several benefits of air source heat pumps:
- Lower your Energy Bills: you can save money on your energy bills with the right heat pump design and set-up, and how you use it.
- Reduce your energy use: heat pumps use electricity, unlike standard gas, or oil fired boilers. With a heat pump though, the heat delivered to your home is much more than the electrical energy used.
- Cut your carbon emissions: heat pumps are a low carbon heating source, this means your emissions will be lower than if you were using a gas, or oil boiler.
Heat pump running costs can vary depending on:
- The size of your radiators
- The tariff you are on with your current energy provider
- How the heat pump is controlled
The all new aroTHERM plus
Discover a future-proof solution today that is both powerful and environmentally friendly. The new aroTHERM plus uses the natural refrigerant, R290 to achieve higher flow temperatures of up to 75°C. Suitable for all applications this air source heat pump can use existing radiators and operates down to -25°C.
The aroTHERM plus air-to–water heat pump combines great performance, energy efficiency and sustainability, with an energy efficiency class of A+++. The aroTHERM plus air source heat pump, paired with a Vaillant hot water cylinder and indoor unit is ideal for a wide range of properties.
