An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is a system that transfers heat from outside to inside a building, or vice versa. It uses a refrigerant system involving a compressor and a condenser to absorb heat at one place and release it at another. They can be used as a space heater or cooler, and even to heat water.

ASHPs are a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating systems. They extract heat from the air outside, which is then used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors and hot water in your property.

An ASHP works by transferring heat absorbed from the outside air to an indoor space such as a home or an office via the wet central heating systems to heat radiators and provide hot water. ASHPs operate well with underfloor heating systems or warm air heating.

These systems include a couple of main components: an outdoor unit which comprises a fan that brings in the outside air, and an indoor unit that contains a heat exchanger and fan. The system works in a series of stages:

1. The fan in the outdoor unit brings in outside air, which contains heat energy, and blows it over a fluid-filled coil.
2. The heat from the air raises the temperature of the fluid in the coil. This fluid, which is a refrigerant, boils and turns into a gas even at low temperatures.
3. The refrigerant gas is then compressed, which increases its temperature further.
4. The hot gas is passed through a heat exchanger where its heat is transferred to the heating and hot water circuits of the house.
5. As it loses heat, the refrigerant condenses back into a liquid and the cycle starts again.

ASHPs continue to operate down to temperatures of -15°C to -25°C, depending on the model. In the UK, it’s rare for the temperature to fall below -10°C, so an ASHP is suitable for the UK climate.

Investing in an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) system is a significant decision that involves considering various factors, including the cost of installation and the benefits that the system offers. At Masper Build LTD, we provide transparent pricing and comprehensive information to help our clients make informed decisions.

The cost of installing an ASHP system can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the system, the complexity of the installation, and whether any additional work, such as upgrading the existing heating system or electrical work, is required.

On average, the cost of installing an ASHP system can range from £8,000 to £23,000. This includes the cost of the heat pump itself, which can range from £4,000 to £14,000, and the cost of installation, which can range from £4,000 to £7,500. However, these are just average costs, and the actual cost can be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances.

It’s also worth noting that there are government incentives available for installing ASHP systems, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) of £7,500 and 0% VAT rate till the end of 2027, which can help offset the cost of installation.

Once the design process is complete, the installation of the ASHP system can begin. Here are the main steps involved:

1. Site Preparation: The site where the outdoor unit of the ASHP system will be installed needs to be prepared. This involves clearing the area and ensuring it has a firm, level base.
2. Installation of the Outdoor Unit: The outdoor unit, which contains the evaporator, is installed. It needs to be located in a place where it can get a good flow of air.
3. Installation of the Indoor Unit: The indoor unit, which contains the heat exchanger and fan, is installed inside the property. It is usually placed in a utility room or garage. The indoor unit can be composed of a hot water cylinder only for monoblock types, as for refrigerant split type heat pumps, which we highly recommend as at the moment it is one of the best systems and most efficient from the market, will be composed by Hydrobox and a hot water cylinder or a Hidrobox with hot water cylinder already incorporated—some of this refrigerant split heat pump system they can do also cooling sow will be a really big plus for your home comfort.
4. Connection of the Indoor and Outdoor Units: The indoor and outdoor units are connected using refrigerant piping, which is then charged into the system.
5. Installation of the Distribution System: The distribution system is installed and connected to the heat pump. This involves installing the radiators, underfloor heating, or warm air convectors, as per the design.
6. System Testing and Commissioning: Once everything is installed, the system is tested to ensure it works correctly. Any necessary adjustments are made, and the system is commissioned.
7. Customer Handover: The customer is given a demonstration of how the system works and is provided with all the necessary documentation, including the ASHP system warranty.

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) systems are renowned for their efficiency and versatility. At Masper Build LTD, we believe in providing our clients with comprehensive information to help them understand the full potential of these systems.

ASHP systems are highly efficient heating systems. They work by extracting heat from the outside air, which is a free and renewable resource. For every unit of electricity used to operate the system, an ASHP can produce three or more units of heat. This makes them more efficient than traditional heating systems, which often produce less than one unit of heat for every unit of electricity used.

The efficiency of an ASHP system is often expressed as a coefficient of performance (COP). The COP is the ratio of the heat produced by the system to the electricity used. A higher COP means a more efficient system.

It’s important to note that the efficiency of an ASHP system can vary depending on the outside temperature. ASHP systems are most efficient when the outside temperature is mild, but they can still operate efficiently in colder temperatures.