Air Source Heat Pump: Meaning, Installation, Considerations, and More
Thinking of installing a heat pump for your commercial establishment? Good choice! It’s like giving your home or office a year-round comfort upgrade. It cools you down in summer and keeps you warm in winter. All while being energy-efficient. But here’s the thing – not all heat pumps are created equal.
Some people opt for ground-source systems – ones that draw energy from earth. Others lean towards water-source units for reliable efficacy. But there’s an option that is starting to make waves in the Indian HVAC market – air source heat pump!
Heard about it for the first time? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this blog, Kelvin – a leading HVAC contractor in Mumbai, India – will tell you everything about installing an air source heat pump. From how it operates to how to oversee installation, we will cover it all.
Ready to make a well-informed heat pump choice for your home or office? Let’s go!
What is an Air Source Heat Pump System?
An air source heat pump system utilizes air outside your facility as its main energy source. It transfers heat between the indoor and outdoor atmosphere to maintain a comfortable temperature within the building. This is the reason why it is also called a two-way air conditioner.
It can pull heat from outdoor air to warm your home in winter. Reverse the process, and your HVAC with an air source heat pump will cool your house or office in summer. Overall, a reliable and eco-friendly part of current HVAC systems!
How Does the Air Source Heat Pump System Work?
To make it easy for you to understand how this type of heat pump system works, we’ve divided the process into different steps:
Absorbing heat from outside air
There is still the presence of some heat in the air even when it is cold outside. It is drawn into the outside unit of the air source using a refrigerant. A special fluid that has the capacity to absorb heat at low temperatures.
Evaporating refrigerant
After the refrigerant takes in heat, it evaporates to form a gas. This occurs in the evaporator coil wherein the real process of warmth trap begins.
Compressing gas
The now-gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor where it is pressurized to a significantly high degree. It is through this compression process that the gas temperature is raised significantly!
Transferring heat indoors
Here’s the step of the air source heat system process you all have been waiting for! The warm refrigerant gas is then passed through the condenser coil within your home. When the indoor air goes past this coil, heat exchange between the refrigerant and your indoor air occurs. Result? Your cabin is warmed.
Returning to liquid form
After transferring its heat, refrigerant cools down and condenses to a liquid. It then returns to the outdoor unit to again repeat the process.
During the summer season, the whole process only inverts itself. The system removes heat from the house and expels it outdoors. Thus, making your house cool and cozy.
What are Benefits of Installing Air Source Heat Pump System?
Now that you’re aware of the process, you must be thinking, “How is this type of heat pump better than the others?” Here are some benefits of installing air source system for your home or commercial space:
Energy efficiency
Air source heat pumps harness the energy of the surrounding air. This makes them much more efficient compared to traditional electricity and gas heating systems. They are able to produce triple or more units of heating or cooling energy for every unit of electricity they consume, significantly reducing total power consumption.
Dual cooling and heating operability
Most systems can only be used to execute one activity but air source heat pumps can act as heaters as well as air conditioners. During winter seasons, they heat your area by pulling in outside heat. And during summer seasons, they cool by reversing the entire HVAC process, offering a complete solution in one system.
Don’t forget to check out these resources as well:
Types of HVAC systems for commercial buildings
Precision air conditioning and heating
HVAC winter maintenance checklist
Lower carbon emissions
These systems do not produce many greenhouse gases as they operate using renewable air energy and use little electricity. This renders them an environmentally-friendly alternative for both households and companies interested in cutting down on their carbon footprint.
Easy maintenance and installation
This is one of the biggest benefits of air source heat pump installation in your business unit. They are far simpler and faster to install than the ground-source systems. Why, you ask? Because they do not need an underground pipe connection. Regular maintenance – filter cleaning and occasional servicing by experts make them perform dexterously even after years.
Long-term cost savings
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to burn a hole in their pocket, this option might be perfect for you. Sure, the initial investment could be costly but energy savings in the long run easily counter the cost in a short period. Air source heat pumps are an economically smart decision for HVACs considering that you have to pay less for electricity bills. The government even provides incentives in certain areas.
Quiet and reliable operation
Current air source heat pumps are designed for low noise performance. Expect no disturbance and comfortable indoor environments. They are a reliable all-year-round HVAC option that can operate effectively even when it is colder outside.
Considerations for Air Source Heat Pump Installation
Remember, proper setup can make all the difference in the lifespan and performance of your heat pump system. Here are important things to consider when getting an air source heat pump installed:
Assess your property’s suitability
Heat pumps are not for every commercial setup. Factors like available space outdoors, quality of insulation, and layout of your property are major contributors. Make sure your external unit has adequate circulation of air. It shouldn’t be too close to the walls or other objects.
Homes with proper insulation are the ones where these systems will perform optimally as far as energy efficiency and comfort are concerned.
Choose right size and capacity
Selecting an accurate size for the heat pump is pivotal. A small system will not effectively heat or cool your space. Similarly, an oversized system will turn on and off very often, resulting in wear and wastage of energy. Ask your HVAC technician to determine the correct capacity depending on the area of your building, insulation and climate zone.
Check noise levels
Although modern units are significantly less noisy, it is never a bad idea to check the decibel rating of your chosen model. In case you are located in a populated area, you might want to install the air source heat pump in such a way that it does not produce a lot of noise.
Evaluate electrical requirements
Air source heat pumps are electrically powered. Therefore, ensure that the electrical supply of your factory or unit is stable enough to support the load. You might have to upgrade or add more circuit breakers to accommodate unit safety.
Professional installation matters
Your brand-new heat pump will not work well if installed incorrectly. Always employ expert HVAC contractors like Kelvin. Their HVAC know-how will give you assurance of having your system installed properly. You also get a guarantee of efficiency, safety and longevity.
Plan regular maintenance
Air source heat pumps require regular cleaning and inspection like any other HVAC system. Periodically check filters, coils, and refrigerant levels to ensure that performance is preserved.
Understand local regulations and incentives
Check local building codes or government incentives promoting energy-efficient systems before installing an air source heat pump system. Some regions in India offer rebates or tax advantages. These can reduce your upfront costs!
Consult Kelvin for Air Source Heat Pump Solutions
There you go!
We shared everything important about getting an air source heat pump installed for your HVAC system. There’s no doubt that this technology is revolutionising how businesses manage comfort, indoor and power bills, offering them efficacy, sustainability, and year-round climate control like never before.
A great system however is only good as long as it is being installed by experienced professionals. Kelvin specialises in flawless installations, reliable maintenance, and energy-efficient system designs to meet your property’s needs. Serving Indian industries for more than a decade, we are committed to quality service and unmatched support.
Call us today at +91 8108555060 or +91 7045509909 to discuss your HVAC requirements.
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Annual HVAC maintenance in India