As more and more home heating brands enter the renewable energy market, choosing the best air source heat pump for your home isn’t as easy as it used to be. But it’s actually good for consumers. More choice means better prices and more access to the equipment that best suits your needs.
Air source heat pumps are becoming more and more popular. Air source heat pumps are more affordable, cheaper and easier to install than the best ground source heat pumps.
For these new regenerative heating systems, air source heat pumps take heat from the outside air—even at -20 to -25 degrees Celsius—and convert it into energy that can provide heating and hot water for your home. The system includes fans installed in your area. The fans move air through the heat exchanger coils containing the refrigerant. This liquid boils and turns into steam, which is then compressed at high temperatures to provide heating and hot water.
Air source heat pumps are either air-to-air or air-to-water. The air-to-air unit will use the fan system to heat (or cool) your home, while the air-to-air water pump will heat water that can be used to circulate to the radiator and store hot water. storage tank.
Samsung is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, making everything from mobile phones and TVs to air source heat pumps for your home. Samsung has invested heavily in the research and development of renewable energy technologies and launched one of the most efficient, powerful and cost-competitive air source heat pumps in the form of EHS monomers. It’s the perfect all-rounder.
What we love about the EHS Monobloc is that, in addition to its efficiency and 16kW power output, it’s one of the smallest units you can buy, about 40% lighter and more compact than the average competitor. By investing in a Samsung air source heat pump, you can be sure that the company will be there for the lifetime of your heat pump and that they will have excellent customer support.
Here are the main pros and cons of buying a Samsung EHS Monobloc air source heat pump:
The Samsung EHS Monobloc 16 kW air source heat pump consists of an inverter compressor that works according to the outdoor temperature. Outdoor units are lightweight and compact, making installation not only easier and cheaper, but also more discreet to your property. The slim design also helps keep noise levels down. As a result, the EHS monoblock is very quiet, producing 66 dBA of sound power.
The first-class EHS unit has 16 kW of heat output and 14 kW of summer cooling. Hot water can be heated up to 65 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for almost any purpose. The device can also operate in temperatures from -25 C to 35 C, making it ideal for anywhere in the UK.
There are not many add-ons for air source heat pump systems, however Samsung does offer a pre-ducted cylinder block that you can purchase as an add-on to the EHS block. This add-on can reduce installation time and thus reduce the overall cost.
The Samsung EHS Mono is probably the best all-rounder. They usually get good reviews, and the company’s seven-year warranty is one of the most generous on the market. While EHS Mono can be useful to anyone, it is especially suitable for those whose primary concern is free space. Whether you live on a small patio or have a small garden, this is one of the best heat pumps in the UK.
Hitachi has long been a leader in the consumer electronics market and, like other popular heat pump manufacturers, has recently entered the renewable energy home market. Yutaki air source heat pumps, including the S80, S and M series, are the most energy efficient air source heat pumps in the UK.
All Hitachi Yutaki pumps have an A+++ energy rating and 500% efficiency. Not only can you lower your operating costs, you can save thousands of dollars over the life of your heat pump. The Yutaki S80 efficiently converts every kilowatt of electricity into 5 kilowatts of thermal energy. This will reduce energy bills by 60% and CO2 emissions by 50% compared to conventional boilers.
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of buying a Hitachi Yutaki S80 air source heat pump:
Like the Samsung EHS Monobloc, the Hitachi Yutaki unit is compact and efficient. Designed by a brand like Hitachi with a long history in the electronics market, you can imagine that they are loaded with some intuitive features. A wireless remote control lets you adjust your room temperature on the go, while a one-touch button lets you put the system into holiday mode when you’re not at home.
Hitachi is ditching standard electrical components in the Yutaki S80 heat pump. Instead, it uses R134a heat pump cascade circuits to help the system achieve high efficiency levels. The device can generate hot water up to 80 degrees Celsius. Other features include weather compensated control.
The Yutaki S80 system comes with a controller and a set of anti-vibration feet to further reduce noise. You can also optionally purchase 185 or 250 liter cylindrical water tanks, temperature sensors and 3-way electric valves for domestic hot water and space heating.
Efficiency should be one of your top priorities when switching to a renewable energy system, and the Hitachi Yutaki S80 is one of the most efficient systems you can find. Because it can generate up to five times more energy than it consumes, you can not only reduce your carbon footprint, but also save a lot on your energy bills over time. With its handy app, timer and vacation mode, you can fine-tune your activities for greater efficiency. If you are moving to a new building or need to replace your boiler and live in a medium sized home, this may be the best air source heat pump for you.
The Vaillant flexoTHERM series of heat pumps is unique in that it can use three different heat sources: earth, water and air. Combined with Vaillant aroCOLLECT brine/air systems, they form one of the most powerful air source heat pumps you can buy.
Of course, Vaillant is one of the biggest home heating brands and has won awards for its designs. The flexoTHERM heat pump models are available in two categories: 230 V in 5, 8 and 11 kW versions and 400 V in 15 and 19 kW versions. What really delivers power is the 400V range, assisted by Vaillant’s state-of-the-art EVI compressor technology that strikes a balance between maximum efficiency and high performance.
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a Vaillant flexoTHERM air source heat pump:
The flexoTHERM 400V works together with Vaillant’s aroCOLLECT brine collector module as a three-phase air source heat pump. The aroCOLLECT module uses the ambient temperature to heat the brine just like a ground source system, ensuring minimal heat loss.
In addition to an A+++ efficiency rating, the unit’s adjustable fan limits noise levels, making it one of the quietest air source heat pumps on the market. At the same time, the built-in EVI supercompressor provides incredible power to this Vaillant heat pump.
Vaillant manufactures a range of uniSTOR thermoses for Vaillant heat pumps. Available capacities from 150 liters to 300 liters, cylinders are made from 100% recyclable stainless steel. These devices are also covered by a 25-year warranty.
Vaillant is one of the biggest and most trusted names in home heating and has excellent customer support. Vaillant flexoTHERM multi-source heat pumps are incredibly versatile and, given their high power output and cost, are best suited for large facilities and even commercial buildings. For larger heating needs, you can even install up to 7 flexoTHERM Vaillant heat pumps at the same time in combination with aroCOLLECT units for maximum efficiency and reliability.
Many people may not realize it, but Daikin has a 90 year history in the home heating market and a solid reputation for innovative technology. Available for most types of properties, Daikin Altherma air source heat pumps are designed to work in tandem with your existing radiators to keep costs to a minimum.
Another advantage of Altherma air source heat pumps is that they can operate at extremely low temperatures. In fact, all Daikin Altherma heat pumps can operate down to -20 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Altherma heat pumps can produce hot water ranging from 55 to 80 degrees Celsius, depending on the unit you purchase.
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a Vaillant flexoTHERM air source heat pump:
The Daikin Altherma range includes Altherma low temperature monoblocks, low temperature splits, high temperature splits, Altherma 3 with Bluevolution R32 and Altherma hybrids. These models also offer a range of power options, up to 16kW for low and high temperature models and up to 8kW for Altherma 3 and Hybrid.
Low-temperature and high-temperature models are the most affordable and are most popular with consumers. High temperature models can produce hot water up to 80 degrees Celsius, but this comes at the cost of energy efficiency and is only rated A+. Low temperature models are rated A+++.
Cryogenic models offer several options. The Monobloc version contains all the components in one block. It is installed outside your house and only one wire carries the energy into your house. The low temperature split model has indoor and outdoor units (wall mounted indoor unit is optional). The outdoor unit can be installed up to 50 meters away, giving you more flexibility. Due to its versatility, we focus on the cryogenic split system models in the table below.
Daikin does not offer a wide range of add-ons, but additional storage can be added to some models in the Altherma range. For example, Altherma Monobloc offers the option of including a hot water storage tank to increase hot water capacity, while the low temperature split model gives you the option of an optional hot water tank or floor standing indoor unit with a hot water tank. tank inside.
Daikin Altherma air source heat pumps are ideal for those renovating a home or replacing old boilers. The compact design of the Altherma Series reduces installation complexity (and cost), meaning you can more easily connect the system to existing piping networks and radiators.
In the UK it doesn’t usually go down to -25°C (except in some parts of Scotland), but there is an air source heat pump system that can operate at low temperatures and still produce hot water and heat in an energy efficient manner for several days throughout the winter months, giving people a sense of peace of mind.
Nibe is a Swedish company that has been developing home heating systems for over 60 years. As you would expect from a Scandinavian company, the Nibe air source heat pump is one of the easiest and most economical to install thanks to its practical design.
The F2040 series air-to-water heat pump is one of the company’s most popular products, not only because of its easy installation, but also because of its low operating temperature, high efficiency and excellent customer service.
Nibe offers a fairly wide range of accessories for their F2040 models (F2040-6, -8, -12 and -16). They range from control modules to better integrate your home’s climate system to wall mounts and vents for heat recovery. Nibe also makes optional stainless steel thermoses.
The Nibe F2040 series is so popular because it really is the best air source heat pump for small to medium sized properties. The devices themselves are very compact, which reduces the amount of space they take up on your yard. They can also be wall-mounted to free up floor space. What’s more, the F2040 requires only 150mm of free space from any wall it may be mounted on and 1m of free space in front of the unit. This gives you more flexibility in tight spaces.
People also like the attention to detail in design. The fan blades are designed to move air with low noise, and the anti-vibration connections also help make the F2040 one of the quietest air source heat pumps you can buy. And with options from 8.7kW to 15.8kW, it should put out enough heat to keep the average British patio house warm, even in freezing temperatures.
When choosing the best air source heat pumps in the UK, we consider many factors, from performance and efficiency to warranty period, price and design. Although air source heat pump installations are less invasive than ground source heat pump installations, they require a large amount of installation on and within your property. An important factor is the compact design, as well as the device’s power and energy efficiency.
Considering all these factors, Samsung is at the top of the list. The Korean company may not have a heritage like Daikin or Vaillant in this market, but it has brought its design creativity and technological prowess to an increasingly crowded market and created a product that offers the best department in the world. Its EHS Monobloc system is powerful, energy efficient, compact and comes with a seven year warranty. With an aggressive pricing structure available to most consumers, the Samsung EHS AIO is well ahead of the competition.
Of course, other homeowners have more specific needs. That’s why we scoured the entire market to find the best air source heat pumps for those who might need something more powerful or efficient. Or maybe you live in a cold place all year round and need the best heat pump for your climate. This checklist answers those questions.
As with any heating system, traditional or renewable, the cost really depends on many factors such as the size and location of your home, as well as your overall heating needs. You can expect most units to be in the £5,000 to £8,000 price range, with an average UK home installation likely to cost around £5,000.
While this may seem like a huge amount of money – and it is – keep in mind that over time you will recoup this initial investment by reducing your electricity bills and UK government payments through the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme. Given that the average life of an air source heat pump should be between 20 and 25 years, your system should easily pay for itself at the end of its life.
Air source heat pumps work at any time of the year, even in winter. You might think that an air source heat pump only works in summer, but in winter it extracts heat from the air. What’s more, they can also act as air conditioners, helping to cool your home during the hot summer months.
An air source heat pump uses four times less energy than a traditional gas boiler to provide the same amount of heat in your home. This means you can save up to £300 or more a year on your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. What’s more, unlike ground source heat pumps or even solar panels, air source heat pumps are easier to install and cheaper.
While they can still work in cold weather, air source heat pumps become less energy efficient in cold weather because they have to work harder to extract heat. So while you get huge energy savings in the warm summer months by offsetting air conditioning costs, it is offset by more modest efficiency in the winter.