If you’ve been looking into ways to heat your home more efficiently, you may have come across air source heat pumps. They’re becoming more common across the UK, but many people aren’t sure exactly how they work. Understanding the basics can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
How do heat pumps work?
An air source heat pump works by taking heat from the air outside and transferring it inside your home. It might sound unusual, but even on a frosty morning, there’s still enough energy in the air for the system to capture. The process is similar to how a fridge works, but instead of removing heat to keep food cold, it pulls in warmth to heat your living spaces and hot water.
Unlike gas or oil boilers, heat pumps don’t need to burn fuel to produce heat. Instead, they move heat from one place to another. This makes them a modern, eco-friendly option that can provide a steady, dependable supply of warmth for your home.
Step 1: Drawing warmth from the outside air
The outdoor unit starts by quietly pulling in air from outside. As the air passes through the system, it flows over a special liquid called a refrigerant, which is designed to absorb heat even when the temperature is low.
Step 2: Compressing the refrigerant to create usable heat
Once the refrigerant has picked up warmth, it is compressed under high pressure. This compression raises its temperature significantly. Think of how a bike pump nozzle warms up when you use it – the same principle is at work here, only on a larger scale.
Step 3: Distributing heat around your home
The now hot refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger, where it transfers its heat to your central heating system. From here, the warmth can flow into radiators, underfloor heating, or be stored in a hot water cylinder for everyday use like showers, baths, and washing up.
Step 4: Recycling and starting again
After releasing its heat, the refrigerant cools back down and returns to its original state. At this point, the cycle begins again. Because this process is continuous, your heat pump can work day and night, keeping your home warm without stopping.
Why this cycle works so well
The best part of this process is its reliability. Unlike some traditional systems that burn fuel in bursts, a heat pump works steadily to keep your home comfortable. That means fewer temperature swings, consistent warmth, and a system that quietly does its job in the background.
Looking for trusted support with your air source heat pump in Portsmouth or Hampshire?
At GEO M&E Ltd, we offer professional heat pump installation and repairs. Call us today on 02392388799 or email us at office@geo-me.co.uk to arrange a visit.
