If you’re already thinking about your next underfloor heating install, read our guide below to see why combining an air source heat pump with underfloor heating is the way forward for a low-carbon, energy-efficient method of heating.

The way we heat our homes is going to significantly change over the next few years in response to the Government’s Green 10 point plan, to achieve a ‘net zero’ level by 2050. So what does this actually mean?

We know it’s virtually impossible to remove all emissions. However, there are several eco-friendly steps that we can all make to reduce the amount of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, which will result in a positive impact on the future of global warming.

Around 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions come from homes using gas boilers, and from 2025 there will be a ban on installing gas boilers into any new-build home. Therefore low-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps will be a common sight throughout the UK over the coming years and beyond.

How do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?

Air source heat pump’s (ASHP’s) absorb heat from the outside air to heat a home and hot water. Even if the temperature dips to as low as -15°c, they can still extract heat. Now, they do need electricity to run, however, as they are extracting renewable heat from the environment, the heat output is greater than the electricity input. This makes them an energy-efficient method of heating a home.

In a nutshell, the heat from the air is absorbed at low temperatures into a fluid. This fluid passes into a compressor, increasing the temperature where it is transferred to the heating and hot water circuits of the property.

You’ll be looking at an air-to-water system as heat pumps work more efficiently at a lower temperature than a standard boiler system would. This is why it makes them suitable for underfloor heating systems which give out heat at lower temperatures, for a longer period of time.

Something else to consider is whether the property has sufficient insulation. Since air source heat pumps work best when producing heat at a lower temperature, it’s important to be draught-proof to minimise any heat loss that may occur.

Save Money & Energy

If you’re looking to optimise the efficiency of an underfloor heating install, an air source heat pump is the ideal partner.

As we have touched on above, the efficiency of a heat pump increases as the required flow temperature decreases. So, the cooler the system is run the less it’s going to cost!

For every unit of energy an air source heat pump uses to extract from the air, it typically outputs 3X more as heat, meaning air source efficiency is around 300%. Underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures of 35-55°c over a longer period of time, so combining the two systems together, enhances the performance of the air source heat pump and ultimately will provide cost savings overall.

In addition to the benefits of reduced running costs, households may also be able to make money through the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme which offers quarterly payments for the amount of clean, green renewable energy the system produces.

Quiet and unobtrusive

Air source heat pumps come in all shapes and sizes and newer models are significantly quieter than their predecessors. More of our recent projects have used the ultra-quiet Mitsubishi Ecodan 11.2 Kw air source heat pumps, one of the only heat pumps on the market with the compressor being double housed in an acoustic casing, loose fitted to stop any vibration on silicone feet. This unit is a must for clients with any concerns about noise. Find out more here.

You will need space outside of the property to ensure that the unit can either be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground and as a general rule the larger the property, the larger the heat pump. The external unit is connected to an internal unit containing circulation pumps and hot water, which is smaller than the average boiler.

Full Control

The hub of the heating system is inevitably the control, using it properly will ensure that it works to its full potential. With a huge choice on the market it does come down to preference, however the more intelligent the control, the easier it is to operate and ensure all the components of the heating system from the heat pump to the underfloor heating are working efficiently.

Choose from programmable, smart and wiFI enabled versions and we will, of course, recommend the best control for the system design. To view our range of thermostats, click here.

UFHN Whole House heating design service

At UFHN, we offer a partnership programme providing turnkey solutions for whole-house heating design, supply and commissioning. By partnering with leading manufacturers of heat pumps, we can ensure that the specification is suitable for the type of property and incorporate this into the design and calculation of our award-winning underfloor heating systems. We want you to know that you’ll be in safe hands by providing you with this unique service all under one roof.

For more information about how we can help you to integrate renewable technology into your next underfloor heating project, give us a call on 01202 894976 or contact us via the website at www.ufhn.co.uk