What is an Air-Source Heat Pump?

By ProMatcher Staff

How does an air-source heat pump work?

An air-source heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it to heat the interior of your home. It pumps heat inside your home by way of refrigerant-filled coils. They can also be used as cooling systems when the system is reversed. The heat provided by a heat pump cannot supply the same extreme heat as a forced air furnace or radiant heating system.

Related Video: How a Heat Pump Works

Air-source heat pumps work best in mild to moderate temperatures. When the temperature outside drops, the heat pump will become less effective or stop working altogether. As a result, these systems are typically installed with a back-up burner in order to provide heat when the outdoor temperatures fall. This gives the coils time to defrost and it also prevents the heat pump from blowing cold air into your home.

Types of Air-Source Heat Pumps

There are two basic types of air-source heat pump systems.

1. Air-to-air: Circulate heat with fans

2. Air-to-water: Circulate heat through radiators and baseboards

Installation Cost

Air-source heat pumps are generally less expensive to install than geothermal (water-source or ground-source) heat pumps as there is no excavation required. However, the above-ground heat exchanger and fan may require some maintenance due to prolonged exposure to the elements.

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Related: What is an Absorption Heat Pump?

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ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803

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What is an Air-Source Heat Pump?

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