Air-to-water heat pumps

Air-to-water heat pumps can provide an energy-efficient and eco-friendly way to heat your home and provide hot water. These systems work by extracting thermal energy from the air outside and transferring it into your home’s heating system. Available in two main configurations—monobloc (a single outdoor unit that integrates all components) and split (with components split between indoor and outdoor units)—they are versatile enough to suit a variety of property types and sizes.

For a heat pump to perform optimally, the building must be well-insulated and airtight to minimise heat loss. Proper system design is crucial, starting with a detailed heat loss calculations to determine the required heat output for each room and ensure radiators, underfloor heating, or other emitters are appropriately sized. Equally important is the system's control strategy, which includes advanced thermostats and weather compensation to maximise efficiency and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. By prioritising these factors, air-to-water heat pumps can deliver reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable heating for modern and retrofitted homes alike.

Key features of modern air-to-water heat pumps

High performance in extreme conditions:

Designed to operate efficiently even in cold climates, air source heat pumps can provide heating in temperatures as low as -25°C. They’re also capable of delivering cooling, with some systems functioning in temperatures up to 55°C. This makes them a reliable choice for year-round comfort, regardless of the weather.

Flexible installation

Modern air source heat pumps, such as monobloc units, are compact and hydraulically integrated, simplifying the installation process. Unlike traditional systems, they don’t need to be placed directly next to the building, offering greater flexibility in siting. However, this comes at a cost because their "split" heat pump counterparts are more efficient and because many of the components are sited inside, they are certain to have a longer life.

Quiet and efficient operation

Equipped with variable-speed fans and advanced compressors, these systems achieve high efficiency and low noise levels. This ensures they blend seamlessly into your home or business environment without disrupting your daily life.

Renewable integration

Many heat pumps are designed to integrate seamlessly with renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. This allows homeowners to maximise self-consumption of green energy, further reducing their carbon footprint and energy bills. However, it is still very important to remember that, in Ireland, when we most need heating (winter months), there is usually very little sun available, so we don't recommend solar panels for heating buildings.

Remote control and smart management

Cutting-edge systems often feature remote control and monitoring options, enabling users to adjust their heating and cooling settings through mobile apps or web interfaces. These tools provide greater convenience and help optimise energy use and provide better ways of diagnostics and fault-finding if ever there is an issue.

Call our sales team now on (098) 42699 to find out more or email us on [email protected].

High-temperature heat pumps

High-temperature air-to-water heat pumps are a practical and efficient solution for heating and hot water production in situations where retrofitting for lower-temperature systems isn’t feasible and where the desire to switch to a heat pump is high. Unlike standard heat pumps, which operate most efficiently at lower water temperatures, high-temperature models can produce hot water up to 80°C, making them more suitable for properties where larger radiators or underfloor heating cannot be accommodated. This makes them a great option for older homes or buildings with space constraints that prevent extensive upgrades.

From our experience, while high-temperature heat pumps are an excellent choice in specific circumstances, there is nothing better than having a we-insulated building and large heat emitters. The high-temperature heat pump offers the capability of higher temperatures and a slightly higher efficiency but this is not the whole picture. Once the customer is aware of all the facts and the advantages/disadvantages, then these heat pumps do present a viable option in select cases. For optimal performance and efficiency of any heat pump, careful consideration of the system’s design is essential. Reducing the overall heat demand of the building, even modestly, can lead to significant savings and a more efficient operation of the heat pump.

It’s also worth noting that high-temperature air-to-water heat pumps are typically more expensive than standard models. However, they remain a valuable option for properties that require a higher water temperature to meet heating needs or where retrofitting extensive insulation or installing larger radiators is impractical. Their ability to deliver reliable performance in these cases makes them a compelling choice for many homeowners, even though there may be cheaper ways to heat the building.

Call our sales team now on (098) 42699 to find out more or email us on [email protected].