Air Source Heat Pump to Heat Water
If you are looking for an air source heat pump to heat water, the more accurate reference for this type of product is an air source domestic hot water heater, which is also commonly described as an air source heat pump water heater. This is a dedicated domestic hot water appliance, integrating the heat pump and hot water storage cylinder into one integral unit, unlike a conventional air source heat pump that may provide both space heating and hot water.
What Is an Air Source Domestic Hot Water Heater?
An air source domestic hot water heater is designed to generate domestic hot water (DHW) for showers, baths, basins, and other hot water outlets.
The water heating heat pump typically combines the following components:
• A hot water storage cylinder
• Heat pump compressor
• Evaporator
• Condenser
• Fan
• Refrigerant circuit
• Electronic controls
• Backup immersion heater
These components are incorporated into a single water heating appliance, making it different from a traditional air source heat pump system where an outdoor heat pump unit is connected to a separate hot water cylinder.
To find the right air source heat pump water heater for your application, explore our dedicated product ranges:
Wall mounted hot water heat pumps
Residential heat pump water heaters
Commercial hot water heat pumps
How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Heat Water?
The heat pump draws air over an evaporator where the refrigerant absorbs the heat energy in the air.
The compressor raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. This heat is transferred through the condenser into the water stored in the cylinder.
This means the heat pump is moving existing heat energy rather than directly creating all the heat from power.
This means it can use a lot less power than a standard electric immersion water heater.
It is often rated for efficiency by a Coefficient of Performance, or COP. For example, a COP of 3 means that 3 kWh of heat is supplied for each 1 kWh of electricity used at the specified operating conditions.
It Is Not a Whole-House Heat Pump
An important distinction is that an air source domestic hot water heater does not have to provide space heating.
A conventional air source heat pump installation may supply:
• Radiators
• Underfloor heating
• A separate hot water cylinder
A dedicated heat pump water heater is different. Its primary purpose is to produce and store domestic hot water within its own integral cylinder.
This can make it particularly suitable for homes, flats, and apartments where an efficient hot water solution is required without installing a complete heat pump space-heating system.
Integral Heat Pump and Storage Cylinder
One of the main advantages of this type of system is its compact, integrated construction.
Instead of installing a separate outdoor heat pump and hot water cylinder, the heat pump module is incorporated with the storage cylinder, creating a complete domestic hot water appliance.
Depending on the model, air may be taken directly from the room or supplied and discharged through ductwork.
Many modern units also use R290 refrigerant (propane), which has a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and is increasingly used in heat pump water heating technology.
Therefore, when referring specifically to an air source heat pump to heat water, an air source domestic hot water heater is a more precise description when the heat pump and hot water storage cylinder are combined into one integral unit dedicated primarily to producing domestic hot water.