Air-Source

Air-source heat pumps are effective solutions to heating and cooling applications for all types of domestic, commercial and retail premises. This well proven technology has been in use for decades providing safe, reliable heating and cooling at affordable prices.

Where Heat Pumps are used for heating, they are capable of highly cost-efficient energy applications because they tap into a limitless supply of clean, pollution-free heat in the surrounding air, all that is paid for is the energy to transport that heat. These days their efficiency is such that for every one unit of electricity used to run the heat pump five units of heat can be produced to heat a room.

As with many technologies that we use in every-day life, the basic principles of how a heat pump works are simple.  All our surroundings, even a block of ice contains heat. The purpose of a heat pump is to absorb heat in one place where it is plentiful, then to transport and release it in another location where it can be used for space heating. Useful heat can be found in the air outdoors. Even on the coldest winter day’s sufficient heat is present to warm our homes and offices.

The use of this technology is directly in line with the Government’s renewable energy strategy as they can be run from electricity produced from renewable energy sources thus reduce the need to burn fossil fuels that produce green house gases. Northumberland National Park Authority is leading by example and installing twelve of these units into its information centres along with interpretation to explain the benefits to locals and visitors.

Where properties are connected to the national grid installation should be straightforward. For properties not connected then they can be utilised alongside renewable energy production such as hydro, wind or solar photovoltaic systems. There has been a limited take-up of this technology in and around the Park to-date, not surprisingly because multi fuel and biomass boilers are ideally suited to take advantage of the plentiful wood supply found locally on farms or in the numerous commercial forests.

With a move towards the electrification of our static and transport energy requirements air source heat pumps provide a practical solution for heating buildings using energy from a non carbon-producing source.

This technology with an energy efficiency ratio of 5:1 (5 units of heat produced for every one unit of electricity consumed) also has the potential to combat fuel poverty levels across the Park. With incomes below the regional average at £15,500 per annum, moving off oil and gas for heating will lessen the impact of future energy price rises.

Because of the isolated rural location of many of the Park’s properties there is a high dependence for heating of dwellings and business premises using oil or gas supplies (mains or tank). In order for Northumberland National Park and its communities to become a low carbon park then the take up of air-source heat pumps will play an important part in achieving this goal.

External Link

Air Source Heat Pumps at the Energy Saving Trust