Air-to-water Heat Pumps - Air-to-water heat pumps supply domestic hot water and hydronic heating with high COPs, suitable for many retrofit scenarios.
Air-to-water heat pumps extract latent heat from the ambient outdoor air and transfer it to a building's hydronic distribution system, such as radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water tanks. They are favored for their relatively simple installation process compared to ground-source systems, particularly in retrofit scenarios where outdoor space is limited. The system's performance is intrinsically linked to the outside air temperature, but modern units utilize advanced techniques to maintain high efficiency even when temperatures are low. They offer a versatile, all-in-one solution for both space heating and domestic hot water, making them highly popular in residential properties across various climatic zones.
FAQs
What is the primary difference in how an air-to-water unit provides heat compared to an air-to-air unit?
An air-to-water system delivers heat through a liquid medium (water) to a conventional hydronic system, whereas an air-to-air system distributes heated or cooled air directly into the space via fans.
Are these systems compatible with all existing radiator setups?
While compatible with hydronic systems, air-to-water pumps typically produce lower flow temperatures than traditional boilers, meaning larger radiators or a shift to underfloor heating may be necessary in some older buildings to ensure adequate heating.
How is the defrost cycle managed in an air-to-water heat pump?
During cold conditions, the unit periodically enters a defrost cycle, temporarily reversing the operation to melt frost buildup on the outdoor coil, ensuring the system can continue to operate efficiently by transferring heat from the air.
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