For a long time it was believed that there was simply no alternative to heating systems using various types of fuel (diesel, coal, wood, gas). But today, humanity is increasingly paying attention to renewable energy sources for heating homes and providing them with hot water supply.

Devices have emerged that extract heat from the low-temperature form of solar energy and convert it into a convenient high-temperature form. Such a unit is an air heat pump.

Peculiarities

This type of heating device extracts energy literally from the air, generating heat for human needs and using 75% natural resources and 25% conventional electricity.

An air heat pump is a unit that transfers heat energy from a source with a low temperature to a coolant with a higher temperature. Simply put, even if there is severe frost outside, this equipment will take heat from the cold environment and heat the home with it.

The operating principle of an air pump is similar to that of a refrigerator. But if the main purpose of the refrigeration machine is to take heat from the volume of the evaporator and convert it into cold, while the condenser releases the heat into the surrounding space, then in pumping equipment the picture is completely opposite. The condenser generates heat for the heating system and providing hot water to people, and the evaporator utilizes low-potential heat.

Air heat pumps are an alternative heating system model. In winter, they function as a heating boiler (they heat the coolant in the pipeline and the “warm floor” system) or directly heat the house. The source of heat energy for them is the outside air. They do not create it, but transfer it from the surrounding space. But for this, the pumping equipment needs an electricity supply.

This type of heating has automatic control, which helps maintain the desired operating mode.

Advantages

Abroad, such a heating system has gained wide popularity. Today, such pumps are conquering the Russian market. This is an ideal option for heating houses in areas where it is not possible to connect to a central gas pipeline. Besides this, they have many more advantages:

• reduce electricity costs (transferring 1 kW of heat energy to the heating system will allow you to consume only 0.2-0.35 kW of electricity);
• contribute to the preservation of the environment and the conservation of the planet’s natural reserves, they are completely environmentally friendly (they do not emit toxins, do not emit unpleasant odors);
• do not require the creation of complex ventilation systems;
• installation of this equipment is much cheaper and faster than installation of traditional heating structures;
• a heating system can be created at the stage of finishing the building, in finished premises, or in sections during the reconstruction of buildings;
• operate effectively at ambient temperatures down to -30° C;
• do not require frequent maintenance (all possible actions can be performed independently, they are described in the attached instructions), they restart independently;
• in summer they can work as air conditioners;
• the absence of combustion processes, the use of closed circuits makes these devices completely fireproof;
• do not take up much space in the house (the module is no larger than a regular refrigerator), do not require additional space, and externally resemble split systems;
• They work almost silently.

Types

Air heat pumps are divided into air-to-air and air-to-water units.

This device is used for direct heating of the room. Thermal energy extracted from the environment using the outdoor unit goes inside the building and is heated there by a condenser.

Several indoor units can be used to heat individual zones.

An air-to-air heat pump maintains a pleasant temperature in the building all year round, working for heating in winter and cooling in summer.

In systems of this type, the temperature of the air passing through the heat exchanger is lower (+20° - +25° C), which ensures high heat transfer rates.

The power of the air-to-air air pump is 4-18 kW. If you connect several similar devices in a cascade, the heating capacity will increase to 56 kW.

The disadvantage of the system is the inability to provide hot water supply.

"Air-water"

In a unit of this type, liquid is used as a heat-absorbing medium; the temperature of the heated freon is transferred to it. The liquid helps to heat rooms using radiators, underfloor heating systems and provide residents with hot water for household needs.

Thermal energy is taken from the surrounding space using an external evaporator. Next, it enters the external or internal freon-water heat exchanger, where the coolant is heated.

Modern devices of this type provide heating of liquid to temperature values ​​from +30° C to +65° C and operate down to an ambient temperature of -25° C. They have a higher drain temperature, which, accordingly, leads to a lower temperature compared to devices "air-to-air" heat transfer.

The power of these devices is 4-16 kW, this is enough for heating and hot water supply of high-quality insulated buildings, the area of ​​which is up to 350 m2.

A backup boiler can be connected to such a unit, which starts working in cases where the air temperature outside the window exceeds the temperature values ​​​​permissible for the operation of heat pumps.

Performance

The performance coefficient COP (the ratio of thermal energy to expended electrical energy) for both types of pumps is 3: this means that for 1 kW of electricity we get 3 kW of heat. We spend less - we get more.

But for air-to-water units, increased temperature values ​​of the liquid at the drain reduce this indicator, so to maintain a high coefficient in radiators, it is necessary to use water at lower temperatures, which will require more batteries.

General disadvantages

Heat pumps powered by air have a low thermal energy conversion coefficient. This is due to the low temperature values ​​of freon in the evaporator.

They are also characterized by low temperature of heated water (most often +50° - +60° C). The higher this value, the less efficient and reliable the heat pump is.

Installation

The process of installing an air pump is quite simple and can be done independently, without the involvement of professionals.

It consists of installing external and internal units, connecting them with a highway, and a test run. After this, you can design and install the ventilation system.

It is better to place the external unit of the device on the northern wall of the house: this way it will be protected from the sun and wind. It can be installed on a flat roof or on a blind area, but in case of heavy snowfalls it will have to be dug out each time.

The fasteners are mounted strictly horizontally. The external unit weighs about 60 kg, and its right side bears the main load. The bracket is fixed to a brick or aerated concrete wall using six anchors through screw dowels for aerated concrete.

A thick (5/8 inch) gas pipe runs from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Bend it using a pipe bender. The extra centimeters are cut off with a pipe cutter. The edge of the tube must be processed so that there are no burrs left.

After this, flaring is done and the tube is connected to the terminal on the block. A thin liquid tube (3/8 inch) is connected in the same way. Both of these elements must be thermally insulated (at least 20 mm of thermal insulation): this will prevent the formation of condensation.

power line

The power cable (3*2.5) is mounted to the external unit in the place where the compressor is located. An interblock type cable (4*1.5) is laid from the external to the internal block.

Indoor unit

This unit weighs 36 kg. It is hung on the ceiling. A wire for the control panel is connected to it.

It is important

The heat pump is charged by the manufacturer with R410A freon, the amount of which is sufficient for a 30 m long line.

The valve on the unit must not be opened until the air has been removed from the copper pipes. Pumping is carried out using a vacuum pump and pressure gauge. They turn on the pumping equipment and wait half an hour. Then the device is turned off and freon is released.

An air source heat pump is the best option for fast and high-quality heating of residential buildings, industrial and public buildings.

Many people who have built a country house or dacha are faced with a completely reasonable question: what can they use to heat their home? What heating option will be most optimal if the building is located far from communications?

In this case, use will be the most effective way to heat a country cottage or country house.

- this is a special type of heating equipment that collects dissipated heat from the environment and accumulates it into thermal energy to heat a living space.

In this article we will talk about all the features of the air-to-water heat pump, as well as the important points of installing this heating system for a country house.

Principle of operation

Placement of air-water system units

The heat pump design consists of two blocks:

• external;
• interior.

The external block has the following structural elements:

• heat exchanger;
• fan;
• compressor.

The indoor unit consists of the following components:

• heat pump control system;
• circulation pump;
• heat exchanger

The operating principle of a heat pump consists of the following important points:

Thus, we can conclude that the operation of an air-to-water heat pump is the transformation and subsequent transfer of thermal energy from the environment to the heating system of a residential premises.

Advantages and disadvantages

A heating system with a heat pump has a number of positive advantages, which are expressed in the following important points:

• the generation of thermal energy does not require the use of different types of fuel;
• the use of a heat pump allows you to effectively heat a living space;
• the service life is more than 25 years, which indicates the reliability of using this type of heating equipment;
• The environmental friendliness of the heat pump lies in the fact that there are absolutely no emissions into the surrounding atmosphere;
• in the warm season, it is possible to use this device as an air conditioner;
• ease of control of the heat pump;
• Can be used in combination with other renewable energy devices.

Air-to-water heat pumps have one significant drawback - their rather high price, which does not allow this type of heating to become widespread.

Therefore, it is very important to plan ahead to calculate the efficiency of using a heating system with a heat pump.

Installation features

Since a heating system with an air-to-water heat pump is a fairly complex technical device, its installation is best entrusted to highly qualified specialists.

If you decide to equip the system yourself, then you must, first of all, correctly calculate the time for installing heating with a heat pump.

The stages of each type of installation work can be:

• preparatory work will approximately last 1–2 weeks;
• installation of an outdoor heat pump unit – 3–7 days;
• equipment of the indoor unit and installation of the heating system – 1–2 weeks;
• launch and debugging of work – 2–3 days.

It is also worth remembering that when installing a heat pump, you should know the installation features, which include the following points:

Expert advice: When installing heating equipment with an air-to-water heat pump, the most optimal heating option will be underfloor heating.

We have reviewed all the features and characteristics of an air-to-water heat pump. Based on the foregoing, we can safely say: such a heating system is an economical and effective means of heating, which will soon gain sufficient attention.

Watch the video, which shows in detail the operating principle of the air-to-water heat pump, as well as reviews from the owner and specialists:

The use of renewable energy sources (geothermal, solar, air) for space heating allows saving up to 50% of energy costs. To implement this idea, internal heat energy is installed in private homes.

Good solution for heating your home

This type of heat pump is inferior in efficiency to geothermal and solar collectors, but is less demanding on installation conditions; the external heat exchanger is installed in an open area near the house or on the roof. The heat output of the devices is not enough to cover 100% of the heat demand during severe frosts, but they significantly reduce heating costs during the off-season period. The best option is to use a heat pump in combination with traditional heaters.

What is the basis for the operation of an air-to-water inverter heat pump with a controller: operating principle, diagram, installation, device

The operating principle is based on the release of thermal energy from the refrigerant circulating inside the pipes when it transforms into a liquid state in the condenser. This is the same Carnot cycle, on the principle of which refrigeration units operate, but the external source of energy is air, and the internal source is water in the heating system. Air enters the evaporator and heats the circulating refrigerant. The coil is usually made of copper and can withstand high pressures. After heating, the liquid begins to evaporate, the vapor enters the condenser and releases heat when compressed. Then the cycle repeats, the warmer the outside air, the more efficient the work. The air-to-water heat pump is chosen by the majority of residents of our country.

It is logical that at sub-zero air temperatures, the efficiency of heat transfer decreases. For this reason, heat pumps are installed in combination with, for example, electric heating elements. The diagram for connecting equipment to the heating system with this alternative includes:

• Air source heat pump.
• Tank for hot water.
• Two heating elements: to compensate for the missing thermal power and to heat water.
• Heating circuit circulation pumps (separate for radiators)
• Mixer.

In a similar way, the heat pump is connected to heating systems with gas, liquid and solid fuel boilers. Practice shows that maximum efficiency is achieved when connecting to heated floors rather than radiator systems.

Technology is constantly developing and improving. According to their design, the models are divided into split and monoblock. In the first case, the external heat exchanger has a powerful fan for air intake and is located in an open area near the house. The capacitor can be in an external or internal unit; the first option is valued for its noiselessness; the connection to the home heating system is carried out through heat pipes. A monoblock connects a fan and a capacitor in a single housing; this design is noisier. Some models are connected not only to heating systems, but also to ventilation systems or use the heat of exhaust air indoors. Choosing a heat pump with a reverse mode option allows it to be used for cooling rooms in the summer (but this design is more common with air-to-air pumps).

Advantages and disadvantages of home heating, according to owner reviews: Nibe model, Mitsubishi, Danheat, Daikin, Chinese and Russian manufacturers

Clear advantages include increased efficiency of the heating system due to free renewable energy. An air-water pump is cheaper than a geothermal pump or one operating on the water-to-water principle and, in comparison, is almost silent. For some models, heat-conducting tubes require insulation, but there are no particular difficulties when laying a small insulated area. Regardless of the type of pump, it is dependent on the electrical connection. But this is not considered a disadvantage, because for every 1 kW of electricity consumed, the heat pump produces at least 3 kW of thermal and, importantly, environmentally friendly energy. There are no combustion products, there is no need for chimneys.

Heat transfer comes from free renewable energy

The disadvantages of heat pumps are felt in winter. Despite manufacturers' statements about year-round efficiency, it is better to turn off air heat pumps at air temperatures below -7°C. Efficiency inevitably drops at sub-zero temperatures; only an industrial heat pump (with the ability to heat water up to 90 °C) functions without problems in winter. But even these models are not recommended for use at -25 °C.

Power calculation: the price of the pump depends on many factors

Approximately for 100 m2 you will need a pump with a heating capacity of 5 kW, for 300 m2 from 21. The cost of a heat pump directly depends on its thermal power; in this case, a reserve is not provided (it simply will not pay off). To determine the exact value of heating output, it is recommended to calculate the power of the heat pump, taking into account not only the heated volume, but also the climatic characteristics of the region and the degree of thermal insulation of the building. There are programs with the selection of the required coil area; such information is important when making equipment yourself.

Operating rules for a hot water pool: do the maintenance yourself

Heat pumps are completely autonomous and do not require special placement conditions, but, like any heating equipment, they require annual maintenance. To prevent problems, it is recommended:

1. Carry out periodic monitoring of the oil temperature in the compressor.
2. Inspect and clean filters.
3. Remove debris from the external heat exchanger and dirt from temperature sensors.
4. Check the tightness of the entire system, paying special attention to the connections.
5. Install a surge protector and check the condition of the electrical wiring.

Operation is not recommended when deviating from the permissible external temperature range. This performance characteristic depends on the heat pump model and must be specified in the instructions. On average, this is -25 °C when operating in heating mode and +40 °C when reverse cooling is turned on.

WATCH THE VIDEO

An important factor is the temperature of the oil in the compressor. Starting a heat pump with cold oil is possible, but when turned on in this way, the equipment quickly breaks down. It is recommended to use the oil heating system in the compressor: just turn it on first and wait for 3-4 hours. If all requirements are met, the compressor will last a long time (European manufacturers provide a guarantee of up to 50 years). The air-to-water heat pump is widely used by owners of private country houses.

Air-to-water heat pumps belong to the group of aerothermal structures. They provide heating of the coolant in the heating system of the house, the source of thermal energy for which is the outside air. It is also possible to supply water for the domestic hot water system.

A feature of air-water systems is the strong dependence of the coolant temperatures in the heating system on the temperature of the source - the outside air. The effectiveness of such equipment is constantly changing both seasonally and in weather conditions. This reveals a significant difference between aerothermal systems and systems, whose operation is stable throughout its entire service life and does not depend on external conditions.

In addition, air-to-water heat pumps are capable of both heating and cooling indoor air, which makes them popular in regions with relatively cold winters and hot summers. In general, the use of such systems is most effective in relatively warm areas, and for northern regions additional heating means are required (usually used).

How do air-to-water heat pumps work?

The operation of an air-to-water heat pump is based on based on Carnot's principle. In more understandable terms, freon refrigerator design is used. The refrigerant (freon) circulates in a closed system, passing through the following stages:

• evaporation accompanied by strong cooling
• heating from the heat of incoming outside air
• strong compression, at which its temperature becomes high
• condensation with transition to a liquid state
• passage through the throttle with a sharp drop in pressure and evaporation

For normal refrigerant circulation, it is necessary to have two compartments - evaporator and condenser. In the first, the temperature is low (negative); thermal energy from the ambient air is used for heating. The second compartment serves to condense the refrigerant and transfer thermal energy to the coolant of the heating system.

In fact, a heat pump consists of two heat exchangers, interconnected and together providing a continuous Carnot cycle - gas compression with transition to the liquid phase with the release of a large amount of heat and its expansion with evaporation and cooling.

The role of the air coming from outside is to transfer heat to the evaporator, where the temperature is very low and requires an increase for the upcoming compression. Thermal energy of the air is available even at subzero temperatures and persists until the temperature drops to absolute zero. Low-potential sources of thermal energy make it possible to obtain high system efficiency, but when the outside temperature drops significantly to -20°C or -25°C, the system stops and requires the connection of an additional heating source.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages air-to-water heat pumps are:

• easy installation, no excavation work
• The source of thermal energy - air - is available everywhere, it is accessible and completely free. The system only requires power supply for the circulation equipment, compressor and fan
• the heat pump can be structurally combined with ventilation, which can significantly increase the efficiency of both systems
• The heating system is environmentally friendly and not hazardous in operation
• the system operates almost silently and can be controlled using automation systems

Disadvantages air-to-water heat pumps are:

• limited application. Household HP models require the connection of additional heating systems already at -7°C, industrial models are capable of maintaining temperatures down to -25°C, which is too low for most regions of Russia
• the dependence of the system efficiency on the outside air temperature makes the system operation unstable and requires constant reconfiguration of operating modes
• To power fans, compressors and other devices, a connection to a stable power source is required

When planning the use of such a heating and hot water system, it is necessary to take these features into account.

Installation power calculation

The procedure for calculating the power of an installation comes down to determining the area of ​​the house to be heated, calculating the required amount of thermal energy and selecting equipment that corresponds to the obtained values. There is no point in presenting a detailed calculation methodology, since it is extremely complex and requires knowledge of many parameters, coefficients and other values. In addition, you need experience in performing such calculations, otherwise the result will be completely erroneous.

To solve the problem, it is recommended to use an online calculator found on the Internet. It’s easy to use, you just need to enter your data in the boxes and get an answer. If in doubt, the calculation can be duplicated on another resource to obtain balanced data.

What to buy - top 5 best pumps

Purchasing a heat pump is an important and responsible procedure. It is possible to give any recommendations in this area only if you have specific information about the size of the house, the material of the walls, the degree of insulation, the configuration of the premises, the type of heating system, etc. Without this data, it is pointless to talk about the best pumps. However, we can consider the most well-known manufacturers who supply high-quality equipment to the market and are leaders in this field:

ALTAL GRUP

The company is based in Ukraine, Russia and Moldova. Equipment production is focused on the conditions of Russian regions and can be used in harsh conditions

NIBE Industry AB

The Swedish company has been on the market since 1949 and is rightfully a leader in its field. Production is carried out according to the most advanced developments, the best materials and components are used

Viessmann Group

One of the oldest European companies - the company's foundation dates back to 1928. German specialists have gained extensive experience and achieved the highest quality of their products

OCHSNER

An Austrian company that was one of the first to begin serial production of heat pumps and has received recognition from users due to the quality, reliability and durability of the equipment

Heliotherm

Another Austrian company producing heat pumps and other equipment. Products are sold in Europe, high quality, reliability and wide functionality of heating systems are noted

In addition to European ones, common complexes from China and other countries of Southeast Asia. They are cheaper, have fairly high performance, but in general terms they lag somewhat behind European models. Their only advantage is the price, although the costs of such equipment are in any case very high. If we take into account that the matter is not limited to installing a heat pump, it is necessary to adjust the entire heating system to the capabilities of the complex, then the costs become comparable to the cost of building a house.

In Russian conditions, the optimal choice is to purchase bivalent systems, which allow switching to other heat sources when difficult conditions arise.

Important! Most experts agree that for most regions of Russia, the use of air-to-water heat pumps is impractical due to extremely difficult winter conditions. System power drops sharply as the temperature drops. In addition, external air units will not be able to work in cold weather.

Installation cost

Installation and commissioning work is carried out at different prices, depending on the scope of work, the equipment and machinery used, volumes and other factors. An equally important circumstance is the general economic situation in the region and the state of the purchasing power of the population.

In any case, the costs of installing and running the system will require approximately 20% of the total equipment cost, which will significantly affect the user’s wallet.

The high cost of installation work often becomes the reason for installing and launching the system yourself, which makes minor repairs and maintenance possible without the involvement of specialists. However, one must keep in mind that many companies refuse warranty or service if the installation was carried out by strangers.

DIY air heat pump

The high cost of equipment, installation work and maintenance forces many home owners to independently manufacture air-to-water heat pumps. This activity is quite labor-intensive and requires skills, but the result allows you to save a lot of money and gain valuable experience in creating heating systems. Let's consider the main stages of creating a heat pump:

Assembly of the unit according to the diagram

First of all, you need to stock up on the main components of the system:

• compressor from a refrigerator or split system
• copper tubes with a diameter of about 1 cm, adapters and fittings for them
• containers for creating heat exchangers (evaporator and condenser)
• throttle valve
• freon
• fasteners, connecting parts, etc.

You will need a torch for soldering copper tubes, a set of appropriate tools and materials. To manufacture a heat pump, you will need a diagram or working drawing that allows you to think through the work in more detail and assemble all the necessary components and parts. Most of them will have to be purchased, but these costs cannot be compared with the costs of purchasing a ready-made kit.

Assembling the outdoor unit

Outdoor unit provides air intake and supply to the evaporator. To perform these operations, you will need a housing and a fan connected to the duct that transports the air flow to the heat pump's evaporator. Some craftsmen install the evaporator in the outdoor unit, thereby shortening the transportation route. This is convenient and increases the compactness of the complex, but this option is not always possible. The fact is that the freon in the evaporator has a very low temperature; in winter, the energy of the outside air is not enough to give a sufficient heat impulse to the refrigerant.

Block with heat exchanger-evaporator

The evaporator unit is a metal container with a volume of 80 liters, a copper tube with a diameter of 10 mm with a wall thickness of 1 mm or more. A coil is made from a tube - a piece of pipe or other cylindrical object is wrapped so that the finished spiral from the tube fits freely into the tank. The length of the tube will have to be calculated for a 5 kW installation you will need 10 m.

The coil is equipped with two outlets for connection to the rest of the system circuit. The bends are passed through fittings in the wall of the container and seal the passages to ensure the immobility of the coil. It is recommended to install additional fasteners inside the tank to firmly fix the coil and eliminate the possibility of vibration or movement.

The temperature inside the container will be very low. In order to eliminate the possibility of the tube freezing due to condensate, experts advise install a dehumidifier or defrost relay.

Compressor installation rules

It is recommended to make a separate sound-insulated housing for the compressor. This will help ensure almost complete silent operation of the complex. The compressor inlet is connected to the outlet pipe of the evaporator, and the outlet is connected to the inlet of the condenser (second heat exchanger). The following types of compressors can be used:

• rotary. Inexpensive but noisy devices with low resource
• spiral. Quiet, durable and efficient samples, but have a high price
• piston They have a long service life, high power, and are used primarily in industrial refrigeration equipment. The price of such devices is the highest

Design of a storage tank (capacitor)

Capacitor design similar to an evaporator, but requires sealing, since there will be not air inside, but the coolant of the heating system. You will need a tank with a capacity of 100 liters (a ready-made one from a boiler or any other one with the same volume will do). In the upper and lower parts of the tank, it is necessary to install fittings for the flow of coolant (water), and holes for the passage of a copper tube will also be needed there.

A coil is made, the diameter of the spiral should be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tank. For making a coil you will need 12 meters of tube with a diameter of at least 26 mm. The ends are brought out into the openings of the housing, after which the outlets are carefully soldered and sealed.

To install the coil, the tank will have to be cut lengthwise; after fastening, the halves are welded or connected in another way to ensure complete tightness. The result is a container through which a copper coil passes, whose internal volume is not connected to the volume of the tank. There are two fittings leading inside the container - inlet and outlet, through which the coolant will circulate.

Connecting the outdoor unit to the evaporator

To connect the evaporator to the external unit It is recommended to use low-density polyethylene pipes with a diameter of 32 mm. One is used for air supply, the other for exhaust. It is recommended to insulate the pipes, bury them in a trench or protect them in any other way. You can leave them in the open air or on the ground if the outdoor unit is located next to the house.

Connection of evaporator, compressor and tank

The copper tubes are connected by soldering. Experience is needed here; if you don’t have it, then you need to invite a refrigeration specialist involved in industrial installations. People involved in the installation of plumbing systems and plumbing, although they solder copper, are not competent here, since they will need to install various shut-off valves, valves, adapters and other elements.

To do this, you need the appropriate tool, knowledge of the rules and subtleties of installing refrigeration equipment. In addition, you will need to charge the system with freon, which will also require the installation of the appropriate elements and the presence of an experienced specialist.

Implementation of plant control systems

Various elements can be used to monitor and control the operating mode of the heat pump:

• a board with electronics and a display from the air conditioner, allowing you to regulate the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant
• fan rotation sensor that changes the air flow speed and regulates heat exchange in the evaporator
• timer, temperature sensors, starters and other controls

Using these devices will allow you to optimally configure the operation of the heat pump and adjust it as necessary.

Service Features

Maintenance of the complex consists in periodic cleaning of system elements, adding oil to the compressor and fan, lubrication and other maintenance of mechanical parts. Also sometimes needed warm up icy system components(especially in winter). It is necessary to regularly inspect the integrity of pipelines, tightness of connections, condition of shut-off valves, etc. Check the electrical part of the system - power cable, integrity of insulation, quality of wire connections. Performing these actions will allow you to detect flaws in time and take measures to eliminate them.

An autonomous heat pump is one of the modern technologies for heating a home. In Russia, this type of heating is still far from widespread use, but is increasingly gaining popularity due to its advantages over traditional energy sources. Many people still perceive the principle of operation and efficiency of the unit with distrust, as something fantastic. Nevertheless, the pump has earned positive characteristics from specialists and real users, owners of apartments and country cottages. One of the types of thermal installations - “air-water” - is a good solution specifically for residents of high-rise buildings. The article will tell you about the operating features of such a unit and consumer reviews.

How does an air-to-water heat pump work?

The heat pump is another step in technology towards energy efficiency. A heating system built on its use is capable of converting low-potential energy from the outside world (air, water) into high-potential thermal energy to heat the house. The principle of operation of refrigerators is taken as a basis, but in reverse. The thermal installation does not generate heat, but transports it from outside to the room.

Attention! 1 kW of electrical energy, which the unit spends on rotating the compressor shaft, at the output (in the condenser) produces approximately 3.5 - 5.0 kW of heat for heating the house.

The air-to-water installation operates as follows:

Advice. Experts advise installing heat pumps of any type in a heating system equipped with non-classical radiators. Those that do not require high-temperature heating of the coolant are better suited: air heating, heated floors, large-area radiators, etc. There should be at least 65% of such devices in the system.

Pros and cons of an air-to-water heat pump

An air-heating unit uses the cheapest energy. Along with high efficiency, it also attracts buyers with the following advantages:

1. Saves electricity. Installations usually have energy efficiency class A, A+ or A++ certificates (EU standards).
2. Works quietly.
3. Easy to program. Can be controlled autonomously.
4. Unlike the “earth-water” and “” systems, installation of the primary circuit does not require drilling wells, laying pipes, etc. A fan is enough, the installation of which is simpler and much cheaper.
5. Available for installation at a height of several floors in urban areas. For earthen and water “colleagues” you need a piece of land or a body of water. Accordingly, there is no need for additional documentary permits from regulatory authorities.
6. Suitable for modification and integration with a ventilation system. Thus, it will help improve air exchange in the room.

Heat pump operation

Of course, such a heating system also has disadvantages:

1. The colder it is, the lower the efficiency. At temperatures below -7°C, the efficiency of a domestic air heat pump, according to the laws of physics, will be very low. A very powerful industrial one, used to heat offices, social institutions, etc., can withstand down to -25°C.
2. Network dependency. The device will not work if the power supply is interrupted.

Tips for purchasing and installing a heat pump heating system

Based on the disadvantages of a heat pump, it is ideal for regions with moderate winters and is ineffective in cool and northern climate zones. But do not be upset if in winter in your area there are cold temperatures below -7C. In this situation, there are the following solutions:

1. Inclusion in the heating system, which will accumulate the resulting heat. One tank (small, apartment size) with the source turned off can evenly distribute heat throughout the system for up to a day. This is a convenient option for areas where severe frosts usually do not last long.
2. Installation of an auxiliary heat source: gas or electric boiler. When a cheap heat pump cannot work, a less economical “backup” will replace it.
3. Combination of the two previous techniques.

Attention! As with any heating system, before installation it is important to carefully check the heat loss of your home and, if possible, insulate it. The warmer the house, the less power you will need the device.

Reviews from real heat pump owners

People have many conflicting opinions about air-to-water heat pump technology. Many of them are related to the imperfections of the first generation models:

• noisy work;
• unsuitability as the main source of heat;
• inability to fully compensate for heat loss in the home.

Heat pump outdoor unit

Modern models completely refute these judgments. The air intake is provided by a large fan, which must be covered with a grille. Its location and design solution for the facade of the building must be thought out in advance. It is important that the air path to the pump is as simple as possible.

Often, an air-water pump is used as an alternative to traditional coolants: gas, electricity and solid fuel. Moreover, the system fits well and effectively serves even large country houses, not to mention city apartments. Owners of the devices claim that with a correct assessment of the required power, you can use a heat pump to cool the room in the summer and even heat water for domestic needs. But buyers are confused by the high cost of equipment and its installation.

There is an opinion that with the current price level for the device and, for comparison, for gas, it is profitable to use “blue fuel”. At least for housing up to 150 square meters. m. An air heat pump in such conditions will pay for itself for a very long time. In addition, once every 8-12 years the device will require major repairs. Therefore, consumers are advised to use a heat pump either in a large house, or when independence from energy resources is important to you.

Heating a house using an air source heat pump: video