Hot water production in the UK accounts for some 8% of all our total energy use. In houses it is typically produced by heat from gas or oil fired central heating boilers or from electric immersion heaters (or a combination of the two). This results in millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere each year. The use of solar energy reduces these emissions thus helping to combat climate change.Demand for hot water is fairly constant year round which means that there is a significant demand for hot water when solar energy is at its peak in the summer months. Solar water heating systems can provide most of the hot water during this period as well as making a useful contribution in the less sunny winter months. Solar water heating can also make a contribution to space heating but this usually involves much larger systems, not least because the availability of solar energy is much less in the winter when heating is most required. Typically, in the UK, solar water heating is most economic when used to heat water for baths, showers, hand washing and other domestic hot water requirements. It is also very effective at heating swimming pools and has been used in industry, in hotels and for agricultural applications such as dairy farms.

• An air Source Heat Pump takes energy from the air and raise it to a higher temperature, using a process which is similar to a reverse refrigeration process. For commercial and large spaces a row or bank of Air Source Heat Pumps (Air Handling Units) will be required along with internal Heat Pump and Pressured Hot Water Tank for ongoing water usage. This is a system which utilises no external pipes and most of the working elements reside within the building. The air handling unit draws air across the water-anti freeze solution and transfers this energy into the refrigerant. The refrigerant boils and the gases from this are compressed to produce temperatures in excess of 100°C. This part of the process mirrors a ground source heat pump. Air Source Heat Pumps can be used in many more applications including large commercial projects where land space is restricted. Air Sourced Heat Pumps can be used as a complete solution for room heating using the same distribution system as a ground source heat pump or a traditional system. Air Sourced Heat Pumps are ideal for very tight spaces and within an eco architectural design or within the design of a building which has large internal spaces such as audience halls and public places.                                                                                           

          BENEFITS OF AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP                                   

• No need for an oil or gas boiler!
• Provides all of your heating and hot water needs.  
• Mains pressure hot water cylinders from 150 litres to 1000 litres.
• Save up to 85% in energy costs against conventional systems.
• 100% less CO2 emissions than fossil fuelled systems if you buy 'green' electricity or produce it yourself.
• For every 1 unit of electricity used an average of 4 units of heat are produced meaning 75% of your energy is free the other 25% comes from the electricity used to drive the heat pump.
• 20+ year's system lifetime and no annual servicing.
• No risk of explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• No need for gas connections or fuel tanks.
• Use under floor heating, radiators fan coils or a combination.
• Will heat swimming pools.
• Energy efficiency average 400% across the year compared to boilers that are typically 70 - 95%. They also maintain their efficiency over time whereas boiler efficiencies reduce dramatically over time.  
• Always available whatever the weather, day or night.