Thinking about installing an air source heat pump at your home or property? If you have only experienced traditional boilers, the installation process can seem unfamiliar.
An air source heat pump works differently from a conventional heating system, so planning the installation properly is important. From choosing the right system and checking the available space to connecting the heat pump with the home's heating and hot water system, there are several stages to consider.
Infinity Solar UK supplies Daikin air source heat pumps, complete heat pump kits, hot water cylinders and related accessories for UK projects, with technical support available before ordering.
This guide explains what you can generally expect when planning an air source heat pump installation.
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump extracts heat energy from the outside air and transfers it into the property for heating.
Depending on the system selected, an air-to-water heat pump can provide heating and, with the appropriate configuration, domestic hot water. Different Daikin systems available from Infinity Solar UK include monobloc and split configurations, as well as systems designed for heating and hot water.
The exact setup depends on the property, existing heating system and requirements of the installation.
Step 1: Assessing Your Property
Before choosing an air source heat pump, the property needs to be considered carefully.
The installer will need to understand factors such as:
- Property size and layout
- Existing heating system
- Hot water requirements
- Available outdoor space
- Available indoor space
- Existing radiators or underfloor heating
- Insulation levels
- Electrical requirements
- The type and output of heat pump required
This assessment helps determine which type and size of system is appropriate.
Choosing a heat pump based only on the size of the property is not enough. The system needs to be matched to the building's heating requirements.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Heat Pump
There are different types of air source heat pump systems available.
Monobloc Heat Pumps
With a monobloc system, the main heat pump components are contained within the outdoor unit.
Infinity Solar UK's Daikin Altherma 3 M range includes reversible air-to-water monobloc systems, with hydraulic components integrated into the outdoor unit.
Split Heat Pumps
A split system separates components between the outdoor and indoor units.
For example, the Daikin Altherma 3 R W available through Infinity Solar UK is a wall-mounted air-to-water split system designed for heating applications and can be combined with a tank or thermal store.
The choice between monobloc and split depends on the project requirements and the system being specified.
Step 3: Selecting the Cylinder and Accessories
An air source heat pump installation may require additional components rather than simply the heat pump itself.
For systems providing domestic hot water, an appropriate hot water cylinder or thermal store may be required.
Infinity Solar UK offers complete air source heat pump kits that combine a Daikin heat pump with a pre-plumbed cylinder and essential accessories. Current kit options include cylinder capacities ranging from 150 litres to 300 litres, depending on the package.
This approach can make it easier for installers to source the main components required for a project.
Step 4: Preparing the Outdoor Area
The outdoor unit needs an appropriate location.
The installer will consider factors such as available space, access and how the unit will connect with the rest of the heating system.
The outdoor unit also needs to be installed according to the manufacturer's requirements, including the necessary clearances and installation conditions.
The exact location will vary from property to property.
Step 5: Preparing the Indoor System
The indoor part of the installation depends on the heat pump configuration.
For example, some systems use a separate indoor hydraulic unit and hot water cylinder, while other configurations combine components into a floor-standing indoor unit.
The Daikin Altherma 3 R F available through Infinity Solar UK, for example, is a floor-standing air-to-water heat pump designed for heating and hot water and incorporates a domestic hot water tank and back-up heater.
The available indoor space therefore needs to be considered before selecting the system.
Step 6: Connecting the Heating System
Once the equipment is positioned, the heat pump is connected to the property's heating system.
Depending on the installation, this can involve connections to:
- Radiators
- Underfloor heating
- Hot water cylinders
- Thermal stores
- Hydraulic components
- Electrical supply
- Controls and compatible accessories
The precise installation will depend on the selected heat pump and the existing heating system.
Step 7: Commissioning the System
After the physical installation is complete, the system needs to be checked and commissioned.
This is an important stage because the installer needs to ensure that the equipment and controls are operating correctly.
The installer should also explain how to use the system and its controls so that the homeowner understands the basic operation.
For products purchased through Infinity Solar UK, manufacturer warranty requirements can depend on completing the required manufacturer training.
How Long Does Air Source Heat Pump Installation Take?
Installation time can vary considerably.
A straightforward installation will have different requirements from a project involving significant changes to the existing heating system.
Factors that can affect the installation include:
- Property layout
- Existing heating system
- Heat pump type
- Cylinder configuration
- Pipework requirements
- Electrical work
- Outdoor unit location
- Radiator or underfloor heating requirements
- Additional building work
For this reason, it is better to discuss the individual property and proposed system with a qualified installer rather than relying on a standard installation timeframe.
Do You Need New Radiators?
Not necessarily.
Whether existing radiators are suitable depends on the heat output required by the property and the temperatures at which the heating system will operate.
A heat pump system should therefore be assessed as part of the property's overall heating design.
In some homes, existing radiators may be suitable; in others, changes may be required.
What Happens to Your Existing Boiler?
This depends on the heating system being installed.
Some projects involve replacing an existing boiler with an air source heat pump, while other configurations may have different requirements.
The existing heating and hot water arrangement should be assessed before the installation begins so the new system can be designed appropriately.
What Should You Prepare Before Installation?
If you're considering an air source heat pump, it can help to prepare some basic information before speaking to an installer.
Consider:
- Your property's approximate size
- Current heating system
- Current hot water arrangement
- Available outdoor space
- Available indoor space
- Existing radiators or underfloor heating
- Your heating and hot water requirements
It is also useful to understand whether you are looking for a monobloc or split air source heat pump, although the final system selection should be based on the property's requirements and professional assessment.
Choosing an Air Source Heat Pump System
The right air source heat pump is not necessarily the largest or most powerful model available.
The system should be selected around the property's heating demand, available space, hot water requirements and existing heating infrastructure.
Infinity Solar UK offers a range of Daikin air source heat pumps, including monobloc, split, low-temperature and other system configurations, along with cylinders and complete heat pump kits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an air source heat pump suitable for every home?
Suitability depends on the individual property, heating requirements, available space and proposed system design. A property assessment is important before selecting equipment.
Does an air source heat pump provide hot water?
Some air-to-water heat pump systems can provide domestic hot water when combined with a suitable cylinder or integrated hot water arrangement. The exact configuration depends on the model.
What is the difference between a monobloc and split heat pump?
A monobloc system contains the main heat pump components within the outdoor unit, whereas a split system separates components between indoor and outdoor units.
Do air source heat pumps work with radiators?
They can work with radiators, but the suitability of the existing radiators needs to be assessed as part of the heating system design.
Do I need a hot water cylinder?
This depends on the selected heat pump system and whether it is being used to provide domestic hot water. Some systems can be combined with a separate tank, while others incorporate hot water storage into the indoor unit.
Final Thoughts
Installing an air source heat pump involves more than simply positioning an outdoor unit. The property, heating demand, indoor and outdoor space, hot water requirements and existing heating system all need to be considered.
A well-planned installation starts with choosing the appropriate system and components, followed by professional installation and commissioning.
For UK projects, Infinity Solar UK provides Daikin air source heat pumps, complete heat pump kits, hot water cylinders and accessories, with technical support available to help customers before ordering.