Air Source Heat Pump Buying Guide

An air source heat pump is both energy-efficient and cost-effective for heating and cooling your home. A good heat pump helps reduce your electricity bill and improves indoor air quality – cost-effectively. 

However, choosing an air source heat pump can be a long process. When considering whether a heat pump is worth it and what kind you should choose, many questions often arise. At Euronics, we have compiled a guide to help you pick the best air source heat pump for your needs.

Why an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump is a smart investment and is also an extremely popular home appliance. Air source heat pumps are often purchased in the summer, when indoor temperatures become unbearably high, or in the winter, as electricity bills rise due to freezing temperatures. An air source heat pump is a worthwhile investment for many other reasons as well.

Cost Efficiency and Energy Savings with Air Source Heat Pumps

Using an air source heat pump can notably lower electricity costs, especially in homes heated by electric systems. An air source heat pump consumes less energy over time, paying for itself. The answer to the question, "Is an air source heat pump worth it?" is therefore clear. Yes, an air source heat pump is a good investment.

Heating and Cooling Air Source Heat Pump

An air source heat pump keeps indoor temperatures comfortable, whether it's freezing cold or sweltering hot. For instance, during summer heat waves, a fan provides relief, making a cooling air source heat pump more than necessary. In freezing temperatures, an air source heat pump can effectively provide heating. Thus, an air source heat pump is beneficial year-round.

Environmentally Friendly Heating Option

In addition to saving money, air source heat pumps also benefit the environment. Due to their energy efficiency, an air source heat pump is a more eco-friendly choice for heating. Additionally, air source heat pumps reduce carbon dioxide emissions, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious residents.

How to Choose a Good Air Source Heat Pump for Your Home?

What qualifies as a good air source heat pump or the best air source heat pump depends on your needs and selection criteria. Some may be satisfied with a budget air source heat pump, while others require premium features. When considering purchasing an air source heat pump, you should think about the following questions:

Is the air source heat pump being purchased for cooling or heating? 

What type of location is the unit intended for, such as an apartment, townhouse, or garage?

These questions can help narrow down the selection process for an air source heat pump. Since an air source heat pump is a significant investment and requires consideration of various factors, it is wise to consult with an expert. At Euronics, you can contact us via chat or reach out to your nearest Euronics store.

The size of the apartment plays a vital role in selecting an air source heat pump. If you live in a small apartment, a small air source heat pump may be the right choice. However, if your home is a large, multi-storey house, you will need a more powerful air source heat pump.

The layout of your home also affects the choice of air source heat pump. As a general rule of thumb, 1kW is sufficient for heating approximately 30m2. Keep in mind that in compartmentalized spaces, warmth or coolness may not distribute as effectively. Conversely, in open spaces, an air source heat pump will cool and heat more efficiently.

Additionally, it is important to consider what kind of and how actively the heat pump will be used. Will a cooling air source heat pump suffice for you, or do you want to use the pump for winter heating as well?

Choosing an air source heat pump may seem challenging, but once you understand your needs and have compared various models, you will surely find a suitable solution.

Functionality and Features of an Air Source Heat Pump

An air source heat pump operates similarly to a refrigerator or freezer. It utilizes existing energy, and through the pump, energy is transferred either indoors or outdoors. Depending on whether the air source heat pump is used for cooling or heating, heat is released either in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit.

Features of air source heat pumps vary by model. Selecting an air source heat pump should prioritize your needs and preferences, so it's essential to pay attention to the features. The most fundamental functions of an air source heat pump are, naturally, cooling and heating, but pumps may offer additional functions.

Besides cooling and heating air, air source heat pumps can filter the air, such as pollen, thanks to their filtration capabilities. Therefore, an air source heat pump is an excellent purchase for households with pollen allergies. During the peak pollen seasons in spring and summer, an air source heat pump's air-purifying feature can provide relief. An air source heat pump can also dehumidify the air if the humidity levels in the building are too high.

It is crucial to keep the air source heat pump clean, especially when it is actively used. In less expensive models, cleaning must be done manually, while more costly models may feature automatic cleaning. Automatic cleaning of an air source heat pump reduces maintenance needs and makes using the pump more convenient.

Depending on the model, one feature may include remote control of the air source heat pump. This means you can manage the air source heat pump remotely via an internet connection. For example, you can turn it off or adjust its temperature from anywhere at any time. Overall, remote control makes life more convenient. If you seek ease of use, choose an air source heat pump with automatic cleaning and remote control features.

Energy Efficiency 

An air source heat pump is not only energy-saving but also an energy-efficient small appliance. The energy efficiency of air source heat pumps is typically indicated by energy labels. It is wise to select an energy-efficient air source heat pump, as it consumes less energy and helps save even more on electricity bills. 

The energy efficiency of an air source heat pump is indicated not only by the energy label but also by a couple of other metrics. The COP coefficient, or Coefficient of Performance, indicates the efficiency of the air source heat pump. The SCOP coefficient, or Seasonal Coefficient of Performance, indicates the annual efficiency.

COP and SCOP are essential measures of an air source heat pump's energy efficiency. The higher the COP or SCOP, the more efficient the air source heat pump. For example, if the SCOP is four, it means that with a consumption of 1kW of energy, 4kW of heat energy is produced. The most efficient air source heat pumps can have a SCOP of over 5.

Noise Level

The noise level of the air source heat pump should be considered, especially if it will be installed in areas that need to be quiet or where noise may be disruptive. For instance, in bedrooms and living rooms, loud humming can be disturbing, particularly at night. Additionally, if there are noise-sensitive residents or small children in the household, choosing the quietest air source heat pump is advisable.

The noise level is usually indicated in decibels (dB) in the product description. The quietest air source heat pumps can have a decibel level as low as 20dB. For comparison, a computer's noise level is around 30-50 dB, while the noise level of normal conversation easily reaches 50-70dB. Therefore, air source heat pumps can be surprisingly quiet and should not disturb normal life. 

Cost of an Air Source Heat Pump

One key influencing factor during the selection phase is, of course, the cost of the air source heat pump. Whether to choose an expensive or cheap air source heat pump depends on your requirements and desires. It is advisable to consider your budget from the very beginning, as an air source heat pump is a significant home purchase.

There is a wide range of air source heat pumps, as well as price ranges. A cheap air source heat pump may cost significantly less than €1000, while more expensive models can exceed €2000. The price difference between models can be considerable and is affected by several factors.

The price of the air source heat pump is influenced by its features, but also by energy efficiency and age. An air source heat pump equipped with remote control and automatic cleaning may cost more than a model that requires manual cleaning. 

When evaluating price, particularly the price-to-quality ratio, it is essential to consider that an air source heat pump will effectively pay for itself through energy savings. The initial investment, which includes the air source heat pump and installation, incurs costs, but afterwards, there will be significant savings on heating expenses. Thus, an air source heat pump can significantly reduce electricity costs, especially in electrically heated homes.

Installation and Maintenance of an Air Source Heat Pump

It is advisable to purchase installation services for the air source heat pump. Only a qualified installer can perform the installation of an air source heat pump. Therefore, ensure that the installer holds certifications for refrigerants and electrical work – both are necessary.

When considering whether an air source heat pump is a reasonable purchase, it is good to take the household tax deduction into account. You can apply for a household tax deduction for the installation of the air source heat pump, making the purchase more affordable. However, the deduction doesn't apply to the air source heat pump itself, only to the installation.

During the installation phase, the location of the indoor unit of the air source heat pump will also be determined. The positioning of the indoor unit significantly influences the benefits obtained from the heat pump, and it should be placed in a central location. In a single-storey house, the air source heat pump should be installed near the entrance. In a two-storey house, the indoor unit should ideally be placed in an open staircase or intermediate floor. In summary, the air source heat pump should be located centrally in an open and easily accessible area. 

It's essential to maintain the air source heat pump so that it lasts as long as possible and operates properly. Both the cleaning and actual maintenance of the air source heat pump must occur regularly and correctly. For example, the coarse filter needs to be cleaned every 2-4 weeks, while the air source heat pump requires servicing only about every four years. Signs that maintenance is needed may include unpleasant odors or decreased efficiency.

Explore Euronics' Range of Air Source Heat Pumps

An air source heat pump saves the day when it's hot outside or extremely cold. A good air source heat pump is appropriately powered for its intended use, reliable, and operates flawlessly. You can find air source heat pumps for cooling and heating in Euronics’ online store and local shops. Whether you're looking for a small air source heat pump, one for an apartment, or a townhouse, Euronics is here to help.

Euronics offers air source heat pump installation services. The option to install and the cost of installation can vary by location, so it is advisable to confirm this with your Euronics store. Euronics serves throughout the country – you receive the best local service from our stores.

At Euronics, we are happy to assist you in selecting an air source heat pump. You can contact us via chat and place an order in our online store or visit the nearest Euronics store.