Considering the air-to-air heat pump – pros and cons

We’re constantly searching for effective and affordable solutions when it comes to heating and insulating our homes. A lot of homeowners are choosing the air-to-air heat pump because it offers cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. However, it has benefits and cons of its own that homeowners should weigh before deciding, just like any other heating system.

Energy efficiency is one of the best features of an air-to-air heat pump. Instead of producing heat like conventional heating systems do, these pumps only move heat from the outside air into your house. This method uses less energy, so it’s a greener choice that may eventually result in lower energy costs. Additionally, you can reverse the process to get a cooling effect during the sweltering summer months, making it comfortable all year round.

It’s crucial to balance these advantages with any potential drawbacks, though. Extreme cold can be difficult for air-to-air heat pumps to operate in because there is less heat energy in the outside air to move indoors. This may cause them to be less effective and efficient in the winter, necessitating the use of a backup heating system to make up for it. Furthermore, compared to traditional systems, installation costs can be higher; however, long-term energy savings might make up for this initial outlay.

In conclusion, the choice to install an air-to-air heat pump ought to be determined by your financial situation, climate, and unique requirements. It has certain drawbacks even though it provides energy-efficient heating and cooling capabilities. You can make an informed decision that maintains the comfort of your house and lowers your energy costs by weighing the benefits and drawbacks.

Considering an air-to-air heat pump for heating and insulation of your home comes with both advantages and drawbacks. On the positive side, these pumps are energy-efficient, using electricity to move heat rather than generating it directly, which can lead to lower heating bills. They also provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, offering year-round comfort. Additionally, air-to-air heat pumps are relatively easy to install and require less maintenance compared to other heating systems. However, there are downsides to consider. In colder climates, the efficiency of air-to-air heat pumps can decrease, requiring a backup heating system. They may also be less effective during extremely cold weather, making them less reliable in regions with harsh winters. Furthermore, the initial cost of purchasing and installing a heat pump can be high, although this investment may be offset by long-term energy savings.

How an air-to-air heat pump works

With the exception of the "heating of the room" mode, the TH’s general operating principle is similar to that of an air conditioner in many aspects. The air conditioner is meant to cool the rooms, and the heat pump is meant to heat them. During operation, low potential energy of air is used. Consequently, there has been a reduction in energy consumption of over three times. If we skip over the technical details, the air-to-air heat pump unit works on the following principle:

• The air, even at negative temperatures, retains a certain amount of heat energy. This happens until the temperature readings reach absolute zero. Most heat pump models are capable of extracting heat when the temperature reaches -15°C. Several well-known manufacturers have produced stations that remain operational at -25 ° C and even -32 ° C.
• The low-potential heat is extracted due to the evaporation of Freon circulating through the internal circuit of the heat pump. For this purpose, an evaporator is used – a unit in which optimal conditions are created for the conversion of refrigerant from liquid to gaseous state. In this case, according to physical laws, a large amount of heat is absorbed.
• The next unit located in the air-to-air heating system is the compressor. It is here that the refrigerant in a gaseous state is supplied. The chamber is pressurized, which leads to a sharp and significant heating of Freon. Through a nozzle, the refrigerant is injected into the condenser. The compressor for the heat pump has a spiral design, which facilitates start-up at low temperatures.
• In the internal unit, located directly in the room, there is a condenser, which simultaneously performs the function of a heat exchanger. Gaseous heated Freon, purposefully condenses on the walls of the module, while giving off heat energy. The TH distributes the received heat in a similar way to a split system.
  The heated air can be distributed in ducts. This solution is especially practical for heating large apartment buildings, warehouses and industrial premises.

The efficiency of the air-to-air heat pump and its working principle are directly correlated with the surrounding temperature. The station performs worse "outside the window" in colder weather. At minus -25°C, the air-to-air heat pump (in most models) stops operating entirely. In order to offset the absence of heat, a backup boiler is set up. It is best to use an electric heating element at the same time.

Two indoor and two outdoor units make up an air-to-air heat pump. The layout and installation process of the design are quite similar to those of a split system. The indoor unit is fixed to the ceiling or wall. Relays are used to change the settings.

Geothermal units are a better option for heating in northern regions, as air heating will not work there.

What is the difference between an air-to-air heat pump and an air conditioner?

Although the air-to-air TH operates similarly to an air conditioner, its capacity and design features are very different. Despite the apparent similarities, there are actually some notable differences if you focus on the technical aspects:

• Performance – air-to-air heat pump for heating the house, maximizes the efficiency of heating the room. Some models are capable of cooling the air. During room conditioning, energy efficiency is significantly inferior to conventional air conditioners.
• Economy – even inverter air conditioners, during operation, spend more electricity than heating by air-to-air heat pump requires. When switching to heating mode, electricity costs increase even further.
  The energy efficiency coefficient of the TH is determined by the PRA. The average performance of the stations is 3-5 units. Electricity costs in this case are 1 kW for every 3-5 kW of heat received.
• Scope of application – air conditioners are used for ventilation and additional heating of the room, provided that the ambient temperature will not be less than +5°С. Air-to-air heat pumps are used as the main source of heating throughout the year in medium latitudes. With certain modifications, can be used for cooling rooms.

Despite the need for initial capital investments, the use of renewable energy sources is not only feasible but also economically profitable, as demonstrated by the global experience with air-to-air heat pumps.

How to choose an air-to-air heat pump

The accuracy of the station selection and initial calculations directly affect the air-to-air heat pump’s efficiency in heating the house. When choosing a suitable TH, consider the following features:

• Heat pump capacity.
• Company manufacturer.
• Cost of equipment and connection.

Other functions are also taken into consideration. The amount of tasks that are available in an air-to-air TH can vary depending on its design. The apparatus is capable of providing both heating and cooling. Some manufacturers have equipment with built-in tanks for heating domestic hot water that is sold separately.

The ideal air-to-air heat pump heating system is built for future operation and complies with the building’s technical requirements. If the calculations are accurate, the installation will become self-sufficient after two to three years of heavy use.

How to calculate the required capacity of the heat pump

Using the formula 0.7 kW = 10 m², low-temperature air-to-air heat pumps for heating systems are computed. As a result, rough capacity parameters are found.

The formula is fairly accurate for preliminary calculations. For instance, the capacity of a domestic air-to-air heat pump for a 200 m² room can be determined as follows:

• Power calculation includes a standard room, with average heat loss and ceiling height not more than 2.7 m, under the condition of permanent residence.
• For every 10 m², 0.7 kW of TH performance is required. For 100 m² you will need a 7 kW unit, 200 m² – 14 kW.
• If the circuit diagram includes a water heating tank, another 10-20% of power is added to the result obtained.

Assuming accurate computations, air-to-air heaters should operate at a comfortable 23 degrees Celsius for the duration of the heating season, resulting in low heating expenses.

Which brand of air-to-air heating system to choose

German, Chinese, and Japanese manufacturers sell the equipment. It is imperative to make decisions based on the guidelines provided in the technical documentation and customer reviews.

Japan produces the best brands of air-to-air pumps. Asian businesses were among the first to employ the technique of cooling buildings by extracting low-potential energy from the surrounding air. Their products have greatly improved since then:

• Daikin is a world leader in the manufacture of heating and air conditioning systems. The main feature of the product is the full integration of the system into the house and providing autonomous climate control, adapting to the wishes of the owners. The Daikin brand offers heat pumps for domestic and commercial applications, working for heating and cooling, as well as providing DHW needs.

• Mitsubishi – the domestic consumer is familiar with the company"s products mainly by the cars produced. But, like many other Japanese companies, in addition to machines, Mitsubishi produces several other types of equipment.
  The main advantage of the company is considered to be the creation of a unique design ZUBADAN, which allowed to significantly improve operating parameters and reduce energy costs. Mitsubishi THs keep working capacity down to -25°C. For heating industrial complexes, multi-zone systems are developed.

• Fujitsu – the main focus of the company is on the production of so-called combined systems with a wide range of additional functionality. THs work for heating and cooling. If necessary, easily integrated into the system of liquid heating and DHW. Fujitsu – these are compact and easy-to-use systems designed for heating private homes and cottages.

In addition to selecting a manufacturer, consider the technical specifications of the station, specifically the SOR and the lowest temperature at which the pump continues to function.

How much does a TN air-to-air cost

Technical features and the existence of extra functions affect the price. The Japanese are used to grouping units according to their dependability and performance. The consumer can choose from three categories of equipment:

• Household – approximate price 200-350 thousand rubles. rub. The maximum heated area is not more than 100-140 m².
• Semi-industrial – will cost 500-800 thousand. rub.
• Industrial – the most expensive and productive units, designed for long operation under unfavorable conditions. Performance up to 90 kW. Cost from 900 to 3 million. rub.

In addition, the cost of project production and installation, as well as the distribution of air flows during operation, should be added to the heat pump’s price. This is particularly crucial when heating large areas that have been partitioned off into separate rooms.

An alternative for heating and cooling homes is the air-to-air heat pump, which is becoming more and more popular. These systems’ energy efficiency is one of their main benefits. They use a lot less energy than traditional heating systems to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter by transferring heat between the indoor and outdoor air.

The adaptability of air-to-air heat pumps is another advantage. Large-scale ductwork is not necessary for their installation, making them suitable for both new and old homes. They are therefore a practical choice for homeowners wishing to modernize their HVAC systems without having to undertake extensive remodeling.

Air-to-air heat pumps do have some disadvantages, though. Their efficiency may drop in colder climates, resulting in increased energy use and decreased heating capacity. Furthermore, they might not be the greatest choice for houses that already have ductwork installed that isn’t suitable for installing a heat pump.

To sum up, air-to-air heat pumps provide homeowners with an enticing combination of energy economy, adaptability, and convenience. Even though they might not be appropriate in every circumstance, their advantages make them worthwhile for anyone wishing to upgrade the heating and cooling system in their house. As with any home improvement project, it’s critical to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages and seek professional advice to identify the best course of action for your unique requirements.

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