EXPERT GUIDE
Air-to-air heat pumps
Heat pumps get a lot of publicity, but usually for those types that output to a water-based central heating system. Build It Live’s eco heating expertDavid Hiltonlooks at whether air conditioning versions are worth considering for your project
The owners of this house in Huddersfield added a kitchendiner extension and new loft room. They weren’t keen to hog wall space with radiators, so fitted air con to provide heating and cooling. They chose Mitsubishi Electric’s (www.mitsubishielectric. com) M Series MXZ multi-split outdoor unit, linked to two stylish wallmounted Zen internal units. The system was fitted in a just one day
Heat pumps have rapidly become the go-to technology for anyone looking to upgrade their central heating system, or indeed simply replace an old boiler. There are many different types available, and sometimes the choices can seem very overwhelming. One option that’s less well known in the UK is air-to-air heat pumps – but what are they, and when could they be the right fit?
Heat pump basics
A heat pump is fundamentally a mechanical device that moves warmth from one place to another, as opposed to combusting a fossil fuel (such as gas) to create warmth. The unit is made up of an evaporator that collects the heat, a compressor to enhance it, and a condenser to deliver it into the main heating system.