Do heat pumps heat water?

Key takeaways:

• Air source heat pumps are fully capable to handle your household’s hot water needs
• They may produce cooler water than traditional systems, but these temperatures are still sufficient for both heating and hot water, so you won’t notice any difference
• Heat pumps are very efficient sources of heat and hot water, able to generate around 4 kWh of heat for each kWh of energy

Heat pumps aren’t just for warming spaces, they also heat water for all your household needs. In this article we will explore air to water heat pumps, the role of hot water storage tanks, and their efficiency compared to traditional heating systems.

Air to water heat pumps

Air source heat pumps are a smart choice for both hot water and space heating. They extract heat from outdoor air using a refrigerant cycle and distribute it to radiators, underfloor heating, and taps. They are an eco-friendly solution that helps reduce both carbon emissions and your energy bills.

Although air to water heat pumps typically produce cooler water than conventional heaters, they are still a great option for household needs like showers and baths. To optimise heating performance, larger radiators may be needed to heat spaces sufficiently. With government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, these pumps are both energy-efficient and a sound investment for eco-conscious homeowners.

The role of hot water tanks

Hot water tanks are crucial for heat pump systems. They store hot water, ensuring it’s available on demand for taps, showers, and baths—especially during peak times.

Low-temperature heat pumps, unlike traditional high-temperature boilers, work more gradually and efficiently. They typically produce water at around 55-60°C, requiring a compatible storage tank to ensure efficient heat transfer and adequate hot water for daily use.

With Aira Intelligence, you never need to worry about having enough hot water; the system learns your patterns and needs to make sure you always have enough hot water when you need it. And on those special occasions when you really need more, you can cue your system to make more hot water from the Aira Home Energy app.

Heat pump efficiency in heating water

Air source heat pumps can efficiently heat water to at least 55°C, suitable for central heating and household tasks. While this is cooler than traditional methods, it’s still effective for most needs, including underfloor heating and showers.

With efficiency ratings between 200% and 400%, air source heat pumps can generate multiple kilowatts of heat for every kilowatt of electricity used, making them an excellent choice for both cost and energy savings.

Conclusion

While heat pumps do create lower temperature water, they still generate enough hot water to handle all daily hot water needs. Their high energy efficiency makes them a great choice to save both money and energy.