Here at Cookswood, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. All our properties are built with Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) as standard.
Air Source Heat Pumps are renewable energy systems used for heating and sometimes cooling residential and commercial buildings. Here's how they work:
Heat Extraction: ASHPs absorb heat from the outside air, even when the temperature is low. This heat is extracted using a refrigerant fluid, which has a low boiling point.
Compression: The heat absorbed from the air is then compressed, raising its temperature further. This process is similar to how a refrigerator works but in reverse.
Heat Distribution: The compressed and heated refrigerant is then passed through a heat exchanger, where it transfers its heat to a water-based central heating system (e.g., underfloor heating, radiators) or to a hot water cylinder for domestic hot water
Refrigerant Expansion: After releasing its heat, the refrigerant expands and returns to its gaseous state. It then cycles back to the outdoor unit to begin the process again.
ASHPs offer several advantages:
Renewable Energy: They use renewable energy sources (the heat in the air) to provide heating, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Efficiency: ASHPs can be highly efficient, especially in moderate climates. They can produce more energy (heat) than the electricity they consume.
Lower Carbon Emissions: By using electricity instead of burning fossil fuels directly for heating, ASHPs can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Versatility: ASHPs can provide both heating and cooling, making them suitable for year-round use.
Potential Cost Savings: Although the initial installation cost can be higher than traditional heating systems, ASHPs can lead to long-term cost savings on energy bills, especially as energy prices rise.