A system that can be used to transfer heat from the outside of a building to the inside is known as an air source heat pump. This is required particularly during the winter season to keep your room warm. It keeps you comfortable also. This device can also be used to perform the reverse operation of transferring the heat from inside the house to the outside during summer months. The other uses of ASHP comprise domestic hot water supply, under floor heating, and hot water filled-radiators. It can also be used as a total central heating solution for large buildings. This device works on electricity.
Gas boilers are also termed as condensing boilers. They are used for heating water in a boiler through a medium of high efficiency waste heat generated from flue gases. Hence, cold water gets heated in the boiler. These boilers are fuelled either by oil or gas. The hot water is circulated through a distribution system inside the building. This method keeps your room warm and pleasant.
While comparing energy efficiency, in general, it has been found that ASHP are reckoned as an efficient option than gas boilers. From the surrounding air, heat is extracted and the energy released by ASHP can be much more when compared to that of gas heat pump operating through gas boilers. In certain cases, the choice of gas fired condensing boiler may be better. However, ASHP is more efficient at certain times of the year as it is dependent on the ambient temperature conditions by its system of operation. The performance of ASHP can be expressed as Coefficient Of Performance or COP, which should be normally more than 2.41. With this value, it performs better than that of gas condensing boilers. This fact reveals that there is a reduction of greenhouse gas emission, resulting in less pollution of air as well as fuel costs in the case of ASHP.
It has been seen that heating cost of heat pump in ASHP will be almost equal to gas boilers. When industry prices of natural gas and electricity are considered, the COP of a heat pump in the case of ASHP should be 3.29. Then its usage is regarded as economical to that of gas boilers.
Conclusion
It has been observed that as long as air source heat pump operates at a higher COP of more than 1, it should be economical when compared to gas boilers. It reduces carbon emission. Heat pumps in ASHP perform better than gas boilers since it works on electricity. The fuel used by gas boilers comprises higher carbon content. This is true in the case of gas boilers operating on coal fired or oil burners.
In 2013, it has been observed that based on the greenhouse gas and cost, these air source heat pumps are recommended for instillation in homes where gas is not available. This will make significant contribution in the direction of reduction in the cost of energy, lowering green gas house emission, and high cost of fuel.
