Air to water (ATW) heat pump systems absorb low-grade heat from external air and transfer it to water using a refrigerant. The heat pump brings the water up toa usable temperature and the water then circulates throughout the home or building, heating anything from radiators to domestic hot water. These systems, also called hydronic heat pump systems, are available in Vermont and can operate at ambient air temperatures to around -13℉. ATW heat pump systems serve as a complete solution for heating, cooling, and hot water supply for your home, simplifying your home’s technology and your heating bills.
- Provides a total solution for heating, cooling, and hot water supply
- Used in residential and commercial buildings
- Pairs best with radiant heating
- System design and installation requires trained contractors
With proper installation, an air to water heat pump can supply up to three times more heat energy than the electrical energy it uses. This efficiency is achieved by transferring heat instead of generating it through fuel combustion like traditional heating systems.
Air-source heat pumps have been widely used across the United States for many years, except in regions with extended periods of subfreezing temperatures. However, recent technological advancements have made air-source heat pumps a viable space heating option even in colder areas.
For instance, a study by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships revealed that air-source heat pumps designed for colder regions, when installed in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, offer substantial savings. Compared to electric resistance heaters, these units save about 3,000 kWh (or $459) annually, and compared to oil systems, they save around 6,200 kWh (or $948) annually. When the oil system is used less frequently but not replaced, the average annual savings are nearly 3,000 kWh (or about $300).
How They Work: The technology
A heat pump’s refrigeration system includes a compressor and two coils made of copper or aluminum, one located indoors and the other outdoors, both featuring aluminum fins to improve heat transfer. When in heating mode, the liquid refrigerant in the outdoor coil absorbs heat from the air and turns into a gas. The indoor coil then releases this heat as the refrigerant condenses back into a liquid. A reversing valve near the compressor allows the refrigerant flow to be reversed for cooling mode and to defrost the outdoor coil during winter.
