What is the difference between a water-to-air and an air-to-water heat pump?
Water-to-air heat pump
A water-to-air heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and distributes it throughout your home or business via a ventilation system. This system can also cool in the summer, making it an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning.
Advantages:
• Acts as both heating and air conditioning in a single system
• Quick installation without major modifications
• Ideal for offices, shops and homes without central heating
• Lower investment cost than other heat pumps
Disadvantages:
• Cannot produce domestic hot water
• Less efficient at low outdoor temperatures
• Less suitable for larger homes with multiple rooms
Air-to-water heat pump
An air-to-water heat pump converts heat from the outside air into hot water for underfloor heating, radiators and domestic hot water. This makes it an ideal solution for homes and buildings with a central heating system.
Advantages:
• Heats both rooms and domestic hot water
• Ideal for underfloor heating and energy-efficient new builds
• More efficient at cold temperatures than an air-to-air heat pump
• Can be combined with solar panels for an energy-efficient system
Disadvantages:
• Higher purchase and installation costs than an air-to-air heat pump
• Requires more space for an outdoor unit and water tank
• Installation requires an existing or new heating system
Which heat pump is the best choice?
The choice between an air-to-air and an air-to-water heat pump depends on your heating requirements, property type and budget. If you do not require hot water and are looking for a simple installation, an air-to-air heat pump is ideal. If you wish to heat your entire home, including domestic hot water, sustainably, an air-to-water heat pump offers a better solution.