Find a Cheaper Gas Provider and Save Money in 2025!
Call our Selectra agents today for expert and trusted advice on switching gas providers and make sure that you are getting the cheapest deal on gas prices.
Variable Discount
26% Discount
30% Discount
An air to water heat pump is a highly efficient, renewable heating technology that extracts thermal energy from the outdoor air and transfers it to your home's central heating system, including radiators, underfloor heating, and a hot water cylinder. Functioning much like a refrigerator in reverse, this system uses a refrigeration cycle and minimal electricity to deliver significantly more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes. This makes it a primary solution for reducing both energy bills and carbon emissions in residential properties.
High Heating Bills Costing You More Than You Want in 2025?
Call us today here at Selectra and one of our energy experts can help you switch to a cheaper provider for free in 15 mins!
Call Today to Switch Energy Providers and Save On Your Energy Bills
We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we're open!
An air to water heat pump (AWHP) is a system that absorbs heat from the surrounding air, even in cold temperatures (as low as -15 °C or -20 °C), and uses this heat to warm water.
This warmed water then circulates through your home's heating circuit and heats your domestic hot water supply.
The core principle behind the operation of an AWHP is the vapour compression cycle.
This process involves three main components:
This mechanical process is incredibly energy-efficient, with many systems achieving a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3 to 5, meaning for every 1 kW of electrical energy consumed, the system delivers 3 to 5 kW of usable heat energy.
The typical lifespan of an air to water heat pump is robust, averaging 17 to 20 years.
The air to water heat pump cost in Ireland is highly variable, depending on the size of the home, its current insulation level, the specific system chosen, and installation complexity.
While the overall installed cost includes labour, grants, and associated home upgrades, the hardware itself—the heat pump unit and necessary components—represents a significant portion of the total investment.
For a typical residential installation:
Air to water heat pumps are typically sourced and installed through specialised, certified renewable energy contractors or plumbing and heating merchants.
It is generally not recommended for homeowners to purchase the unit independently due to complex sizing requirements and warranty conditions.
Key procurement channels include:
Always ensure the installer is an SEAI-registered contractor to guarantee eligibility for all available government grants (€6,500 for a heat pump system in a house).
Yes, an air to water heat pump is generally considered worth it as a long-term investment, particularly in the context of rising fossil fuel costs and climate objectives.
The initial high upfront cost is typically offset by:
How Much Does it Cost a Month to Run a Heat Pump?
Approximately €50 to €83 per month.
Heat pumps work optimally by maintaining a comfortable temperature using a low flow temperature (typically 35 °C to 45 °C).
Older homes, often built with solid walls and poor air sealing, have a high rate of heat loss.
Therefore, a “fabric first” approach—prioritising insulation before installation—is crucial for efficiency and to prevent high running costs.
Key insulation and upgrade targets for older homes:
While air to water heat pumps offer significant long-term benefits in terms of efficiency and environmental impact, potential users must be aware of certain drawbacks.
The following table details the key air to water heat pump disadvantages that need careful consideration, alongside effective strategies to mitigate their impact:
| Disadvantage | Description | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| High Upfront Cost | The cost of the unit and installation is substantially higher than a traditional boiler. | Utilise government grants and long-term financing options. |
| Performance in Extreme Cold | Efficiency (COP) can decrease when external temperatures drop significantly (below -5°C). | Ensure the system is correctly sized and includes a supplementary heating element for extreme conditions. |
| Requirement for Good Insulation | Heat pumps operate best at lower flow temperatures, necessitating a well-insulated home. | Prioritise a "fabric first" approach to insulation and heat loss reduction. |
| Acoustics/Noise | The outdoor unit's fan and compressor generate some operational noise. | Select a modern, low-noise model and ensure appropriate placement away from neighbour's windows. |
If a homeowner experiences a high electric bill after installation, it is almost always due to issues related to setup, insulation, or usage patterns.
Common reasons include:
The "20 degree rule" is not a formal heat pump operating standard, but an informal reference emphasizing that AWHPs must maintain a consistent, steady temperature rather than fluctuating between high and low settings.
The key operational advice for AWHPs is to:
Compared to a traditional fossil fuel boiler, the maintenance needs of an air to water heat pump are relatively simple. However, annual professional servicing by a qualified technician is essential. This check ensures the system is running at peak efficiency, maintains the validity of your manufacturer's warranty, and includes:
The homeowner should regularly ensure the outdoor unit is clear of leaves, debris, and snow, and listen for any unusual operating noises.
Yes, many modern air to water heat pump systems are "reversible" and can be used to provide cooling during warmer months. This is achieved by reversing the refrigeration cycle, extracting heat from inside your home and dissipating it outside.
However, the effectiveness of cooling depends entirely on the type of heat emitters you have:
Modern air to water heat pump outdoor units are significantly quieter than older models, typically operating at a sound power level between 40 and 60 decibels (dB) at a distance of one metre. This is comparable to the noise level of a quiet conversation or a refrigerator.
In many regions, regulations govern heat pump noise levels to prevent disturbance to neighbours. For instance, in the UK and Ireland, units must often comply with a 42 dB limit (measured from the nearest neighbouring habitable room) to avoid requiring specific planning permission. Proper placement—away from windows and boundary walls—and selecting a model with an active "silent mode" are key factors in meeting these regulations.
Find Out More About Home Heating
The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.
Looking for Lower Energy Bills in 2025?
