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An air-to-air heat pump, often called a reverse-cycle air conditioner or air-to-air climate control system, is a highly efficient, renewable heating system that extracts thermal energy from the ambient outdoor air. It works by transferring this heat directly into your home's internal air via blower units, providing both instant heating in winter and efficient cooling in summer.
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The term air-to-air defines both the source of the heat and the method of its delivery, setting it apart from air-to-water or ground source systems.
The core process relies on the heat pump cycle, but bypasses the need for water pipes and a central hot water cylinder for distribution.
The operation is based on the vapour compression refrigeration cycle, which is simply reversed depending on whether you need heating or cooling:
This dual-functionality (heating and cooling) is a major benefit, providing efficient, all-season climate control.
The initial cost of installing an air to air heat pump in Ireland is generally lower than other heat pump types due to reduced installation complexity.
Yes, air to air heat pumps are an excellent investment, especially when seeking a fast, efficient, and dual-purpose (heating and cooling) solution without major structural modifications.
The advantages that justify the cost include:
An air-to-air heat pump offers significant long-term savings due to its superior efficiency, particularly when compared to fossil fuel or older electric heating systems.
While the running costs are highly competitive, the low initial installation cost (when compared to air-to-water or ground source) makes the payback period shorter.
This projection illustrates the long-term financial advantage of choosing a highly efficient system.
It assumes one system replacement for fossil fuel boilers over 25 years due to their shorter lifespan.
| Heating System | Initial Cost (Net after grant) | Estimated Running Cost Over 25 Years | Total Estimated Cost (25 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-to-Air Heat Pump | €6,500 – €16,500 | €17,500 – €25,000 | €24,000 – €41,500 |
| High-Efficiency Gas Boiler | €3,500 – €5,000 | €30,000 – €45,000 | €33,500 – €50,000 |
| Electric Radiators | €1,500 – €3,000 | €70,000 – €120,000 | €71,500 – €123,000 |
Procuring an air to air heat pump Ireland system requires working with certified professionals who can ensure the unit is correctly sized and installed for Irish climate conditions and regulations.
This table compares the estimated Annual Heating Energy Cost for an average home across different technologies, based on current 2025 energy unit prices.
| Heating System | Price per kWh input | Efficiency (COP) | Price per kWh output | Annual Heating Energy Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Radiators | €0.3150 | 100% | €0.315 | €4,725 |
| Oil Boiler | €0.093 | 75% | €0.124 | €1,860 |
| Gas Boiler | €0.1000 | 75% | €0.133 | €2,000 |
| Air to Air Heat Pump | €0.3150 | 400% | €0.079 | €1,181 |
| Air to Water Heat Pump | €0.3150 | 375% | €0.084 | €1,260 |
Based on Oil price of €0.97/litre. This annual cost for Gas does not include the standing charge. Note: Air-to-air systems are one of the most cost-effective methods for purely space heating.
While the low air-to-air heat pump Ireland prices and running costs are attractive, potential buyers must consider the specific limitations of this technology:
| Disadvantage | Description | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| No Domestic Hot Water (DHW) | The system delivers only conditioned air; it cannot heat your shower and tap water. | Pair the system with a highly efficient solar immersion heater or dedicated solar thermal system. |
| Air Movement/Noise | Heat is distributed via fans, which creates air flow and minor fan noise (though often quiet) in the rooms. | Choose units with low-noise sleep modes and ensure they are appropriately sized to avoid running at maximum capacity. |
| Aesthetic Impact | The internal wall-mounted units can be bulky and may not suit all interior design preferences. | Consider ducted systems (if undergoing major renovation) or choose slimline, modern units placed above doorways. |
| Zonal Penetration | Heating is most effective directly in the room with the unit; heat transfer to adjacent rooms can be poor if doors are closed. | Install multi-split indoor units in all primary living areas and bedrooms, or rely on open-plan layouts. |
The best way to ensure the lowest running costs is to adopt a steady temperature management strategy:
Maintenance is minimal compared to a boiler.
You should perform simple tasks monthly: clean the indoor unit's air filters to maintain air flow and efficiency.
Additionally, a professional should service the system every 1-2 years. This service involves checking the refrigerant charge, cleaning the outdoor coil, and ensuring the electrical connections and fan motors are operating correctly to uphold system efficiency and warranty.
The defrost cycle is a normal part of operation in cold weather. When temperatures drop, moisture in the air can freeze on the outdoor unit's coil, reducing efficiency.
The system automatically enters a defrost cycle for about 5-10 minutes, where it briefly reverses the refrigerant flow to melt the ice.
During this time, the indoor unit will stop blowing warm air. This is essential for maintaining the heat pump's high efficiency when it's cold outside.
Yes, one outdoor unit can heat an entire house using a multi-split system.
This involves one large outdoor unit connected to multiple smaller indoor units (blowers) placed in different rooms (e.g., bedrooms, living room, kitchen).
Each indoor unit operates independently, allowing you to set different temperatures in different zones. This provides highly flexible and efficient zoned heating and cooling throughout the property.
Find Out More About Home Heating Efficiency
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.
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