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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.
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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:
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 2026 carbon tax levels.
The initial high upfront cost is typically offset by:
How Much Does it Cost a Month to Run a Heat Pump?
Approximately €45 to €80 per month on average across the year.
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.
| Disadvantage | Description | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| High Upfront Cost | The cost of the unit and installation is substantially higher than a traditional boiler. | Utilise government grants (up to €7,500) 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 boundary walls. |
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:
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.
Yes, many modern air to water heat pump systems are "reversible" and can be used to provide cooling during warmer months.
Modern units typically operate between 40 and 60 decibels (dB) at one metre. In Ireland, units usually comply with a 42 dB limit at the nearest boundary to avoid planning permission issues.
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.
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