Purchasing and installing an air source heat pump: energy efficiency and comfort for your home, whatever the type of dwelling
Summer is here again, and with it comes warm weather. In recent years, Finland has also been enjoying long periods of heat, prompting people to look for ways to cool down both themselves and their homes. Keeping your home cool is particularly important, as prolonged heat can have a detrimental effect on the structure of your home and can lead to moisture build-up.
Did you know that you can also get an air-source heat pump for a townhouse or apartment building?
Why get an air-source heat pump?
By purchasing an air-source heat pump, you can cool your home, workplace or summer cottage efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way. If you are wondering whether an air conditioner would be sufficient or whether an air-source heat pump would be a better option, it is good to know that, in addition to cooling, an air-source heat pump also cleans the air. This can be crucial information for those who suffer from allergies due to pollen.
An air source heat pump brings significant comfort and promotes respiratory health, as well as improving sleep quality by allowing the temperature in the bedroom to be adjusted to an optimum. In addition, the air source heat pump is an important tool for building services, while protecting the structure of the home. It effectively prevents the formation of temperature deposits and removes excess humidity. It can be used for both cooling and heating the home. However, it should be noted that in most terraced houses and apartment blocks, heating costs are usually included in the response bill, and heat is distributed through the housing company's own heating distribution channels. In detached houses, an air-source heat pump can be used as a back-up heating system, and the best quality units will work perfectly even in sub-zero temperatures of -25 degrees Celsius.
So can I get an air-source heat pump for a terraced or apartment building?
Yes, you can. The purchase of an air-source heat pump for a terraced or apartment building requires a permit process through the board of the building association. In practice, however, flat owners can install an air-source heat pump on their own balcony, provided it does not cause any harm to the property or the environment. However, installation, removal and major maintenance work must be carried out by a professional, as it involves electrical work that requires a permit.
According to regulations, the sound level of an air-source heat pump must not exceed 45 dB outside the window of a nearby building, on the balcony and in the yard. A properly selected and installed air-source heat pump will not cause noise nuisance to the neighbourhood. Existing air source heat pumps are designed to emit very little noise. The installation work itself is less likely to disturb neighbours, as the noisiest part of the installation phase usually lasts only about 15 minutes. It is also worth asking your neighbours if they would be interested in a joint order. This will speed up the permitting process, which is currently being discussed by the board of the housing association, and can make a joint order more cost-effective.
During installation, it is also ensured that the condensation water collected by the air-source heat pump is channelled in a controlled way to the drainage system, rainwater gutters, a well or drainage. This will ensure that excess moisture does not accumulate in the building structures and will also prevent condensate seepage, which could cause harmful moisture damage.
How do I take care of my air source heat pump?
An air-source heat pump will last 12-15 years if well maintained. You can vacuum and wash the filters yourself. The cleaning interval will be affected by how often the heat pump is used and, for example, whether there are pets in the household. The location of the unit also affects the cleaning needs. If the air-source heat pump is installed in the kitchen, the filters will collect grease from cooking and should be cleaned weekly. It is also important to regularly check the cleanliness of the outdoor unit, especially in autumn, when twigs and leaves may accumulate around it.
You should have a professional do a deep cleaning every three years or so. This is when a professional will check the functionality of the parts of the appliance and carry out a thorough cleaning.
Please take these into account when purchasing an air-source heat pump:
- If you live in a block of flats or a terraced house, apply to the board of the housing company for a permit to carry out alterations.
- Assess your needs. Do you want an air source heat pump for cooling, heating or both. Find out whether a heating feature is necessary if you live in a block of flats or a terraced house.
- Check the energy efficiency rating of your air-source heat pump and choose an energy-efficient option. Get savings on your electricity bill.
- Consider what your home is like. Spacious or mazy homes require different equipment. Multi-storey homes also have their own considerations.
- When choosing where to place your air source heat pump, make sure there is enough space and good air circulation.
Remember: When you buy an air-source heat pump for your home or cottage, you can put the installation work towards your household tax credit. Read the instructions provided by 24 Center.
24 Center helps with the purchase and installation of air-source heat pumps
Through the 24 Center you can get both air-source heat pump and installation. Contact us and we will identify the best air source for your home and send a professional from our network to carry out the installation work. Remember that you can also order maintenance and service of your unit through us. removal. All this can be arranged in one call, according to your schedule.
