Air-to-air heat pumps provide efficient heating but can also help cool your home in summer.
They work differently to standard air source heat pumps because they heat the air directly, rather than heating water for radiators.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has now been expanded to include air-to-air heat pumps, making them much more worthwhile exploring.
Heat pumps are becoming a much bigger part of the UK’s home energy conversation, and it’s easy to see why. Families are looking for cleaner, more efficient ways to stay comfortable at home, without relying so heavily on fossil fuels or outdated heating systems.
Most people have heard of air source heat pumps, but air-to-air systems are now getting more attention too. If you’re researching an air to air heat pump, it’s important to understand how they work, what they can and can’t do and whether they suit your property.
We asked RES CIC energy advisors to help get you started with this quick introduction.
What is an Air-to-Air Heat Pump?
An air-to-air heat pump takes warmth from outside air and transfers it into your home. This might sound surprising on a cold day, but there is still heat energy in the air, even when temperatures feel low.
The system uses electricity to move that heat, rather than creating heat by burning fuel. Warm air is then blown into the room through an indoor unit, a bit like the way some modern air conditioning systems work.
This is the main difference between an air-to-air system and an air source heat pump. A traditional air source heat pump usually heats water, which then flows through radiators or underfloor heating. An air-to-air system heats the air directly.
Can Heat Pumps Cool a House?
With air-to-air systems, the answer is usually yes.
Because many air-to-air heat pumps can work in reverse, they can provide warm air in winter and cooler air in summer. In heating mode, the system moves heat from outside to inside. In cooling mode, it does the opposite, moving heat from inside your home to the outside.
So, can heat pumps cool a house during warmer months? In many cases, yes, especially when the right system is installed in the right space. This makes air-to-air heat pumps particularly useful for homes that struggle with summer overheating, loft rooms, open-plan areas or rooms used for home working.
Is an Air-to-Air Heat Pump The Right Choice For Me?
An air to air heat pump can be a smart option for homes where direct room heating makes sense. They may suit:
Flats, apartments and smaller homes
Open-plan living spaces
Rooms that are difficult to heat with existing systems
Homes currently using electric heaters
Properties that also need summer cooling
Households looking for lower-carbon comfort
However, they are not the right answer for every property. Most air-to-air systems do not provide hot water, so you may still need a separate solution for baths, showers and taps. They also do not connect to traditional radiators, which means larger or more divided homes may need multiple indoor units to feel comfortable throughout.
This is why good advice matters. The best system depends on how your home is built, how it is insulated, how you currently heat it and which rooms you use most.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
One exciting update is that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been expanded to include air-to-air heat pumps. This means eligible households may now be able to access support towards installation, making the technology more affordable than ever before.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has already helped homeowners look at cleaner heating options, including air source and ground source heat pumps. Its expansion means air-to-air systems can now be part of that mix too, particularly for homes where this style of heating and cooling is a practical fit.
Rule Number 1: Insulate First!
As with any heating upgrade, insulation should always come first. A heat pump will work harder in a draughty or poorly insulated home, because warm air can escape too easily in winter and unwanted heat can build up in summer.
Before choosing an air to air heat source pump, it’s worth thinking about loft insulation, wall insulation, ventilation, shading and general home energy improvements. The better your home holds a comfortable temperature, the less energy you should need to use.
This is exactly where RES can help. We look at the whole home, not just one product, helping you understand which improvements should be prioritised and what support may be available.
If you are considering an air-to-air heat pump, or simply want to understand your options, check your eligibility with us. A friendly RES advisor can help you explore the right route