If you want to install a heat pump in your home but you don’t have enough space for the outdoor collector system required for a geothermal heat pump, you should consider installing an air source heat pump instead.
Air source heat pumps, sometimes referred air to air heat pumps, harvest heat from the outdoor air in the winter, and reject heat to the outdoors for cooling in summer. There is no underground energy supply source as with geothermal heat pumps, instead part of the unit sits outside of the home. Air source heat pumps can provide forced air heating and cooling, radiant in-floor heat, and domestic hot water. They are the most popular type of heat pump installed in North America.
Air Source Heat Pump Costs
Air source heat pumps cost less to install than geothermal heat pumps because there is no need to install a ground loop. While air source heat pumps might be cheaper to install, they are slightly less efficient, so will cost a little more to run over the long term if you live in a cold climate. This is for two reasons:
Air Source Heat Pump Efficiencies
In climates where winter weather is very cold, air source heat pumps will not operate as efficiently as geothermal heat pumps. This is because the heat source (the air) doesn’t maintain a consistently warm temperature like the ground does. This results in higher monthly operating costs during the coldest months. In temperatures lower than -4ºF (-20ºC) a Nordic air source heat pump will automatically switch to backup heating so you’ll never be cold.
Efficiency of ATW-65 compared to W-65
Air Source Heat Pump Longevity
Traditional air source heat pumps have the compressor section of the heat pump sitting outside of the home. This exposes the heat pump to the wear and tear of snow, rain, wind, and extraordinary weather events. Nordic air source heat pumps eliminate this issue by locating the majority of the equipment indoors, out of the elements. The only parts of a Nordic air source heat pump that are outside is the heat exchanger, air coil and electronic expansion valve.
To find out whether you should install a geothermal heat pump or an air source heat pump in your home, find a Nordic® installer who will give you an estimate on the cost to install both types of systems.
We have three types of air source heat pumps available. Choose from the options below to find the system that is right for you.
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Air-to-Air Nordic Heat Pumps
The air-to-air heat pump does not get geothermal technology but gets its heat from the outdoor air. Our air-to-air heat pump delivers heating and cooling through ductwork. Learn More »
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Air-to-Air and Water Nordic Heat Pumps
This air source heat pump provides heat via radiant in-floor, and heating and cooling via forced air. This heat pump is ideal for new construction or light commercial. Learn More »
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Air-to-Water Nordic Heat Pumps
This air source heat pump does not use geothermal technology. It provides heat via radiant in-floor heating and cooling via hydronic fan coils. Ideal for residential and commercial settings. Learn More »
