November 14, 2024

How can you improve the efficiency of your air to water heat pump in winter?

Low energy consumption. Reduced operating costs. Cleaner energy. Air to water heat pumps are increasingly appealing to consumers who opt for hydronic heating systems, such as radiant floor heating or hot-water radiators. However, in cold weather, air to water heat pumps are not always able to meet 100% of heating needs. A back-up system is often required to maintain optimum comfort levels in indoor spaces. This is where the AltSource^TM system comes in, the only high-volume electric boiler on the market.

Why doesn’t my heat pump work as well in cold weather?

Heat pumps are generally very effective heating systems for ensuring thermal comfort in a condo or house. However, during periods of extreme cold, from temperatures of around -20 °C, some heat pumps may have difficulty producing enough heat to maintain a comfortable room temperature inside.

The importance of an auxiliary heating system

That’s why many heat pump owners turn to a backup heating system, such as oil, propane, or electricity. This auxiliary energy source assists the main heating system in providing the missing energy, ensuring greater indoor comfort in winter.

During periods of extreme cold, from temperatures of around -20 °C, some heat pumps may have difficulty producing enough heat to maintain a comfortable room temperature inside.

AltSource: An ideal auxiliary heating solution for air to water heat pumps

With air to water heat pumps, the auxiliary heating system you choose must be compatible with your hydronic system. This is the case with the AltSource electric boiler, which uses electricity to heat your radiant floors or hot-water radiators in your home when the heat pump alone no longer meets the energy demand. In fact, it’s the most environmentally friendly solution since it reduces your reliance on fossil fuels.

Key benefits:

Uses electricity, a more environmentally friendly energy source than oil or propane
Stores energy thanks to its high-volume water tank
Helps keep your air to water heat pump running longer
Is automatically and precisely controlled according to outdoor temperature levels

Combining the advantages of an electric boiler and a storage tank

AltSource is the only auxiliary heating system that connects easily to air to water heat pumps. It offers the advantages of both an electric boiler and a large-capacity storage tank, making it even more efficient. Its unique combination means that it can produce the heating energy you need in periods of extreme cold and store it to be ready for use when the time comes.

It’s simple: when the air to water heat pump operates, AltSource stores energy in its high-volume water tank, acting like a battery. The energy stored in the tank can then be used when heating demand increases, avoiding the need to generate new energy straight away.

Keeping your air to water heat pump running longer

And that’s not all: AltSource optimizes the performance of the air to water heat pump and helps it run longer. Adding an AltSource electric boiler to a hydronic heating system evacuates air, removes dirt, and ensures optimal pump operation. It also helps the heat pump run longer in its cycle, preventing it from quickly falling into on/off mode.

Absolute, precise temperature control

Thanks to its intelligent T2 UltraSmart® controller, the AltSource electric boiler enhances indoor comfort through precise temperature management. This controller modulates the unit’s output according to demand and automatically adjusts the water temperature according to the outside temperature. You can also set when the auxiliary heating system switches on and off.

A proven, efficient and economical auxiliary heating system

The high efficiency of the AltSource electric boiler is already well-known in the air to water heat pump market. Some manufacturers and suppliers even sell it as an add-on to their systems so that many homes now benefit from the increased thermal comfort it provides in winter.

To further reduce energy consumption costs, the AltSource electric boiler also offers the option of adding a copper exchanger. This option allows you to heat or preheat running water to meet all your domestic hot water needs for dishwashing, washing, bathing or showering—for the whole family.

In addition to providing ideal supplementary heating for air to water heat pumps, the AltSource electric boiler can also be used in combination with other types of renewable energy, such as geothermal, wood-fired, biomass, and solar thermal.

Ready to optimize your winter heating? Get the AltSource now!