Air Source Heat Pumps - Risks and Precautions

Risks and Precautions

• Many air source heat pumps can heat water up to 70°C without difficulty when the air temperature is 5°C or greater. However, to minimize the risk from Legionellosis it is advised that hot water is heated to above 60°C, which may not be possible for some units if outside temperature dips.

• Most air source heat pumps lose their efficiency as the external temperatures fall below 5 degrees Celsius (about 41 degrees Fahrenheit). In colder climates, the system needs to be installed with an auxiliary source of heat to supplement the heat pump in the event of extremely cold temperatures or when it is simply too cold for the heat pump to work at all.

• An Auxiliary Heat/Emergency Heat system, for example a traditional furnace, is also important if the heat pump is malfunctioning or being repaired. In Northern climates, split-system heat pumps matched with gas or oil furnaces will work even in extremely cold temperatures.