A Beginner’s Guide to Air Source Heat Pumps
What They Are, How They Work, and Why We Use Them in Stancliffe Homes
From 2025 onwards, Stancliffe has transitioned to building all of our new homes with air source heat pumps (ASHPs). But what exactly are they, how do they work, and why are we installing them as standard in our homes?
This guide will give you the essentials — without the jargon.
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump is a highly efficient, low-carbon heating system that replaces a traditional gas boiler. Rather than burning fuel, it works by extracting warmth from the air outside, even in cold weather. This ambient heat is then used to:
Heat your home via underfloor heating or radiators
Provide hot water for baths, showers, and taps
It’s a tried-and-tested technology that’s been widely used in Scandinavia, mainland Europe, and UK properties for many years — and is now becoming mainstream in new builds across the country.
How Does It Work?
At a basic level, the system works a lot like a fridge in reverse.
Heat Absorption
A fan draws in outside air. The heat in the air (even in winter) is absorbed by a refrigerant fluid in the system’s coils.Compression
The fluid is compressed, which increases its temperature.Heat Exchange
The hot fluid passes through a heat exchanger, transferring warmth into the home’s heating and hot water systems.Cycle Repeats
The fluid cools, returns to the outdoor unit, and the process repeats.
The system is powered by electricity, but because it moves heat rather than generates it, it can be up to 3–4 times more efficient than a standard electric heater.
Why Are Stancliffe Homes Using Them?
We believe that modern homes should be built for the future, not the past. That means lower carbon emissions, lower running costs, and systems that will remain compliant with changing building regulations for years to come.
Air source heat pumps help us deliver on that promise.
Benefits:
✅ Efficient heating all year round
✅ Works brilliantly with underfloor heating
✅ Lower energy bills (especially when paired with solar panels)
✅ Reduces your carbon footprint
✅ No need for gas supply
✅ Long-lasting and low maintenance
✅ Quiet and compact outdoor units
Proven Technology - Not an Experiment
While air source heat pumps are still relatively new to many UK homebuyers, they’re not new in practice.
They've been in use for decades in colder countries like Norway, Sweden and Finland
They’re already installed in hundreds of thousands of homes across Europe
They’re backed by the UK Government as part of its plan to phase out gas boilers in new homes by 2025
Leading manufacturers like Daikin, Mitsubishi, Vaillant and Samsung have well-established systems with strong warranties and support
The bottom line? This is not emerging tech — it’s proven, reliable, and ready for real-world use.
Do I Need to Do Anything as a Homeowner?
Not much at all. Your heat pump will be professionally installed and configured when you move in.
Ongoing care is simple:
Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris
Arrange a yearly service, just like you would with a boiler
There’s no pilot light to go out, no gas pressure to monitor, and no worries about carbon monoxide.
Even Better with Renewable Pairings
When paired with solar PV panels (also included on all Stancliffe homes), you can offset the small amount of electricity the pump uses — dramatically reducing your overall energy use and carbon emissions.
A Smart Choice for Modern Living
Air source heat pumps are part of how we’re building better homes — not just meeting today’s standards, but exceeding them. They help reduce your bills, protect the environment, and make your home more comfortable.