How to choose an air-to-air heat pump

You want to get the most out of your air-to-air heat pump (also known as an air conditioner) so it heats and cools your home effectively and efficiently. It's important to choose the right solution for your needs. Performance, capacity, style, practicality, energy efficiency, environmental impact and cost all matter.

Here’s what to consider:

• Decide what the air-to-air heat pump needs to do. Does it primarily need to heat or cool? Does it need to do both? Do you need special options like ventilation or de-humidification? Do you need it to provide hot water too? If so, you may be able to connect the system to a hot water tank. And do you need it to work in a very cold or hot climate?
• Consider your space. How big is it? The larger the space, the more powerful the system will need to be. However, it's important to get the capacity just right. Install a unit that's too big and it will create an uncomfortable draught, too small and you'll be disappointed with the results. Ideally, your home should also be well-insulated to help maintain the correct temperature. So, these systems are especially well-suited to new builds or renovated homes.
• Match your interior style. You don’t want your indoor air-to-air heat pump units to stand out for all the wrong reasons. Thankfully, Daikin offers a range of stylish wall-mounted models. You can position floor-standing units discreetly under windowsills. Or you can even hide concealed ceiling units in false ceilings.
• Don’t forget the outside. Air-to-air heat pump outdoor units must be positioned with care so there is enough surrounding airflow for them to work. They can be fixed to the walls or roof or placed on the ground. As well as ensuring there are no obstructions in the way, you need to keep them free of leaves, dirt, or snow.
• Focus on energy efficiency. This is key to helping keep your costs down. Look at the energy efficiency ratings for the different air-to-air heat pump models, which range from A+++ (the highest) to D (the lowest). Daikin offers units with up to A+++ ratings in heating and cooling. Also, check the seasonal efficiency ratings for heating and cooling products (known as the SEER and SCOP values) that measure year-round energy usage based on a typical day-to-day environment.
• Think about the environmental impact. Air-to-air heat pumps are low-carbon systems, which have a lower environmental impact than gas boilers, oil-based heating systems or even electric systems. They have a long service life and get just 20% of the energy they provide to run from electricity, with the rest coming from the air. Daikin models also use R-32 refrigerant, which has low global warming potential.
• Plan your installation. Speak to a professional installer who can talk you through the process, help by assessing whether your home is suitable for an air-to-air heat pump and what type of units you need, and talk you through the unit and installation costs. And don’t wait until you need it: take the time to make the right choice now.

Get all of these right before you start, and you're on track for a long-lasting, high-performing heating and cooling system that will give you ultimate comfort all year round.

Watch our video explaining what is an air-to-air heat pump