Can Air Source Heat Pumps Cool Your House in Summer?
Air source heat pumps have gained popularity amongst consumers for efficient home heating. While some systems can also provide cooling, this is only possible when they are installed with compatible cooling emitters, such as air conditioning. In this guide, we’ll explain how these systems work, which air source heat pumps can support cooling and why this capability is becoming increasingly relevant for homes across the UK.
How does heat pump cooling work?
The way air source heat pumps can cool a home is by using reverse cycle technology. In cooling mode, the system reverses the heating process, removing unwanted heat from inside your property and transferring it outdoors through heat transfer. As warm indoor air passes over cold refrigerant coils, the heat is absorbed and carried outside, while cooler air is circulated back into the room. This method of using an ASHP to remove heat from a space is known as active cooling and only works when installed alongside suitable air conditioning.
Can all air source heat pumps cool?
Not all air source heat pumps are designed to cool homes. Only reversible ASHPs can provide cooling, and they must be paired with compatible air conditioning to deliver this function. Many modern systems can cool by reversing their operation, whether this feature is available depends on the specific heat pump model, system design and installer configuration.
Which heat pump systems can cool effectively?
The most effective heat pump cooling systems use heat emitters designed for cooling, such as fan coil units and underfloor cooling systems. An air source heat pump cannot provide cooling on its own and must be installed with compatible air conditioning or cooling emitters to deliver this function.
For starters, fan coil units circulate air across chilled coils before distributing cooler air back into the room, while underfloor cooling circulates cool water through pipework beneath the floor. This helps create a cooler floor surface that absorbs heat from the room.
Another example is an air-to-water heat pump that cools by producing chilled water, which is then circulated to heat emitters such as fan coil units or underfloor cooling systems. Air-to-air heat pumps can provide effective cooling by blowing cooled air directly into individual rooms.
Ground source heat pumps can also offer cooling by transferring heat into the ground. However, they typically involve higher installation costs, more complex installation requirements and greater space demands, making them a less practical option for many homeowners.
Keep in mind, an air source heat pump alone cannot cool your home on its own. To benefit from cooling, you’ll need a reversible system installed with compatible air conditioning.
Comparing cooling systems
| System model | Cooling capability | Condensation risk | Performance |
| Xtend monobloc
(Air-to-water hybrid heat pump) |
Yes, supports active cooling with an installed air conditioning unit | Moderate, requires suitable controls | Whole-home comfort, when paired with underfloor cooling or fan coil units |
| Xceed monobloc
(Air-to-water heat pump) |
Yes, dual-purpose climate system when paired with an air conditioning system | Moderate, condensation must be incorporated into system design | Strong cooling performance with low cooling flow temperatures |
| Xtend split (Air-to-water hybrid heat pump) | Yes, depending on system configuration alongside a compatible air conditioning solution | Moderate, requires correct commissioning | Effective cooling, particularly with cooling enabled systems |
Why cooling is becoming more important in UK homes
As temperatures continue to set record highs, home cooling has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Heat pump heating and cooling allow a single ASHP system to efficiently warm your building in winter and cool it during summer when integrated with an air conditioning system.
At Intergas, we specialise in providing innovative heating systems designed to provide a comfortable indoor environment. Our vast product selection includes air source heat pumps that can reduce energy consumption and lower your home’s carbon footprint.
What Intergas are doing to futureproof hotter summers
The home heating experts at Intergas are helping homeowners prepare for warmer summers with a range of advanced ASHPs. Our selection includes the Xtend and Xceed models, designed for straightforward heat pump installation and backed by competitive warranty options. Reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuel systems, while futureproofing your home with our dynamic range of cooling heat pumps.
Discover more about the costs of air source heat pumps or information about government heat pump grants in our helpful blog posts.
