industry

Pairing Air-Source Heat Pumps with Air-to-Air Heat Recovery

Two technologies, one goal

An air-source heat pump upgrades low-grade heat to useful temperature, while an air-to-air recovery core stops that heat leaving through the exhaust in the first place. Used together they compound the saving.

How the system fits

The plate or wheel core recovers heat from exhaust ventilation; the heat pump then lifts the recovered (or ambient) heat to the temperature needed for space heating, domestic hot water or a process loop. Net efficiency beats either device alone.

When to specify it

This pairing suits cold-climate buildings, industrial make-up air, and any site with both a ventilation load and a heating demand. Sensible plate recovery keeps streams separate where hygiene or contamination is a concern.

Payback

Combined systems often reach simple payback in two to four years thanks to reduced fuel and electricity, especially where carbon pricing applies.