ilmanlähdejärjestelmä

An ilmanlähdejärjestelmä, or air source system in English, is a type of heating and cooling technology that utilizes the outdoor air as a source of thermal energy. These systems are commonly known as air-source heat pumps. They work by transferring heat rather than generating it, making them an energy-efficient option for climate control.

In the heating mode, an ilmanlähdejärjestelmä extracts heat from the outside air, even when temperatures are below freezing, and transfers it indoors. This process is facilitated by a refrigerant that circulates between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. In the cooling mode, the process is reversed: heat is extracted from the indoor air and released into the outdoor environment.

The efficiency of an ilmanlähdejärjestelmä is measured by its Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) for heating and its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling. Modern systems are designed to operate effectively in a wide range of climates, though their performance can be affected by extremely low temperatures. Installation typically involves an outdoor unit containing a compressor and a fan, and an indoor unit, which can be a central air handler or ductless mini-split units. They are a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings due to their ability to provide both heating and cooling from a single system.