What’s an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP)?
By
Kiana Kazemi
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We’ve said it before: air-to-water heat pumps are kind of magic. They’re efficient, climate-friendly, and thanks to incentives, they’re more accessible than ever.
That said, the tech can sound a little complicated at first. So here’s a simple breakdown of what air-to-water heat pumps are, how they work, and where Harvest fits in.
What are Air-to-Water Heat Pumps?
Air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPs) transfer heat from outdoor air into water, even when it’s cold outside. That water can be used for space heating, domestic hot water, and more. It’s a cleaner, more efficient alternative to gas or resistive electric systems, because instead of generating heat from scratch, it moves heat from place to place.
This is thermal energy transfer 101—with major benefits for decarbonizing homes.
To clear up some terminology:
- Heat pump water heaters typically refer to systems that heat water for showers, sinks, and appliances.
- Air-to-water heat pumps heat water that can be used both for space heating and domestic hot water.
Harvest integrates a SANCO2 split air-to-water heat pump, the most efficient and environmentally friendly option on the market. It’s a split system—meaning the heat pump and water tank are separate—and Harvest uses that setup to deliver both home heating and hot water, all powered by one ultra-efficient engine.
How do Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Work?
Think of a fridge—but in reverse. A refrigerator pulls heat from inside and pushes it out to keep things cold. An AWHP does the opposite: it extracts heat from the air, concentrates it, and transfers it into water. That hot water is then used for heating, domestic hot water, or even both—like Harvest does.
And yes, they work even in cold climates, thanks to advanced refrigerants like CO2 (which, by the way, is the most environmentally friendly option out there).
How Harvest Uses an AWHP
While some systems are limited to either heating or hot water, Harvest takes full advantage of what an AWHP can do. We integrate with a high-performance, split air-to-water heat pump that powers both your home’s heating and hot water needs. Then we make it smarter.
Here’s how:
- The AWHP generates heat and stores it in a water tank.
- Harvest’s thermal battery manages when and how that heat gets used—delivering warmth when it’s needed most.
Our system optimizes for time-of-use energy pricing, reducing your energy bills on average by 30% while lowering your carbon footprint.Think of it as the next generation of home electrification: clean energy tech + smart controls = maximum efficiency and comfort.
Does It Work with Mini-Splits?
Yes—with a caveat. AWHPs and mini-splits can coexist, but they don’t really operate together. If you have a mini-split system already, you can keep it for supplemental heating or cooling. But a Harvest-integrated AWHP usually replaces an entire gas furnace and hot water system, making it a more complete, cost-effective upgrade.
What About Cooling?
AWHPs are primarily used for heating, but Harvest also uses a separate A/C heat pump for cooling. Harvest also offers Whole Home Outside Air Ventilation - which brings cool outside air in, filters it, and distributes it throughout your house. This is ideal for ventilation on hot summer evenings and mornings - it acts like a whole house fan, but with a high-performance filter. It’s also really quiet! Both approaches work directly with your thermostat and direct airflow through the same ducting system.
Installation Recommendations
If you have central heating with radiators or in-floor heating, an AWHP is a no-brainer—it drops right in. Even if you’re replacing a gas furnace, the switch is straightforward with a system like Harvest. Unlike mini-splits, which often require a unit in every room, one AWHP-based Harvest system can heat an entire home efficiently. Just make sure you work with an installer who knows AWHPs inside and out (and we can help with that).
Why Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Are the Way of the Future
Fossil fuel heating is old news. The future is all-electric, ultra-efficient, and built around smart thermal storage. They cut carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and work with renewable energy sources like solar. And as state policies push toward full electrification, AWHPs are only getting better, cheaper, and more widely adopted. If you want a heating system that’s future-proof, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, air-to-water heat pumps are the answer.
Ready to make the switch? Harvest makes it easy, affordable, and better for the planet.
Get Harvest today HERE.
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