A heating system that harnesses energy from the air to provide heat and hot water in the home has been launched by Mitsubishi Electric.

The Ecodan heat-pump boiler gathers 70% of the heat energy it requires from the air, using a system similar to that found in a fridge to exchange heat between the outdoor air and the water supply.

Mitsubushi Electric claims the Ecodan boiler converts 1kW of input energy into an average of 3.6kW. It says the Ecodan emits at least 30% less carbon dioxide than the latest condensing gas boilers.

The connection requirements of an in/out water connection and a single-phase electrical connection make the Ecodan easy to fit, says Mitsubushi. The Ecodan can provide hot water to either underfloor heating systems or traditional radiators.

Mitsubushi Electric

Regulations April 2008