Is air-to-air the smart heating upgrade for golf clubs?
Helping older buildings make smarter, low-carbon energy choices
As the UK moves toward a low-carbon future, golf clubs are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact while managing rising energy costs. Many are considering heating upgrades, but not all solutions are equally effective – especially in older clubhouses.
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are often seen as the go-to green technology. However, for buildings with poor insulation and legacy heating systems, they may not offer the best return on investment. In this article, we explore the benefits and limitations of ASHPs and introduce air-to-air heat exchange systems as a more practical and efficient alternative for many clubs.
The wider context: why golf clubs are feeling the pressure
The push for decarbonisation is being felt across the leisure and hospitality sector. While government schemes like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) are aimed at public buildings, they reflect a broader commitment to low-carbon technology.
Even though private golf clubs may not qualify for public funding, alternative support is available:
Local council grants – Many councils offer financial support for improvements in energy efficiency in businesses.
Energy efficiency loans – Tailored commercial loans for low-carbon upgrade projects.
Industry initiatives – Organisations such as England Golf now focus more on sustainability and may offer guidance or resources to clubs ready to invest in greener systems.
Air source heat pumps: efficient in theory, but not always in practice.
What they do
ASHPs extract heat from outside air and transfer it indoors. Compared to gas boilers, they use less energy and emit fewer carbon emissions, especially when installed in modern, well-insulated buildings.
The problem for older clubhouses
Many golf clubs are housed in older buildings that pose significant challenges:
Poor insulation
Without effective wall, roof, and window insulation, much of the heat is lost. Air source heat pumps have to work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing running costs.
Incompatible heating systems
Traditional radiators were built for high-temperature boiler systems. Air source heat pumps operate at lower temperatures, which often means replacing existing radiators with larger units or installing underfloor heating.
Costly retrofits
A full Air source heat pump installation often includes:
- Upgrading insulation
- Installing new radiators or heating systems
- Upgrading the electrical supply
- Structural changes to accommodate pipework or plant
- Maintenance complexity – ASHPs require specialist installation and ongoing maintenance.
- Hot water limitations – Some systems may struggle to meet high-volume hot water needs efficiently.
Air-to-air systems: a flexible, efficient alternative
How they work
Air-to-air heat exchange systems transfer heat directly between indoor and outdoor airflows. They are typically modular, allowing targeted heating (and cooling) of specific areas within a building—ideal for zoned spaces like clubhouses.
Why they’re well-suited to older clubhouses
- High efficiency
In retrofit applications, air-to-air systems can achieve a higher seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) than ASHPs connected to traditional radiators. According to a report by BESA, their performance improves even further when combined with ventilation systems. - Minimal disruption
Installation is far less invasive than ASHP retrofits and doesn’t usually require building-wide infrastructure changes. - Modular installation
Units can be added gradually, starting with high-use areas such as the restaurant, lounge, or changing rooms. - Year-round comfort
Many systems offer both heating and cooling, making the clubhouse more comfortable all year round. - Low maintenance
These systems are simple to maintain and easy to operate, especially compared to more complex air source heat pumps setups.
Our recommendations for golf clubs
Start small, think big
Begin by upgrading heating in the most frequently used areas. With a modular system, you can expand over time as budget and demand allow.
Look at long-term value
Don’t be swayed by the lowest upfront cost. Consider future maintenance needs, energy savings, and the disruption of installation.
Tailor to your building
Every clubhouse is different. A full energy assessment will help determine which solution will offer the best performance, efficiency, and cost savings.
Conclusion: make the smart choice for your clubhouse
Air source heat pumps are a key part of the UK's low-carbon strategy, but they’re not always the right fit for older golf club buildings. Air-to-air heat exchange systems offer a more practical, cost-effective alternative – delivering flexibility, comfort, and efficiency with far less disruption.
At Smart Projects, we specialise in helping businesses make informed, energy-smart decisions. Whether you’re upgrading a single room or looking for a whole-building solution, our expert team can guide you through the best options for your clubhouse.