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Awareness of air source heat pumps is increasing as more and more homeowners are talking about low carbon heating systems. A heat pump system is different to a traditional central heating system that uses a gas or oil boiler so to help homeowners fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of this renewable technology, we have summarised some in this article.
An air source heat pump cleverly uses the heat energy in the air and captures this to be used in a central heating system. Instead of using a fossil fuel, heat pumps are a renewable energy source and require electricity to power them. They do operate differently to a traditional heating system so living with a heat pump is not the same as a gas or oil-fired system.
There are many benefits that homeowners can enjoy when they own a heat pump but it is important that they understand the differences too, so let us take a look at some air source heat pump pros and cons.
If your home is currently heated by a fossil fuel, such as gas, oil or LPG, then swapping to a heat pump will mean you will no longer need to order these fuels, allowing you to heat your home more sustainably. You can therefore enjoy not having these fuel costs to pay each month as your gas bills will be no more!
When an air source heat pump is installed and set up correctly, they are very efficient units, maximising output for the energy consumed. For example, the Grant Aerona³ 6kW air source heat pump produces 6kW at a SCOP of 4.62 when tested at a low temperature and in average climate conditions (SCOP refers to the efficiency of a heat pump, calculating its overall performance during a particular season and dividing this by the annual energy consumed to run the heat pump). In summary, what this means is that for every kilowatt of energy used to run the heat pump, over 4kW of energy is being given to the heating system in return.
To view the performance data of Grant heat pumps, please download the data sheet here.
An air source heat pump appliance itself burns no fossil fuels and uses electricity. With more and more of the electricity generation in the UK now being produced via renewables, this makes a heat pump a better choice for the environment than gas boilers.
Grant heat pumps are user-friendly being both straightforward to control and simple to maintain. When an installer sets up and commissions a heat pump, they will set the core parameters of the system so that the end-user has minimal interaction with the controls. Thereafter, the homeowner can adjust their desired room temperatures via third-party controls, which may be app enabled, and they can sit back and enjoy their renewable system. The only thing to remember is to arrange the annual servicing of the heat pump.
Disadvantages & considerations of heat pumps
1. Increased electricity
usageAs mentioned above, heat pumps do need electricity in order to work so if you install a heat pump, you will likely see an increase in your electricity usage. It is recommended that homeowners contact their energy supplier to see if a heat pump electricity tariff is available which may be a cheaper and more suitable tariff for an electric based renewable heating system.
A term you will often hear of with heat pumps is &#;low temperature system&#;. Unlike boilers which are high temperature systems, a heat pump operates at a lower flow temperature so to ensure that this heat can be effectively transferred into the space within the home, sufficient heat emitter surface area is needed and this is why correctly sizing the heat emitters is so important. It is not always possible to use existing radiators with a new heat pump as larger radiators, or an underfloor heating system, may be better suited.
Compared to traditional boiler replacements, a heat pump installation requires significantly more planning and preparation. The design of the system must be thoroughly completed with a detailed heat loss calculation carried out on the property to ensure it is well insulated, as well as a correct assessment of the heat pump output required and the correct sizing of the chosen heat emitters.
Ensuring your property is well insulated is key for an effective heat pump. We recommend as a minimum checking your loft, cavity wall and window insulation. You can find out more on our blog &#; how to prepare your home for a heat pump.
It is important that no corners are cut during the design phase to ensure that the system installed is the right one to meet the heat demand of the property most effectively and efficiently.
Provided the unit is installed correctly, adhering to all the do&#;s and don&#;ts which are detailed in our heat pump brochure, a heat pump will deliver years of reliable, sustainable home heating.
Homeowners need to be well informed about heat pumps so if you are interested in learning more about this renewable technology, visit our Knowledge Hub.
If you are interested in learning more about air source heat pumps, you may be interested in taken a listen to our Net Zero Heating Show podcast. The podcast is aimed at installers and heating professionals but homeowners looking to learn more about this renewable technology will also find it an interesting listen.
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This short article is designed to help you understand more about air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and give you good sources of information about how they work, are installed, and costs associated.
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a device that extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to heat a building or provide hot water. It works like a reverse air conditioner, drawing heat from the air outside, even in the cold weather, and transferring it inside to warm up the building or water. ASHPs are a popular choice for sustainable heating systems because they are energy-efficient and can be used in a variety of climates.1 3
An air source heat pump operates using a refrigeration cycle, like that of an air conditioner or like your fridge.
It has four stages of cycle &#; evaporation, compression, heat transfer and expansion. Then is repeats.2
Even when it's cold outside, an ASHP can extract heat from the air because the system is designed to capture low levels of heat.2
Air source heat pumps are usually positioned outdoors on the ground at the side or back of a property. They can also be located at the front, or mounted on a wall, balcony or flat roof. They need plenty of space around them for air to circulate.
Top tip: Speak to your home insurance provider to check if your policy will cover the changes to your heating system.
Top tip: If you're getting an air source heat pump, it's important to make sure that your home is well-insulated so that it can retain the heat you generate. Underfloor heating or larger radiators are often installed alongside heat pumps to disperse the heat better.
Your installer should show you how to use the controls for your heat pump to help you use it most effectively. You will probably need to heat your home for a longer period but at a lower temperature.
Installing an air source heat pump involves several steps &#; site assessment, installation, indoor distribution installation, commissioning.3
When your system is completed, you should get a Commissioning Certificate from the installer. You should also get a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installation certificate once the system has been registered (the installer must do this within 10 days). You'll need this to qualify for most funding schemes.3
The cost of purchasing and installing an air source heat pump can range widely, but typical prices fall between £4,000 and £10,000 in the UK. This price includes the cost of the unit itself, installation, and any necessary modifications to your existing heating system.
The final cost to you will depend on factors such as:
Top Tip: It's worth noting that government incentives, grants, or rebates may help offset the upfront cost &#; learn about what is available here Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Check if you're eligible - GOV.UK
Operating costs for an air source heat pump depend on your climate, the size of the unit, and how efficiently it runs. Generally, air source heat pumps are quite cost-effective, especially when compared to traditional heating methods like oil or electric heating. When properly installed, an air-source heat pump can deliver up to two to four times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes.1
Air source heat pumps use electricity to run the compressor, but for every unit of electricity used, they can produce 3 to 4 units of heat, so, for every £1 spent on electricity, they can provide up to £4 worth of heat.
Air source heat pumps are considered an environmentally friendly heating solution because they significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with heating and the way they work makes them a renewable energy resource as they don&#;t rely on fossil fuels. It can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 2/3. 4
Air source heat pumps are an efficient, environmentally friendly way to heat homes. They offer significant energy savings, lower operating costs, and reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional heating systems. While the upfront installation costs can be significant, the long-term energy savings and environmental benefits make them a compelling option for many homeowners looking to make their homes more sustainable. It is key your house is well insulated before installing a heat pump.
This article was brought to you by Sureserve &#; a leader in air source heat pump installation for social housing. We are working to alleviate fuel poverty and support the UK in achieving net zero emissions. We are one of the largest installers of air source heat pumps in social housing and public buildings. Find out more about us Sureserve Heating Services.
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Contact us to discuss your requirements of Air Source Heat Pump Supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.