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Thinking about heating your home through air-source heat pumps? Well, it’s important to choose wisely. But it can be tricky to decide. Firstly, your mind will go to boilers that are common in the UK for heating homes. You might say that these are good for saving money on energy bills, so why should I try heat pumps?
Actually, if you want something different and more durable, consider air-source heat pumps. They’re energy efficient and need little maintenance. Plus, they can reduce your heating costs and carbon footprint.
Wondering if an air-source heat pump is right for you? This guide will help you to find out if it’s worth it for your home.
What's An Air Source Heat Pump?
It’s a renewable system that takes heat from the air to warm your home and water. Imagine it like a fridge, but backwards. Here’s how it works: a liquid in the pump grabs heat from the air. Then, the pump squeezes this heat to make it hotter. Finally, it sends this heat to your home’s heating and hot water system. Moreover, installing it is easy. There’s a part outside your house and another inside, both connected to your heating system.
Why Choose An Air Source Heat Pump?
Firstly, it’s better for the environment than oil or gas heating and uses electricity more efficiently. That means it saves energy. Plus, it could cut your energy bills, especially if you use electric, LPG, or oil heating now.
Now, you need outdoor space for good airflow. It works better with underfloor or warm air heating. Plus, your home needs good insulation. So, if you want reliable heating, lower costs, and less carbon footprint, consider an air-source heat pump.
Are Air Source Heat Pumps Any Good?
First of all, they have a low carbon footprint. They use the outside air efficiently, making them eco-friendly. Plus, combining them with solar panels makes them even better for the environment. Secondly, they save you money on energy bills. Switching to them can cut your fuel costs by up to £1,100 a year, especially if you’re switching from electric, coal, or LPG systems.
Next, you might qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers grants up to £7,500 until April 2028. Furthermore, they’re versatile. You can use them for heating in winter and cooling in summer. They can also heat water and space, making them useful all year round.
How Efficient Are Heat Pumps?
These pumps are four times more efficient than gas boilers. Moreover, they have a high Seasonal Coefficient of Performance, meaning they work really well. Plus, they’re easy to install, requiring only 2 days, without digging like ground source heat pumps. They’re also low maintenance, needing just an annual service and occasional cleaning by you. Lastly, they have a long lifespan of up to 20 years with proper care, and many come with 5-year warranties. And since they run on electricity, you don’t need to worry about storing fuel.
Cons of Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps also have some downsides. Firstly, they produce less heat than oil or gas boilers, so you might need bigger radiators. Secondly, they work best in well-insulated homes. Thirdly, their efficiency drops below 0°C because of cold air outside. Also, if mains gas is cheap, you might not save much with them, but the UK is moving towards heat pumps, so incentives might increase. Lastly, they can be noisy, like an air conditioner or heavy rain.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are two types of air-source heat pumps. One type is air-to-air heat pumps. They take heat from outside air and bring it directly into your home through a fan system. They cost between £2,400 and £8,800, including installation, and might pay for themselves in 6–12 years. These pumps use less energy than regular heating systems and can also cool your home in summer. They last around 10 to 15 years and are cheaper than the other type, air-to-water heat pumps.
Air to water heat pumps. Unlike air-to-air heat pumps, they take heat from outside air to warm a wet central heating system, usually with radiators or underfloor heating. This heat works for both heating and hot water if you have a storage tank.
Installation Charges
On average, they cost between £8,750 and £14,050, including installation. They could save you about £717.93 to £1,380.67 per year for a 3-bedroom house with a COP of 4. Usually, they pay for themselves in 5–10 years.
Even though they’re pricier than air-to-air pumps, they’re very efficient and last 10–15 years. They give you heating, underfloor heating, and hot water without needing another system. So, while air-to-air pumps are good for cooling and saving money, air-to-water pumps offer a more complete heating solution.
Cost Comparison
Air source heat pumps have different costs. They range from £2,400 to £21,550, including installation. Air-to-air pumps cost £2,380 to £8,800, while air-to-water pumps range from £7,680 to £13,060.
Here’s the information presented in a table:
ASHP system type | Average price range | Average yearly savings range |
Air to water heat pump | £7,680 – £13,060 | £50 – £450 |
Air-to-air heat pump | £2,380 – £8,800 | £740 – £940 |
The prices provided are based on current market rates in 2024 and are based on estimates from multiple installers. It’s difficult to predict the exact air source heat pump and running costs due to factors such as home size, brand, pump size, CoP (Coefficient of Performance), property heating demands, and home renovation costs. Running costs for air source heat pumps typically range from £590 to £1,680, depending on system size and efficiency. Bigger systems generate more energy and cost more to run while running costs vary based on whether you choose an air-to-air or air-to-water heat pump. It’s best to get quotes from multiple installers for more accurate pricing.
Are Air Source Heat Pumps A Good Fit For Your Home?
Without a doubt, you can choose the type of boiler manufacturer for your heating system. It is critical to look into many manufacturers until you find one that suits your requirements and budget. But always look for reputable brands with positive reviews and warranties. Moreover, compare costs and features before making a decision. Remember that choosing the right manufacturer might result in a reliable and efficient heating system for your home.
