Air Source Heat Pumps: Disadvantages and Advantages
Air source heat pumps could lower your heating bills and help you do your bit for the environment. You can even get money off installation costs too. Here’s what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of air source heat pumps.
Air source heat pumps could lower your heating bills and help you do your bit for the environment. You can even get money off installation costs too. Here’s what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of air source heat pumps.
What is air source heating?
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) use heat from the outside air to warm up your home and hot water. And the good news is that you don’t need to live in Barbados for them to work! ASHPs manage to heat up your home even when the temperature outside is as low as -15 degrees.
There’s a buzz about air source heat pumps right now because people are looking for alternatives to gas central heating to reduce their carbon footprint. If we can use more sustainable sources of heating, we can help the UK lower its carbon emissions and stave off climate change.
They could also help you save money, by being more efficient and cheaper to run than an older gas boiler.
How do air source heat pumps work?
An air source heat pump system works by taking heat from the air, which is then used to warm a liquid refrigerant. That fluid passes through a compressor, which uses electricity to raise the temperature. That heat then moves through your heating and hot water pipes.
Although air source heating runs on electricity, it’s still an energy-efficient way of warming up your house and is considered renewable energy. That’s because it produces more heat than the electricity it uses.
Are air source heat pumps any good?
Air source heat pumps have a few major benefits. For instance, they could:
- Reduce your fuel bills
Looking to lower your energy bills? Air source heat pumps could be one way to do it. If you’re currently using electric heating, you’ll probably see a big decrease in your fuel bills. - Lower your carbon emissions
ASHPs are way more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric heating. - Low maintenance
Once your heat pumps are installed, you don’t need to do much else. They also tend to have a longer lifespan than traditional boilers — up to 20 years.
What are the disadvantages of air source heat pumps?
Air source heat pumps come with disadvantages, too.
- High upfront costs
It costs more to install an air source heat pump than a traditional gas boiler. - Reduced efficiency in cold winter
ASHPs work in temperatures as cold as -15 degrees. But the colder it is outside, the harder your heat pump has to work to produce heat. So you’ll find it uses more electricity during winter. - Outdoor space needed
You’ll need somewhere outside your home where a unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It must also have a decent amount of space around the unit to allow a good flow of air.
How much are air source heat pumps?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing an air source heat pump costs somewhere between £7,000 and £13,000.
There’s the cost of buying the pump, the installation and then the running costs. However. air source heat pump running costs are usually less expensive than a gas boiler.
How much you pay will depend on the size of heat pump, size of your property and the complexity of the installation works needed.
For example, for particularly large properties, you may need two air source heat pumps to warm your home effectively.
Can I get help with the cost of installing an air source heat pump?
Yes, a new government initiative was launched in April 2022 to encourage more people to switch to cleaner heating systems such as heat pumps. Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), you can apply for a heat pump grant of £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump.
To be eligible for the government grant, you’ll need:
- To be a homeowner or private landlord living in England or Wales
- To be replacing a fossil fuel heating system
- A valid energy performance certificate (EPC), with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation.
Also be aware that new-build properties (apart from some self-builds) aren’t included in the scheme, and the grant can only be used to replace traditional fossil fuel heating systems (gas, oil or electric).
If you live in Scotland, you may be eligible for a Home Energy Loan to help you pay for the installation of an air source heating system.
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can find out about grants on the nidirect website.
How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme work?
If you’re interested in getting a new low-carbon boiler, you’ll need to find an MCS-certified installer in your area who is able to carry out the work. This ensures that your boiler installation will be carried out to the correct standards. It’s a good idea to get quotes from more than one installer to make sure you’re getting value for money.
Once you’ve found an installer you’re happy with, they will apply for the grant on your behalf, with the saving deducted from your bill.
Energy regulator Ofgem, which is running the scheme, might get in touch with you to carry out checks on the installation.
What types of air source heat pumps are there?
There are two types of air source heat pump. Air-to-water heat source pumps heat air from the outside and channel it into your radiators and hot water. Air-to-air heat source pumps work almost like a fridge in reverse, transferring heat to your heating and water supply.
What to consider with air source heat pumps
Sold on the idea of getting an air source heat pump? Before you take the plunge, there are a few things to think about, like:
Have you got somewhere to put it?
The heating units are usually fitted to a wall or on the ground outside your house. An airy space on a sunny wall is perfect.
What type of heating have you got?
ASHPs operate at low temperatures, which mean they’re great for underfloor heating. If you haven’t already got a central heating system in place, then you’ll need to install one for the heat pumps to work.
Is your home properly insulated?
The more insulated your home is, the cosier it’ll be.
What kind of heating are you replacing?
You’ll find you make bigger savings if you’re replacing electric heaters, which aren’t very economical.
What alternatives are there to air source heat pumps?
If air source heat pumps aren’t right for you, there are other ways to generate your own heating. These include solar panels and wood-burning stoves.
If you have a big garden, you could look into getting a ground source heat pump. These cost a bit more to install, but are better at heating your home. For you, this means lower fuel bills. It’s great news for the environment, too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I have air source heat pumps installed?
You’ll need to speak to an MCS-certified installer. Look for recommendations online – you should be able to find someone local to you without too much trouble.
How efficient are air source heat pumps?
An air source heat pump can be up to 300% more efficient than a traditional gas boiler.
The efficiency of an air source heat pump can depend on the outside temperature. Some air source heat pumps work better in colder temperatures than others.
While they should cover all your heating needs here in the UK, it’s worth doing lots of research to check which particular model will work best for your needs.
Do I need planning permission for my air source heat pumps?
You shouldn’t need planning permission, but your ASHP may be visible from the street, so it’s worth double-checking with your council. ASHPs make noise a bit like that from an air-conditioning unit, so you’ll also want to keep it somewhere where it won’t bother your neighbours.
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