If you are looking for a way to help the environment, move away from using polluting fossil fuels such as gas, oil and LPG, lower your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills then read on.
In this blog we’ll explore the benefits, costs and installation process of heat pumps so you can see if they are right for your home.
HEAT PUMPS EXPLAINED
The Beauty of heat pumps is they are extremely efficient, in fact, three to four times more efficient than conventional systems. They require very little maintenance, have a lifetime expectancy of 20 years, and can be installed in existing and new build properties. Designed correctly a heat pump will give you heating and hot water all year round even in temperatures below freezing.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
An Air Source Heat Pump is based on one simple principle, it uses a small amount of energy to transfer low grade heat by drawing heat from the outside air. This works even on a freezing cold day in the winter. The heat goes through a compressor that creates a high grade heat which is then used to meet the heating and hot water demands of your home.
The second main type of heat pump draws heat from the ground. Ground-Source Heat Pumps let you tap the natural heat energy in the ground, known as geothermal energy, to provide central heating and hot water for your home.
Both of these types of heat pumps are powered by electricity. The good news here is that given the Government has said they’re aiming to be zero carbon in just 14 years, electricity is getting cleaner as the UK adds more renewable energy to the system.
There are several benefits to installing a heat pump in your home:
- They are energy efficient: heat pumps are highly energy efficient, in fact they are three to four times as efficient as a traditional gas boiler, so for every unit of energy you put in you get three to four units of heat out of a heat pump. This means they require less energy to produce heat for your home. Combine this with proper insulation and this can lead to lower energy bill and a reduced carbon footprint.
- Lower carbon emissions: as heat pumps use renewable energy sources, they produce lower carbon emissions than traditional heating systems. This is good news for the environment, as it helps to reduce the impact of climate change.
- Long lifespan: heat pumps have a long lifespan, typically lasting up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
- Modern heat pumps can be fitted in most properties under permitted development. An air source heat pump is about the same size as an air conditioning unit, so space shouldn’t me an issue for most people.
What are the costs of Heat Pumps?
The cost of installing a heat pump can vary depending on the type of system you choose, the size of your home, and your location. However, as a rough guide, air source heat pumps typically cost between £9,000 and £12,000 to install, while ground source heat pumps can cost between £15,000 and £25,000. Whilst the initial cost of installing a heat pump may be higher than a traditional heating system, the energy savings over time can help to offset this cost.
The good news is there are grants available to support home owners towards this more sustainable solution. Current grants available from the Government offer £5000 for an air source heat pump and up to £6000 towards a ground source heat pump.
The Installation process
The installation process for a heat pump can take several days, depending on the size of your home and the type of system you choose. Here are the basic steps involved in the installation process:
- Site survey: a qualified installation engineer will visit your home to assess the site and determine the best type and size of heat pump for your needs.
- Installation: the engineer will remove your redundant heating system where needed and replace with a new Heat Pump system.
- Pipework: pipework will be installed to connect the heat pump to your existing or new heating system.
- Testing: once the installation is complete, the system will be tested to ensure it is working properly.
- Maintenance: it’s important to have your heat pump service regularly to ensure it continues to work efficiently and effectively.
All this considered – heat pumps are a great option for home owners in the UK who are looking for an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat their homes, whilst the initial cost of purchase and installation may be higher than traditional gas boilers, the long term energy savings and reduced carbon footprint make them a worthwhile investment. If you’re considering installing a heat pump in your home, its important to get advice from and chose a qualified installer to ensure the system is properly sized and installed to meet your needs.
As trusted renewable energy experts, Gregor can advise you on the best type of heat pump for your home, can sign post you to grants available and install and maintain your system for years to come with our heat plan service.
