Air Source Heat Pumps
Future of home heating
What are the basic workings of a heat pump?
A heat pump is a relatively new technology in the UK although they are widely used in Scandinavia and many parts of Europe where there is an abundance of renewably sourced electricity.
A heat pump takes energy from outside and transfers it into heat to be circulated around a heating and hot water system. A heat pump uses electricity to run the components of a heat pump, principally a fan, compressor and circulating pumps to transfer the energy from the heat source into the heat sink or heating system.
Government research conducted in 2020 stated the average cost of an air source heat pump to be between £8,900 and £14,500, depending on the extent of the home alterations, and around £20,000 - £25,000 for a Ground Source heat pump.
House alterations are also something to consider. Your property’s specifications for example. For a ground source heat pump, you’ll need a substantial outdoor space (around 2x the size of the dwelling) which can be dug up to lay the ground loop containing the heat fluid.
If you don’t have this space or don’t want to dig up your garden, you can drill one or more bore holes to install the collector pipework however this can be quite expensive. If you don’t wish to do either of these, then an air source heat pump may be more suitable, as it doesn’t require a ground collection system.
Your property’s level of insulation will also determine the cost and efficiency of the heat pump you opt for. New build properties are ideal for heat pump installation, as they are fitted to high energy efficiency standards. Older properties can be insulated to these levels, however, it can be quite disruptive.
You may also consider your current heating system – if you have a gas or an oil-fired boiler then you are likely to find the existing radiators and pipework are not large enough for the lower temperature heat that a heat pump operates at.
Heat pumps can deliver a number of benefits. They can lower your fuel bills, lower your home’s carbon emissions, they do not require fuel deliveries, and there is little maintenance required. Plus, a ground or air source heat pump is eligible for various grants and incentives.
Heat pumps are a great way to heat your home in an environmentally friendly way while saving money in the long term.
