At first glance, a heat pump may look like a bulkier version of an air conditioning unit typically seen behind shops or offices. But its plain exterior belies a fascinating mechanism. Operating on principles similar to air conditioners or refrigerators, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) use electricity to move heat from cooler to warmer areas. They work by absorbing ambient heat from the air and channeling it through a system that includes refrigerants and a compressor, effectively transferring this heat into your home.
Even when the outside air feels chilly, air source heat pumps extract heat energy from the atmosphere, channelling it into your home for unparalleled warmth. Astonishingly, these systems are designed to generate three to four times more heat energy than they consume during the extraction process. This efficiency translates to substantial energy savings, aligning perfectly with modern aspirations for sustainable living.
FAQs
We have answered a few of your frequently answered questions below. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for please get in touch and we will be happy to help.
An Air Source Heat Pump operates by pulling in ambient heat from the outside air into a compressor filled with refrigerant gas. This heat is then transferred through a heat exchanger, where it heats water. The warmed water is subsequently circulated to radiators, underfloor heating systems, or a hot water cylinder. This process effectively heats the home or provides hot water for domestic use.
An Air Source Heat Pump that is carefully selected and correctly installed demonstrates exceptional efficiency. It has the ability to produce around four units of heat energy for every unit of electrical energy it consumes. With a remarkable efficiency of 400%, it provides a highly energy-efficient heating solution.
The installation of a properly specified ASHP can result in significant savings on your energy bills. The amount of savings will vary depending on your current fuel type, as well as the make, model, and system setup of your current heating system. If you are currently using natural gas, which is relatively inexpensive compared to electricity, the financial savings with a heat pump may only be modest. However, if you are comparing it to more expensive fuel types such as oil and LPG gas, the savings can be much greater.
Yes, installing an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) can help reduce your carbon footprint. ASHPs are considered more environmentally friendly compared to traditional heating systems that rely on fossil fuels.
ASHPs extract heat from the ambient air, which is a renewable energy source. Unlike systems that burn fossil fuels, such as gas or oil boilers,
The UK’s electricity grid is increasingly embracing cleaner energy sources like wind and solar power, leading to a reduction in its carbon footprint. By using this greener electricity to operate Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), you indirectly reap the benefits of this lower carbon intensity.
It’s crucial to consider that while ASHPs cut down on the direct carbon emissions from heating, their overall environmental impact also hinges on factors like the electricity’s origin and the life cycle assessment of the ASHP equipment. Nevertheless, compared to heating systems based on fossil fuels, ASHPs typically have a smaller carbon footprint, making them a more eco-friendly and sustainable option for heating.
The cost of installing a heat pump system varies depending on the size, brand, and model of the heat pump and cylinder needed, the extent of pipework and electrical work required, and any additional modifications to the radiators. Generally, for a small and uncomplicated system, the supply and installation cost is around £9,500. However, with the inclusion of the BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) grant, the customer’s expense is reduced to about £4,500. To obtain a precise and fixed quote, it’s necessary to arrange a free survey and quotation.
Heat pumps, due to their lower flow temperatures, are not ideally suited for very old houses with solid walls and single-glazed windows. However, older properties that have been upgraded with measures like roof and wall insulation, as well as high-quality double glazing, can certainly benefit from the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP).
No, it’s not the case that Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are incompatible with standard radiators due to their lower flow temperatures. While it’s true that ASHPs are particularly efficient when paired with underfloor heating, they can also function effectively with standard radiators, provided these radiators are correctly sized for the system.
To determine if your existing radiators are suitable for use with an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), we will conduct a detailed, room-by-room heat loss calculation. This will assess whether the radiators can perform effectively at the lower flow temperature typical of ASHPs. Often, radiators installed for gas boilers are oversized and can be used as they are with an ASHP. However, there are instances where we may recommend upgrading to radiators with a higher output to ensure optimal heating efficiency.
Currently, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant is available for the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP). This government grant contributes £500 towards the cost of supplying and installing a heat pump. For more information on eligibility, please refer to our Grants and Incentives page. As a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) registered installer, we can apply for the grant on your behalf. All that is required from you is to read and sign a few forms to benefit from this offer.
