- Owning an air source heat pump could cut your emissions by 44% per year
- An air source heat pump’s efficiency rating typically reaches 300%
- Heat pumps aren’t 100% emission free
In the UK, there was a 63% increase in heat pump sales last year. This is largely driven by the government’s goal to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.
But are they worth the investment?
In this article, we set out to answer exactly that. We’ll outline both the advantages and disadvantages to air source heat pumps. We’ll also explore which properties they’re right for and who might benefit the most from them.
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An air source heat pump can reduce your carbon footprint and lower your bills.
What are the advantages of air source heat pumps?
There are many advantages to air source heat pumps, such as the fact that they are environmentally friendly, highly energy efficient, and have a long lifespan.
These include:
- Environmentally friendly: Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside, and then use this heat to warm up your home and provide hot water. Heat pumps run on electricity, which is much more environmentally friendly. According to the latest figures, almost half of the UK’s electricity generation came from renewable sources. The typical air source heat pump owner could cut their emissions by 70.5% per year, according to data from the Energy Saving Trust and the government (see chart below).
- Low maintenance: The main thing you’ll need to do to make sure your heat pump stays in tip-top shape is to keep it clean. This usually includes wiping down the coils, replacing the filters every few months, removing any dirt from the internal fan blades, and cleaning the registers. You’ll also want to make sure there’s nothing obstructing your heat pump. The unit has to be placed outside, which means some items – such as grass, plants, twigs, and other foliage – can end up obstructing airflow to the air source heat pump.
- Efficient models: An air source heat pump’s efficiency rating typically reaches 300% – though the best models can reach even higher rates. This means an air source heat pump can produce three units of energy for every unit of electricity it absorbs, on average.
- They’re safe: Heat pumps are safer than combustion-based heating systems, since they don’t need to burn fuel to generate heat. Although you’ll need to have an annual service check on your air source heat pump, this isn’t to check the safety of the unit – it’s a requirement to maintain a manufacturer’s warranty.
- Long lifespan: A well-installed air source heat pump system can last for at least 20 years. But of course, this will depend on how well you look after your heat pump. With a bit of TLC, you can reap the rewards of low-carbon heating for decades to come.
- Works in conjunction with your solar panels: If you’re thinking of getting solar panels on your roof – or you already have a set – you’ll be able to pair them with your heat pump. Most properties won’t be able to fully power a heat pump with solar energy, since doing this would require more solar panels than the average property can fit on its roof. For example, the average three-bedroom house could fit around 10 350W solar panels on its roof, but these would only meet a maximum of 90% of a heat pump’s energy needs.
- Minimal noise: Heat pumps make about as much noise as a refrigerator – and you shouldn’t be able to hear the sound from indoors (your heat pump will go outside).
- Can both heat and cool your home: Some air source heat pump models, called air-to-air heat pumps, can actually be used for cooling purposes too. In the summer months, it can act just like a standard air conditioner, using a refrigerant to cool outside hot air and transfer it inside your home. To have an air-to-air heat pump though, you would have to switch from a ‘wet heat’ system – the kind that sends hot water into radiators – to a ‘dry heat’ system that sends cold or hot air through ducts in the walls.
What are the disadvantages to air source heat pumps?
Air source heat pumps do have some disadvantages to them. They’re more expensive than gas boilers for one, both in terms of set up costs and running costs, and even though they’re low-carbon, they don’t run on 100% green electricity.
Here’s a full rundown:
- They can be more expensive to run: Heat pumps run on electricity, which is three times more expensive than gas – but due its efficiency of 300%, you’ll only have a slight increase in running costs. Check out our guide on how much air source heat pumps cost for more information.
- The upfront cost can be a challenge: Air source heat pumps cost around £10,000, but UK homeowners and landlords can benefit from The Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This offers £7,500 off the cost of the heat pump – and installers apply on your behalf.
- An air source heat pump isn’t suitable for every property: Although the government is pushing for heat pumps to become more common in the UK, it’s been estimated that 54% of UK homes aren’t suitable for them. Installing heat pumps for flats for example, can be tricky, but not impossible. To benefit the most from heat pumps, you’ll need the correct insulation, large radiators, have the right exterior space for one and have an interior space for the hot water cylinder.
- Heat pumps rely on electricity: Depending on which part of the world you are located in, a heat pump’s carbon footprint will fluctuate. This is because some countries produce electricity by burning fossil fuels, while others rely heavily on renewables.
Is it worth installing an air source heat pump?
Absolutely! Although electricity costs are higher on average, many energy suppliers offer tariffs specifically for low-carbon technology.
For example, Octopus Cosy offers heat pump users “super cheap rates, three times a day, every day”.
It is a three-rate tariff with triple dip Cosy Hours every day, offering eight hours of electric to warm your home. These periods are 4am-7am, 1pm-4pm and 10pm-12am. There is a peak rate between 4pm and 7pm, which is 50% above the day rate of your region.
Your current energy provider might already offer this, so it’s worth contacting them to determine what’s available and how much you can save.
What grants are available for air source heat pumps?
Homeowners in England and Wales can get £7,500 off the cost of a new air source heat pump, thanks to the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The scheme started in 2022 and is operating on a “first-come, first-served basis,” with customers having to register their interest with air or ground source heat pump installers. Installers will then apply for the £7,500 grant on behalf of customers, and remove that amount from the heat pump’s price.
However, a maximum of just 90,000 homes will be able to take advantage of the grant over the next three years – so make sure you get a quote fast.
Homeowners in Wales can also get a free heat pump through the Nest Wales scheme, as long as they meet the following requirements:
- Own or privately rent your home
- Have an energy inefficient home that’s expensive to heat
- Receive a means-tested benefit or have a chronic health condition
Summary
- If the environment, efficiency, and safety are at the forefront of your mind when choosing your next heating system, heat pumps are a great option.
- On the other hand, if you’re worried about finances, heat pumps might not be right for you.
- Although electricity costs are higher on average, many energy suppliers offer tariffs specifically for low-carbon technology.
- Heat pumps are effective at temperatures as low as -25°C.
- Homeowners in England and Wales can get £7,500 off the cost of a new air source heat pump, thanks to the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- If you’re ready to get a new heat pump, get the best deal by filling out this short form. Our expert heat pump suppliers will be in touch with free quotes shortly.
