What is a Heat Pump? And how can it benefit me / my home?

As UK homeowners seek more sustainable and efficient ways to heat their homes, and as new gas boilers will be banned for most households from 2035, heat pumps have become a popular topic of discussion. If you are considering upgrading your heating system, understanding what a heat pump is and weighing its pros and cons is essential. Read on for a comprehensive guide to help you decide if a heat pump is the right choice for your home now, or in the near future.

A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one place to another. Unlike traditional heating systems that generate heat through combustion or electrical resistance, heat pumps move existing heat from the air or ground into your home. They can also reverse the process, acting as air conditioners in the summer by transferring heat out of your home.

 There are three main types of heat pumps:

1. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): Extract heat from the outside air.

2. Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs): Extract heat from the ground.

3. Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs): Extract heat from a nearby water source.

 Air and ground source heat pumps are the most practical options for most UK homeowners.

Pros of Installing a Heat Pump

1. Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly efficient, often providing 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. This efficiency can significantly reduce your energy bills compared to traditional heating systems.

2. Environmental Benefits: Heat pumps lower your carbon footprint by using renewable heat from the air or ground. This can contribute to the UK's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Year-Round Comfort: Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, offering a versatile solution for maintaining a comfortable home climate throughout the year.

4. Long Lifespan: Heat pumps can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance, offering a durable and reliable heating solution.

5. Financial Incentives: The UK government offers financial incentives for heat pump installations through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). These incentives can help offset the initial cost of installation.

Cons of Installing a Heat Pump

 1.      High Upfront Costs: A heat pump installation cost can be significantly higher than traditional heating systems. Although government incentives can help, the initial investment remains substantial with Air source heat pumps tending to cost between £14,000 and £19,000 to install and ground source heat pumps costing between £28,000 and £34,000 to install, depending on how you install the pipes (https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/in-depth-guide-to-heat-pumps/)

2.      Installation is complex: Installing a heat pump, especially a ground source heat pump, can be complex and disruptive. It requires space for outdoor units and, in the case of GSHPs, significant ground excavation.

3.      Performance in Cold Weather: Modern heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in colder climates. However, their performance can drop in extremely low temperatures, potentially requiring a backup heating system.

4.      Electricity Dependency: Heat pumps run on electricity, meaning your energy savings partly depend on electricity prices. Increases in electricity costs can affect the overall savings you achieve.

5.      Aesthetic and Noise Considerations: Outdoor units for air source heat pumps can be bulky and might not blend well with your garden or property aesthetics. Additionally, while generally quiet, they can produce some noise, which might be a consideration in noise-sensitive areas.

So - is a Heat Pump Right for You?

Deciding on whether to install a heat pump depends on several factors, including your budget, property type, and personal preferences. Here are a few questions to consider:

Do you have sufficient outdoor space for an ASHP or GSHP? You’ll need somewhere outside your home where a unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It must have some space around it to allow a good flow of air. If you’re not limited by space inside your home, it may be worth the extra cost of installing a split system. Your installer should be able to talk you through your options and help you choose the design that works best for you.

Do you have space for a hot water cylinder? A standard heat pump doesn’t provide hot water on demand like a combi boiler, so you’ll need a way of storing hot water for when you need it, like a hot water cylinder. The size of hot water cylinder depends on the amount of hot water your household typically uses. They can usually fit inside any cupboard that measures at least 80x80cm.

Are you planning to stay in your home long enough to benefit from the long-term savings? Is your home well-insulated to maximise the efficiency of a heat pump? On average, heat pumps cost around £1,540 to run per year*. Your specific running costs will depend on a range of factors including: How much heat your property needs, and your preferred room temperature. Your electricity tariff. The type of heat pump you install. How efficient your heat pump’s settings are, and how it’s operated. The average air or ground temperature where the heat pump is.

Can you take advantage of available financial incentives? Current grants of £7,500 in England and Wales are on offer https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/boiler-upgrade-scheme/

A forward-thinking choice

Heat pumps represent a forward-thinking choice for environmentally conscious homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. While the initial costs and installation complexities can be barriers, the long-term benefits often outweigh these challenges.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, heat pumps are likely to become an increasingly common feature in UK homes. If you’re ready to make a green investment in 2024, a heat pump could be a smart, efficient, and eco-friendly addition to your home.

Further reading and useful links below;  

In-depth guide to heat pumps *https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/in-depth-guide-to-heat-pumps/

Heat pumps: How do they work, what do they cost and can I get a grant? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57159056

Boiler Upgrade Scheme https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/boiler-upgrade-scheme/