Say goodbye to chilly winters and soaring energy bills by installing air-source heat pumps in your home. In this article, we highlight the benefits of embracing the new, sustainable technology.
In a quest for renewable and efficient heating solutions, homeowners in the UK are turning to air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) as a game-changing alternative. The innovative system harnesses the ambient heat from the atmosphere and converts it into a usable form of heating energy.
Tens of thousands of heat pumps have already been installed in the UK, and more than 1.5 million were fitted in Europe in 2020. The Government expects that millions of heat pumps will need to be installed in homes over the next 15 years to meet the UK’s net zero targets.
Read on to explore the numerous benefits…
Table of Contents
Lower Energy Costs
According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing air-source heat pumps in a well-insulated UK home can result in annual savings of up to £425 compared to traditional heating systems. This translates to substantial long-term savings, making the system an attractive investment for homeowners seeking to lower their energy bills.
Environmentally Friendly
Air-source heat pumps operate using renewable energy sources, making them a green choice for homeowners. By extracting heat from the air, they produce far fewer carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel-based heating systems. The Committee on Climate Change notes that wider adoption of air-source heat pumps could help the UK reduce carbon emissions by approximately eight million tonnes by 2035.
Government Incentives
To further encourage the adoption of renewable energy systems, the UK Government offers financial incentives for installing air-source heat pumps. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) provides quarterly payments to homeowners who have air-source heat pumps, compensating them for the renewable heat produced. This additional income stream, combined with energy savings, enhances the return on investment for homeowners.
Energy Efficiency
Air-source heat pumps are renowned for their remarkable energy efficiency. According to the Energy Saving Trust, for every unit of electricity consumed, an ASHP system can generate up to three units of heat, resulting in an impressive coefficient of performance (COP) of 300%. This efficiency far surpasses traditional heating systems, such as gas boilers, which typically have a COP of around 90%.
By efficiently using energy, air-source heat pumps help reduce overall energy consumption, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
Heating And Cooling
One of the notable advantages of air-source heat pumps is their ability to supply both heating and cooling functions. During the summer months, an ASHP system can be reversed to extract heat from inside the home, acting as an air conditioner. This versatility ensures year-round comfort, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems and reducing overall energy usage.
Low Maintenance
Air-source heat pumps are built to last, with an average lifespan of around 20 years. Compared to traditional heating systems, which may require frequent repairs and replacements, air-source heat pumps are relatively low maintenance. Regular checks, such as cleaning filters and monitoring refrigerant levels, can help ensure optimal performance and longevity.
How And Air Source Heat Pump Works
Heat pumps work by collecting heat using an external collection system which consists of pipes containing liquid filled with an anti-freeze-based solution, to transfer heat from the ambient outside temperature. The fluid in these external pipes, due to the chemistry of the liquid, is always at a lower temperature than that of the outdoor air, which due to one of the laws of physics, means that heat is transferred into the liquid. This is then transferred to a second system, where the heat in the liquid is absorbed into a refrigerant and is therefore turned into a vapor. This is then fed into a compressor, turned into steam, raising the temperature to a for use in a home or business.
Interested In Air-source Heat Pumps?
Hopefully, you can see why air-source heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice for UK homeowners. From substantial energy cost savings and reduced carbon emissions to access to government incentives, the benefits are compelling.
There is no doubt that the recent increase in energy prices has caused many to consider purchasing a heat pump for their homes or businesses. Some have opted for the Ground Source variant, but as these are much more expensive and require a great deal of space, they are not as common as their air source sister. The first step is to ensure that your home or business is suitable and the best way for that is to contact an expert and have them come and visit you.