The amount of heat pumps installed in UK homes is expected to explode in the next few years. This increase is mostly fueled by the ambitious government goal to install 600,000 heating pump units per year in 2028. But are these heating systems actually effective?
Similar to other heating devices There are pros and drawbacks of heat pumps. In this post we discuss each of the negative and positive sides associated with the air source pumps and also the properties that aren’t appropriate for the device, and who could profit the most from them.
Environment-friendly
The major benefit in air-source heating systems is they’re much more green than gas and oil boilers.
These heat sources take heat from the outside air which they then use the heat to warm your house and supply hot water. Contrary to oil and gas boilers which are powered by electricity and aren’t always pollution-free, but is more eco-friendly. For instance, in the beginning of the 2022 first quarter just 45.5 percent of the UK’s energy mix was generated by renewables.
The search for low-carbon methods to heat homes is crucial to the future of the UK – especially considering that 85% of UK homes still depend on gas boilers in order to stay warm.
How much CO2 would be saved with an air-source heat pump? A typical owner of an air source heat pump could reduce their emissions by 44 percent per year, based on calculations we’ve done using information obtained from Energy Saving Trust and the government.
However it is contingent on the type of heating system that the homeowner is switching to. If, for instance, you are currently using the gas heating system to warm your residence, you can save up to 6,000 kilograms of CO2 per year when you switch towards an air source heating system and oil boiler owners could save up to 8,500 kilograms of CO2 each year.
Low maintenance
The air source heating systems are low-maintenance. The most important thing to do to ensure that your heat pump is in top condition is to ensure it is clean. This generally means cleaning the coils, changing the filters every couple of months and removing any dirt from the fan blades inside also cleaning registers.
It is also important to ensure that there is anything blocking your heat source. The unit should be situated in the open, so certain things – such as grass and plants, twigs and other leaves – may hinder airflow to the heat pump.
Models that are efficient
The air source heat pump’s efficiency typically exceeds 300%, though the top models may reach greater rates. This means that an air-source heat pump will generate 3 units of power per every unit of power it consumes, on average.
For a better understanding to understand the situation, the average UK household uses around 12,000 kWh annually for heating. Your heat pump will be able to generate similar heating using just 4,000 kWh electricity. What’s the difference between this and different heating options? The electric boilers come with an efficiency of 100 percent, and the most efficient gas boilers only achieve 98% efficiency.
While the effectiveness in an air source heat pumps is likely to decrease slightly as the outdoor temperature drops however, they’re still capable of extracting heat from air even when temperatures are even lower than -15degC.
Ineligible for a variety of grants
The air source heating systems can be quite expensive, with an average heat pump cost being around £10,000 upfront.
To soften the blow residents located in England and Wales can save up to £5,000 on the price of a brand modern air-source heat pump because of this government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The scheme was launched in April 2022, and operates on an “first-come first-served basis” with the requirement that customers sign up with ground or air installation companies for heat pumps. Installers submit an application for £5,000 on behalf their customers and deduct the amount from the cost of the heat source.
The limit is only 90,000 households will be eligible to benefit from the grant in the next three years. So make sure that you request a quotation quickly.
Homeowners living in Wales can also receive an energy-efficient heat pump for free by participating in the Nest Wales scheme, as long they satisfy the following criteria:
You can privately or privately rent your house
You live in an energy-inefficient house that is expensive to heat
Have a means-tested benefit, or suffer from an ongoing health issue
Residents of Scotland are also eligible to receive an award for a heat pump by contacting Home Energy Scotland, so that:
They have someone who is disabled, pensioner or a carer receiving certain benefits.
They rent or own their homes
Their residence is less than 230 square meters, and has an energy rating of 67 or less.
Warmer Homes Scotland hasn’t given the organisation funds to make energy efficiency improvements over the past five years.
They’re secure
They are more secure than heating systems that rely on combustion, because they don’t require burn fuel to generate heat.
Even though you’ll require an annual service inspection of the air source heater, it isn’t for a reason to verify the safety of the equipment It’s a requirement to ensure that the manufacturer’s warranty is maintained.
Long-term longevity
An heating system that is air-source is expected to last for around 20 years. Of course, this depends on how you take care of your heating system. With a little TLC you will enjoy the benefits of low carbon heating for years to be.
Can be combined with solar panels
If you’re considering installing solar panels for your roof or already have one – you’ll be in a position to connect the panels with heat pump. By supplying heat pumps with solar energy is a great way to create a heating system that is totally emission-free, and that will drastically lower the operating costs.
To ensure that the system is efficient You’ll have to take into consideration the number of solar panels that will suffice to meet your energy requirements.
A good rule of thumb an average one-bedroom house consumes 1,800 kWh of electricity each year. A three-bedroom home will consume 2,900 kWh of energy per year, while five-bedroom homes consume 4,300 kWh of electricity each year. This meansthat an average one-bedroom home requires six solar panels. A typical three-bedroom home requires 10 panels, while the average five-bedroom home will require 14 panels.
Minimal noise
There are many heating pump myths floating around in the present, with one of the primary myths claiming that they are noisy machines. It’s not true, however. Heating pumps aren’t the loud pieces of equipment they used initially appeared on the market.
Based on the Energy Savings Trust, heat pumps produce about the same noise as refrigerators – and it is unlikely that you will hear it from indoors (your heating system will be outside).
It can provide heating as well as cooling
In spite of the name, some air source heat pumps are actually utilized for cooling too. But, this is contingent upon whether your Coefficient Of Performance (COP) that your unit is greater than 0.7 to cool.
What is the best way to make the heat pump function as a cooling device? In the summer it will function as a typical air conditioner, using refrigerant to absorb heat from your home, and then transmit it to outside air.
The disadvantages of heat sources that are air-based
Running costs are expensive.
Heating systems run on electricity and are more expensive than gasoline – 4 times more expensive to be precise at 34 cents per kilowatt-hour.
That means that homeowners who switch from an oil or gas boiler to a heating system will notice a dramatic rise in operating costs.
But, the energy crisis is the primary reason for the prices of electricity in the UK that was brought on by the conflict in Ukraine. However, as the UK is looking for alternatives to fuel in the near future and expands the use of renewable energy sources in its mix, the prices of electricity will be able to drop.
Cost of the initial payment
Air heat sources are quite expensive to begin with, costing around £10,000. This isn’t idealconsidering that the majority of consumers rate cost as the top element when deciding on which low-carbon product to buy.
However, homeowners in England and Wales are eligible to save up to £5,000 on the cost of installing a newly installed air source heating system by registering with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, bringing the cost down to just £5,000. While this is a great benefit but it’s still a bit more than a gas standard boiler.
Numerous specialists in the industry believe that the price of heating will decrease throughout the decade as more people choose heat pumps, and the industry creates new technological advancements in the field of heat pumps.
Not suitable for all homes.
While the government is insisting that heat pumps be more widespread in the UK however, it’s been found that 54 percent of UK homes aren’t suitable for them.
To make the most of heating pumps, your home must include:
Proper insulation Ground Source Heat Pump Association states that homeowners need ofgem to present the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score that meets the “minimum requirements for loft insulation and cavities which must be filled” in order to qualify for grants.
Large radiators or underfloor heating They must be 2.5 times larger than regular ones in order to give the same amount of heat.
Space outside to install the heat pump A patio, garden or a large balcony is ideal.
Space inside that houses the hot water heater The typical household will possess a 35 to 45-litre water cylinder
Depends on electricity, which can be green
While they are a more sustainable alternative to coal-, oil-, or gas-fueled heating units, these depend on electricity, which isn’t always sustainable.
Based on the region of the world you’re situated the world, the carbon footprint is likely to vary. This is due to the fact that some countries generate electricity using fossil fuels, whereas others heavily rely on renewable energy. For instance, gas was responsible in 47% of electricity grid of the UK in August 2022. In contrast, 90 percent of Norway’s electricity comes from hydropower.
It is recommended to pair it with massive heaters, or even underfloor heating
In addition to spending some tens of thousands of dollars to set up a new heater, it’s need to think about the cost for installing underfloor heating or new radiators which are 2.5 times larger than standard ones.
Because they release heat in a lower rate than boilers which means they’re less energy efficient – however, this also means that you’ll either require large surfaces for your heating equipment or insulation that can hold the heat your heat pump produces.
Summary
There are many pros and cons of heat pumps. If efficiency, the environment and safety are at the forefront of your thoughts when you choose your next heating device the heat pump is the best choice. However in case you’re concerned about your finances heating, then heat pumps may not be the right choice for you.
The cost of electricity is expected to fall in the next two years This could be an idea you’ll be able to reconsider in the future. If you have solar panels affixed to the top of your house, it’s an easy decision that the heat pumps can practically be able to pay for themselves.
