There's no better time to make the switch to an air source heat pump

Inventors and scientists are always trying to come up with healthier ways to heat our homes. Though boilers are constantly becoming more energy-efficient, they are currently not the best ways to heat our homes. This post aims at giving you some of the reasons why there’s no better time to make the switch to an air source heat pump.

Air source heat pumps provide the best ways to heat your home in a healthy way. It is a greener alternative compared to conventional boilers. They have a low maintenance cost, which means that you will greatly reduce the cost of heating your home by installing the source heat pump.

The systems primarily depend on air as their source of energy. They get energy from the outside of your home, regardless of the temperature, and use it to keep your house warm, thereby giving you a perfect and comfortable environment. An air-source pump uses the same principle as air-conditioning units and fridges, just in reverse.

In this bit, we are going to look at the simplified steps in which the system works, so don't expect technical jargon. What happens is that once the unit has been installed, it gets heat from the surrounding air and turns it into a liquid refrigerant. In that process, the liquid gets converted into gas.

The pump then uses electric power to compress the gas, thereby heating it up. This heat is then delivered to the heating system of your home; under-floor heating, radiators, or warm air convectors. The last step involves the condensation of the gas back into liquid as the heat transfers, and the cycle starts again.

To work perfectly, the compressor unit will be installed outside your home. To protect the pump from working too hard, there needs to be a sunny spot. However, the system can still get heat from extremely cold temperatures, but the difference is that it might consume more electric energy.

Before you decide whether you need an air heat pump, it is vital that you become aware of the pros and cons. Though the systems might have some disadvantages, the pros are way more significant; so let us look at some of them.

Lower running costs

Compared to systems based on combustion, air-source heat pumps don’t cost a lot to run. This means that, in the long run, you will get to save a lot of money that can be helpful in other areas. Though the initial cost of ground source heat pumps can get as high as £4,500 per year, it is an environmentally friendly investment that can help you save up to £1,400 annually.

Less maintenance

Heat pumps don't need a lot of maintenance. This also gives you the chance to save some money in the long run. On the other hand, the combustion heating systems require regular maintenance, and after a short duration, you will need to replace them.

Heat pumps only need to be checked and maintained once a year. These are steps you can take independently without having to hire a technician. However, after every three to five years, you will need to hire a professional installer to check the system to ascertain that everything is working fine.

Carbon emissions

The heat pump systems greatly reduce the level of carbon emissions. It also leverages an efficient conversion rate of energy to heat. This means that your home will be safe for your loved ones, and the environment will also be protected from harmful emission.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme

The government has two types of schemes to support the installation of renewable heat systems. By choosing to install a heat pump, you might be eligible for funds under Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), or the Green Home Grant.

The scheme addresses private and social landlords, homeowners, and self-builders. The Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, on the other hand, is available for the public sector, such as industries, businesses, and organizations.

To fit a typical heat pump in the UK, you will need between £10,000 and £20,000. Many factors are to be considered when estimating the cost purchasing and installing an air heat pump in your home; such as your insulation and the size of your home.

The running cost will also depend on things such as the size of your home. If you have a bigger space, you will need more power to heat it. Also, homes that are well-insulated don’t lose too much heat, so the cost of running the system will be relatively low. The types of radiators will also play a central role in determining what it would cost to install the heat pump in your home.

The savings made by the homeowners on the installation depends on the fuel they are upgrading from. For instance, if you are upgrading from gas, then your gas use will go down, while electricity consumption will go up. Therefore, it is not easy to accurately tell the amount someone will save from upgrading to an air source heat pump.

In case you are constructing a new home, then an air source pump could be the ideal option. This is because, compared to other systems, they are very easy to install, and you can also choose to include underfloor heating. Users can also choose to add solar panels to supply hot water during summer. The solar panels can also make it easier for the system to heat your home.

There is never the right time to switch to an air source heat pump. It all depends on when you need something better for your home. The system mainly relies on air as the main source of energy, which makes them highly environmentally friendly. Therefore, contact your reputable installer and invite them to your home. They will inspect everything and give you a quote before they start working on the project. Some people also install the system to benefit from government funding.