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A rising concern on global warming due to CO & CO2 emissions has alerted energy companies to innovate. As a result, the renewable heat pump technology has emerged with good support from the public.
In fact, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are becoming popular after Boilers in the UK for their energy efficiency and minimal running cost. Though their upfront cost might be a big challenge, ASHPs can save money every year with reduced energy bills. They use heat from the air outside to warm your home.
The expenses, possible savings, and effectiveness of an air source heat pump are all covered in this guide. You can determine if an ASHP is appropriate for your house by being aware of these crucial factors that we’ll be discussing here.
A Brief About Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump uses the air from the exterior atmosphere to heat your home. Its mechanism is similar but in reverse order of a refrigerator. It can take heat from the air even if it’s cold outside. After passing through the compressor, the heat transfers into different parts of your home.
ASHPs can also cool your home during summer with its refrigerator-like mechanism. They are a perfect option to reduce green-house gas emissions. Many UK homeowners have started preferring ASHPs to replace old heating systems due to its working capacity with solar panels. For this reason, they are the best energy savers and have a good future.
Factors That Affect Installation Costs
Air source heat pump installation cost depends on several factors as below:
- The size of your home plays a significant role. Larger homes need bigger units, which are more expensive.
- The insulation quality of your home also matters. Well-insulated homes may require smaller units, reducing installation costs.
- The complexity of the installation can also influence the price. If your home requires extensive changes, the costs will be higher.
How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost?
Air Source Heat Pump cost is determined by its type, size, and installation difficulty. Small heat pumps may range in price from £3,000 to £6,000 and are designed for smaller dwellings. Medium-sized heat pumps might cost anywhere between £6,000 and £9,000 for the typical house.
Large properties, on the other hand, require larger units. These large warm air heating systems have costs ranging from £9,000 to £15,000. The price already includes installation and transportation charges.
Types of Air Source Heat Pumps with Average Costs
The two primary types of air source heat pumps are air-to-air and air-to-water. Each has its own perks with different cost ranges. To assist you in choosing the best for your house, let’s compare the costs and advantages of each. Also, we’ll cover where each type is suitable.
1. Air-to-Air Heat Pumps
They use outside air to heat indoor air by circulating warm air directly through vents. Air-to-air heat pumps cannot produce warm water for the internal use of its occupants in the built space. They fit well for those spacious homes that already have a water heating system in place. Air-to-air heat pumps are cheaper as compared to air-to-water systems.
- Cost (including installation): £3,000 – £7,000
- Ideal for Homes needing heating and cooling without hot water needs.
2. Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
These type of heat pumps use outside air to heat water. Then the hot water is pumped into the radiators, inducted upon the floor, or heated in the hot water tank. Say heat pumps air-to-water is a heating system as well as hot water supply systems which makes this very convenient. They are typically installed in houses that desire everything in one. However, the foremost drawback is that they are usually more expensive than air-to-air systems.
- Cost (including installation): £7,000 – £15,000
- Ideal for: Homes needing both heating and hot water solutions.
Budget and the heating requirements of your house will determine which of these two kinds is best for you. Air-to-air systems are more straightforward and less expensive than air-to-water systems, although the latter are more expensive.
Are There Grants from the UK Government?
Yes, UK homeowners can be eligible for free air-to-water heat pumps under the ECO4 scheme. The grants will cover the full price of the heat pump in addition to installation cost and free solar panels.
Are you a homeowner or a private tenant whose household is on benefits? You can be eligible for a free Air Source Heat Pump grant if your home has a low EPC and has no gas metre.
Check Your Eligibilty
Moreover, Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers up to £7,500 towards ASHP installation. This grant helps make ASHPs more affordable for homeowners. To qualify, you must have a property that meets certain requirements. The grant makes ASHP installation cheaper and more accessible.
Those households who are on benefits due to low-income can take this great opportunity to switch to a more sustainable heating.
How Much Can You Save?
The installation of an ASHP can cut energy expenses for heating your home drastically. Such average figures range between £300 to £500 per year for homeowners. The savings will vary with the extent of energy wastage due to the insulation features and usage patterns in the house.
The most significant savings, however, will be recorded by warmer homes converting from oil or electric heating systems. The capital cost of installation is high due to the pump, but a payback on the cost occurs over a period of time as energy savings continue.
How Efficient Are Air Source Heat Pumps?
ASHPs are highly efficient compared to traditional heating systems. They can deliver three to four units of heat for every single unit. This means ASHPs are about 300% to 400% efficient. In contrast, gas boilers are usually around 90% efficient.
The efficiency of ASHPs depends on the outside temperature. They work best in milder climates but can still operate in cold weather. Their efficiency makes them an excellent choice for UK homes.
How to Improve ASHP Efficiency
You can take following steps to improve its efficiency:
- Good insulation is the key to keeping heat inside your home.
- Replace windows and doors that cause unnecessary heat loss.
- Set your heating system properly using a smart thermostat.
- Ensure that the pump is checked and serviced regularly to avoid operational problems.
Ensure that the external unit does not have leaves or clogs around it.
These suggestions will enable the proper functioning of your ASHP and facilitate its effective working.
Maintenance Cost
Maintaining an ASHP is relatively affordable due to its simpler mechanism than other heating systems like boilers. The yearly maintenance cost is around £100 to £200. You should check your heat pumps once a year to ensure durability and minimise repairing.
The frequent checks include checking for leaks and cleaning the filters. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your ASHP. It also ensures the system runs efficiently throughout the year. Skipping this part can reduce the efficiency of your air heat pumps and increase annual energy bills.
Lifespan of an Air Source Heat Pump
The average lifespan of an air source heat pump is approximately 15 to 20 years. With proper care, longevity can be increased. The durability of the pump is also associated with the installation. A properly designed ASHP will have a longer lifespan.
It is vital to select a trustworthy system and a qualified individual for installation. As this will guarantee reliability for your pump for several years. If you want to save on your energy costs and health risks in your home in future, invest in quality ASHP.
Can an Air Source Heat Pump Heat Water?
Certainly, air source heating pumps are capable of heating water at a household level. They can be integrated into one’s existing hot water system. This implies they can deliver heating and hot water supply simultaneously. Some of the ASHP come with ready hot water storage.
Others require installation or connection of an external hot water tank. It is advisable to consult the installer in advance about these aspects. They will give you the most suitable option that will work for your home’s hot water system.
Benefits of Installing an Air Source Heat Pump
Air source heat pumps offer many perks:
- They significantly reduce greenhouse gas emission and help the environment.
- ASHPs also lower your energy bills, saving money in the long run.
- They provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile.
- ASHPs are safer than gas or oil heating systems.
- They are easy to maintain with yearly check-ups.
- With available grants, the initial installation costs can be reduced to nil.
Is an ASHP Right for My Home?
If you would like to cut down heating expenses and wish to be eco-friendly, then an ASHP is the best suitable option. It works especially well for houses with excellent insulation. If you live in an older structure with old insulation, it is worth replacing the insulation first before thinking of an ASHP.
Most houses in the UK such as detached, semi-detached, and terrace houses can accommodate ASHPs. But if you live in an area with extremely cold climates, a boiler assisted pump may be a better option. A trained specialist can give you opinions about that.
Choosing a Reliable Installer
Choosing a reliable installer ensures that your ASHP functions correctly. Look for certified installers like Grant Boilers approved from the ECO4. They have experience in installing heat pumps in UK homes.
An experienced installer will evaluate the needs of your home and propose the appropriately sized heat pump. This, therefore, enables you to maximise your savings in the long-run and avoid possible repair costs.
What to Expect During Installation
The installation duration of ASHP normally takes several days. The technician will come to your house and suggest the appropriate spot for the pump. Then the external unit will be fitted followed by some connections to the building’s heating structure.
The process may include changes to pipes or radiators. It’s important to plan for some disruption during installation. The installer will test the system to ensure it works properly before they finish.
A Worthwhile Investment for Your Home
Air-source heat pumps are environmentally friendly devices for providing heat to your house. Even if the costs of installation are outrageous, providing paybacks in the form of aids and economising in the long run makes the installation reasonable. They provide electrical heating and water services to ensure the habitation is comfortable all the seasons.
After the pump is of a perfect size and maintained often, you shall enjoy the benefits for many years. For people searching to make their homes more energy efficient and saving money, ASHPs are a great choice as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course! As heat pumps are 300% more efficient than back boilers or traditional heating system, you can definitely save a big amount every year.
The installation cost is higher, but government grants reduce its cost to almost zero, especially the ECO4 scheme.
The installation cost varies significantly depending on size, complexity and additional destruction for space allocation. On average ASHP installation may cost you around £2,400 – £14,050.