As the cost of heating homes continues to soar, individuals are on the hunt for ways to slash their bills. Many are looking into improving energy efficiency, while some are considering alternative sources of heat.
With half of the UK’s annual fossil fuel gas consumption used for heating, and building heat responsible for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, the Government is exploring ways to reduce this impact. One method is switching to low-carbon heating systems in homes, such as heat pumps.
And there is help available with meeting the cost of installation. Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, households can receive a £7,500 grant towards their bill.
But what are heat pumps, and how effective are they? Experts in the industry have answered some of the most common queries, reports Lancs Live.
What exactly is a heat pump?
Heat pumps are highly efficient electrical devices that pull and intensify heat from the outside air or ground into a building. They can produce around three units of heat for every unit of electricity used, significantly reducing a property’s energy needs when replacing systems like gas boilers.
How do heat pumps work?
Charlotte Lee, CEO at the Heat Pump Association, clarifies: “Heat pumps capture heat from air, ground or water which is then passed through a heat exchanger. This is then absorbed by the refrigerant gas, raising the temperature, after which it is moved to a compressor, where pressure is applied to create a higher temperature.”
The system then passes through another heat exchanger, which warms up water for your radiators or underfloor heating, and also the water in your hot water cylinder.
How much are they?
The Energy Saving Trust suggests that this depends on your requirements. The average cost of installing an air source heat pump is around £14,000.
However, the installation cost can vary based on several factors. These include:
- the size of the heat pump
- the size of your property
- whether it’s a newbuild or an existing property
- whether you need to upgrade your radiators
There are ways to reduce this expense though. In Scotland, you might be eligible for an interest-free loan or a grant to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
If you’re a resident of England and Wales, you can receive £7,500 towards an air source heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. For those living in Northern Ireland, while there isn’t a specific grant currently available, you can still ‘get heat pump ready’ and apply for insulation funding via NI Energy Advice.
Will it lead to savings on my energy bills?
The Energy Saving Trust explains that heat pump running costs can fluctuate based on various factors. These include:
- Whether your radiators are appropriately sized.
- Your electricity tariff.
- How the heat pump is controlled.
It continues: “How much you could save on your energy bills also depends on what heating system you’re replacing. At the moment, they generally cost slightly more to run compared to new gas and oil boilers.”
“This is because electricity is around four times more expensive than gas or oil. But, because heat pumps are so much more efficient, as electricity prices change over time, we expect to see these savings improve. And if you’re replacing any other kind of heating system, you should see savings on your energy bills.”
The potential annual savings from installing a standard air source heat pump, including any recommended radiator upgrades, in an average-sized, three-bedroom semi-detached home vary. According to the Energy Saving Trust, those currently using old electric storage heaters could save £1,200, while those with a new A-rated oil boiler might incur an additional cost of £55.
The figures also indicate savings of £700 for those using new electric storage heaters, £650 for those with old G-rated LPG boilers or coal, and £290 for those with old G-rated gas boilers. However, new A-rated gas boilers might result in an extra cost of £3.
These estimates are based on an electricity price of 24.5 p/kWh and a gas price of 6.29 p/kWh, calculated from a weighted average of projected, current, and recent energy price caps.
How noisy are heat pumps?
Regarding noise concerns, Poppy Szkiler, founder and CEO of Quiet Mark, reassures: “A well-installed Quiet Mark certified heat pump should not create noise disturbance. Heat pumps are located outside and are typically quieter than gas boilers. Just as a boiler needs routine checks, an annual heat pump service will help it remain clean and ensure it runs efficiently and sounds as quiet as possible.”
Are heat pumps effective in cold weather?
Katy King, Deputy Director of the Sustainable Future Mission at Nesta, confirms the effectiveness of heat pumps in cold weather, stating: “Yes. Even in weather below freezing, there’s heat energy in the air and ground that heat pumps can use. Research shows that heat pumps are more than twice as efficient as fossil fuel heating in cold temperatures, and they also outperform oil and gas at temperatures approaching -30°C.”
Do they work for older properties?
When asked if heat pumps can be fitted to older homes, Bean Beanland, Director for Growth at the Heat Pump Federation, says: “Yes. The challenge in older buildings is minimising heat loss (through insulation, where possible, but not an essential prerequisite) and having suitably sized heat emitters (radiators, underfloor heating and so on) but this challenge is not unique to heat pumps. The newest models of high-temperature heat pumps make it easier to transition from fossil fuels to a heat pump.”
How do I get an air source heat pump?
For those considering an air source heat pump, you can start by using the Energy Saving Trust’s free online assessment tool – GoRenewable – to determine if it’s the right choice for your home. Most heat pump installations are classified as ‘permitted developments’, which means planning permission isn’t typically required.
However, exceptions exist, so it’s crucial to consult with your local planning department. This is particularly important if your property is listed or located in a conservation area.
It’s also important to find a trusted installer. Obtain quotes from certified installers who are accredited through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The Energy Saving Trust advises getting quotes from at least three different installers to ensure you’re getting the best value for money.
Next, get your heat pump. The Energy Saving Trust provides a step-by-step guide that walks you through the entire heat pump installation process. This covers everything from securing funding to ongoing heat pump maintenance.