Updated: 20th January, 2025
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As one of the hottest topics in the industry, heat pumps are being contemplated by homeowners for their ability to bring about savings, however, is all as it seems?
What are heat pumps' advantages and do they outweigh their disadvantages as a home heating system?
Allow iHeat to investigate…
A heat pump transfers captured heat from the air outside to the inside of a property, this is then used to fuel the property’s central or underfloor heating (in some cases provide hot running water also).
Heat energy is present everywhere, including outside, heat flows naturally from a warmer place to a colder place, to heat a home however, heat energy would need to do the opposite, flow from a colder to a warmer place. Here’s how it happens -
As the pressure of a gas increases, so does its temperature, and in turn the temperature decreases with a drop in pressure.
The gas used in the heat pump process is called a refrigerant, and is compressed by electricity to raise the pressure and temperature, as the refrigerant's heat is transferred to a property via the heat exchanger, it cools down a tad.
The refrigerant then expands so it cools further, the resultant low temperature gas is now cold enough to absorb more heat from outside and begin the process again.
The heat that has been deposited in the heat exchanger in the process mentioned above would traditionally occur via a central heating system.
An air source heat pump’s refrigerant comes from outside the unit (evaporator) and absorbs heat energy blown across a heat exchanger using fans.
Ground Source heat pumps work by sourcing heat from water in underground pipes (either long or coiled in trenches), which is then pumped to a heat exchanger.
The cool water is mixed with antifreeze and passes through the heat exchanger, transferring the heat to the refrigerant, which continues to flow around the compressor circuit.
The main reason why heat pumps of either type are so widely spoken about currently, is their propensity for potential savings, especially considering the current exponentially high energy bills causing the dismay of the UK public.
Heat pumps are extremely efficient in the production of heat energy, meaning a reduction in heating bills, saving prospective buyers what could turn out to be a significant amount of money each year.
Anything that should be checked annually on a heat pump set up can be done by the owner, anything that requires professional attention from a Gas Safe engineer should be checked every 3-5 years.
The efficiency of a heat pump’s conversion rate and the fact it does not burn a fuel to operate, lowers a household's carbon emissions. This not only helps the planet, but also increases the safety of the home’s occupants.
On average the lifespan of a heat pump installation is around 15 years, some can however last up to 50 years, providing maximum efficiency and robust reliability.
When it’s hot outside, many heat pumps are actually capable of reversing their operational process to act like an air conditioning unit.
The government introduced the boiler upgrade scheme, this £450 million initiative comes as part of the Heat and Buildings Strategy that offers a £6,000 reduction of the supply and installation of a ground source (£5000 for air source) heat pump for property owners in England and Wales.
Heat pumps demand a very high initial purchase price with some units costing upwards of £45,000! This can negate the idea of savings offered by installing a heat pump for many people, as not too many homeowners have a spare forty grand lying around.
Lot’s of initial and potentially delaying assessment must be made on an installation site before work can begin, including as going as specific as local geology assessments.
Some heat pump installations actually require planning permission in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, whereas in England it can be dependent on the size and location of the property.
Some heat pumps experience issues in functionality in cold locations, meaning their reported efficiency will be compromised.
Despite being reliant upon electricity to function, heat pumps are not totally carbon neutral, this is because the process of generating electricity actually can be quite a carbon intensive task.
Some properties don’t have sufficient insulation to be an ideal heat pump location. Without considerable insulation, the heat generated from a pump would be lost. Loft and cavity wall insulation can bump up the cost of a heat pump installation considerably.
Heat pumps run on electricity, and while this is efficient and releases less emissions, electricity is the most expensive type of fuel on the market and can cost up to three times the price of gas (one of the most affordable fuel types).
While there is no doubt, in the right environment, heat pumps can be a fantastic addition to any home, it is the potential negatives of utilising such systems that may be the deciding factor for many homeowners.
Primary concern would be directed at the very costly unit price of most heat pumps, even with the idea of energy saving, the unit price would be enough to put many would be buyers off.
At iHeat we stock a massive range of sleek new combi and system boilers, designed to save space and perform at the highest level. With sizes to fit any property, now might be the perfect time to replace an old boiler and upgrade to an efficient combi or powerful system.
Air heat pumps offer several benefits, including high energy efficiency and the ability to both heat and cool a home. They are environmentally friendly, reducing your carbon footprint by using renewable energy from the air. The system is relatively easy to install, especially in properties without access to a gas supply. However, one downside is that air-source heat pumps are less effective in extremely cold weather, and they may need supplementary heating during cold spells. Additionally, they can be noisy, particularly the outdoor unit, which may be a concern in certain locations.
A major problem with heat pumps is their reduced efficiency during extreme cold weather. Air-source heat pumps, in particular, struggle to extract heat from the air when temperatures drop significantly, which can cause them to work harder and consume more energy. In these situations, supplementary heating may be required, increasing energy costs. Additionally, heat pumps can be costly to install, which may be a barrier for some homeowners.
Heat pumps are less suitable for homes that are poorly insulated or have high heating demands. For properties with low insulation or significant heat loss, the heat pump may need to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can reduce its efficiency and increase running costs. Large homes with multiple rooms or older homes with inefficient heating systems may also need additional upgrades or larger heat pumps to be effective.
You should avoid placing a heat pump in areas with limited airflow or in locations that could obstruct the system, such as in a small, enclosed space or against a wall that blocks airflow. The outdoor unit should be placed in an area where it has enough clearance for proper ventilation. Additionally, placing a heat pump in a noise-sensitive area or near bedroom windows might be undesirable due to the sound of the outdoor unit. It’s also important to avoid areas prone to flooding or direct exposure to harsh elements.
A properly sized and maintained heat pump can provide a comfortable temperature for your home. However, in extremely cold weather, air-source heat pumps may struggle to maintain warmth without the help of supplementary heating. They are generally more effective in moderate climates and in homes with good insulation. If the system is too small for the property, or if the house is poorly insulated, it may not provide adequate warmth, especially during the colder months.
If your house feels cold with a heat pump, there could be several reasons. The heat pump may be too small for the space, or there could be issues with its operation, such as dirty filters or insufficient refrigerant. Poor insulation or air leaks around windows and doors can also contribute to heat loss, making it harder for the heat pump to maintain a comfortable temperature. Additionally, during extreme cold, the heat pump may not be able to keep up, and supplementary heating may be needed.
Heat pumps may not be suitable for homeowners living in areas with very cold winters, where the efficiency of air-source heat pumps decreases significantly. They are also less ideal for homes with poor insulation, as the system may not be able to maintain a comfortable temperature without additional heating. If you are on a tight budget and cannot afford the upfront installation costs, a heat pump might not be the best choice. Additionally, homes with limited space for installation, particularly for the outdoor unit of an air-source heat pump, may also not be suitable.
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