Last updated: 22nd August, 2024
Comparisons
Try a new boiler quote, finance available including 0% APR.
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.
The main downsides of a heat pump include high upfront installation costs, lower efficiency in extremely cold weather, and the need for adequate space for installation. Additionally, some systems may require upgrades to your home's insulation and heating system to work efficiently.
Yes, heat pumps are generally worth it in the UK due to the mild climate, energy efficiency, and potential long-term savings on energy bills. They also reduce carbon emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option.
Individuals with poorly insulated homes, limited outdoor space, or those living in extremely cold climates may not benefit from a heat pump. Additionally, if your existing heating system is relatively new and efficient, the cost of switching may not justify the benefits.
Heat pumps offer several advantages, including high energy efficiency, lower operating costs, reduced carbon emissions, and the ability to provide both heating and cooling. They are also eligible for government incentives, which can offset installation costs.
Heat pumps are worth it for many homeowners due to their efficiency, environmental benefits, and potential cost savings over time. However, their value depends on your home's insulation, climate, and energy prices.
Heat pumps use electricity but are highly efficient, often producing three to four times the energy they consume. However, their energy use can increase in extremely cold weather, potentially raising electricity bills.
A high electric bill with an air-source heat pump could be due to insufficient insulation, incorrect system settings, or the unit working harder in cold weather. Regular maintenance and optimizing the thermostat settings can help reduce energy consumption.
15th November, 2024
Understanding the perfect heat pump size for your UK home is vital for efficiency and comfort. From square footage and insulation to climate and appli...
Read Article
15th November, 2024
Welcome to iHeat, your trusted online boiler installation company! We are thrilled to introduce our latest offering - heat pumps! Join us on this blog...
Read Article
15th November, 2024
Different appliances in your home use various amounts of electricity. Understanding this can help you manage energy costs
Read Article
