Many homeowners in London are searching for smarter and eco-friendly ways to heat their homes as energy prices are increasing in present time with the growing environmental concerns. Air source heat pump is a revolutionary technology which is not only eco-friendly, cost effective but it’s also energy-efficient. Air source heat pumps could be your best solution if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint and cut down your energy bills.
Many homeowners in London are searching for smarter and eco-friendly ways to heat their homes as energy prices are increasing in present time with the growing environmental concerns. Air source heat pump is a revolutionary technology which is not only eco-friendly, cost effective but it’s also energy-efficient. Air source heat pumps could be your best solution if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint and cut down your energy bills.
In this comprehensive and highly informative guide, we will answer all your questions like how air source heat pumps work, their benefits, cost and why they are becoming a popular choice while covering everything you need to know about air source heat pumps.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump?
It is a renewable heating system which transforms heat from the outside air into your home. Air source heat pumps can extract heat even when the temperature is as low as -15° C. This system uses electricity to run the process but the amount of heat they produce is much greater than the energy they consume. It’s like a working refrigerator but in reverse!
Air source heat pumps are mainly categorised into two major kinds. The first being the Air-to-Water Heat Pumps. These kinds of pumps transfer heat into a water based central heating system like underfloor heating, radiators or hot water.
The second type of heat pumps are Air-to-Air Heat Pumps. These pumps circulate warm or cool air directly into your home. These heat pumps are best for homes that don’t have a central heating pump system.
How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Work?
Let’s break down the process of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and understand how they function:
- These pumps absorb heat from the outside air by using a liquid refrigerant technology.
- This refrigerant then gets compressed and raises the temperature.
- The heat is transferred to the heating system of your home such as radiators, hot water tanks or underfloor heating.
- This process is maintained to have a comfortable and steady temperature everywhere in your home.
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps in the UK
Here are the key benefits of installing the air source heat pumps in your home:
1. To Have An Energy Efficient Home
Air source heat pumps deliver up to three times more energy than what they consume. ASHPs produce 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used.
2. Reduce Your Share of Carbon Footprint
ASHP significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions by helping the homeowners of London to meet their climate goals.
3. Reduce the Energy Bills of Your Home
The high efficiency of ASHPs can result in reduced energy bills even after using electricity to run the heating system, especially when it’s generated with renewable electricity sources like solar panels.
4. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The government of the UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides financial support to cover a part of the cost of meeting all the eligibility criteria. This scheme is run to encourage the homeowners of London to install or replace your old air source heat pumps. The government of the UK provides:
- A £7,500 incentive for an air source heat pump
- A £7,500 incentive for a ground source heat pump including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops.
- A £5,000 grant for a biomass boiler.
- These grants are not applicable for hybrid heat pump systems.
5. Enjoy the Comfort Year-Round
Apart from heating your home, an ASHP also provides cooling during the summer season. This feature makes this heating system a versatile solution for all homeowners.
6. Minimal Maintenance
Air source heat pumps require less maintenance compared to the traditional heating systems. Regularly checking up on the heat pumps ensures smooth operation and a longer lifespan.
Are Air Source Heat Pumps a Good Choice for London Homes?
- ASHPs are designed to work efficiently even in colder climates like the London’s, as they come with the ability to extract the heat from the air.
- ASHPs are ideal options for well-insulated homes. If your home is not well-insulated, you might need to improve the insulation in order to maximise the efficiency of your air source heat pumps.
- The outdoor unit of this system requires some space that is why these are typically installed at the side or back of your property. Homes with limited outdoor space might face challenges because of this function but creative placements and good planning can help you resolve this problem.
Air Source Heat Pumps vs. Traditional Heating Systems
Here’s how ASHPs compare to traditional heating systems like gas boilers:
| Feature | Air Source Heat Pump | Gas Boiler |
| Efficiency | 300-400% (COP of 3-4) | ~90% (modern boilers) |
| Carbon Emissions | Low | High |
| Running Costs | Lower in the long term | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-15 years |
| Installation Costs | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
Challenges of Air Source Heat Pumps
No system is perfect. Here are some of the challenges you can keep in your mind when installing an air source heat pump for your home:
1. High Cost of Installation: The initial installation cost could seem higher to some homeowners but grants and schemes run by the government can help you reduce the cost.
2. Noise Caused By the Generator: While modern ASHPs are quieter but the outdoor unit still generates some noise when running. You need to make sure that you install the outdoor unit away from the bedrooms or bathrooms.
3. Efficiency in Poorly Insulated Homes: To get the most out of an ASHP, your home must be well-insulated.
Future of Air Source Heat Pumps in London
The UK government aims to phase out gas boilers by 2035 with air source heat pumps playing a crucial role in the transition to low-carbon heating. New innovations and technological advancements are making heat pumps more efficient, affordable and quieter to make sure they remain the favourite choice of the homeowners of London.
How to Choose the Right Air Source Heat Pump
Consider the following points before you opt for having an air source heat pump for your home:
- Select a size that fits perfectly and is based on the heating requirements of your home.
- You should look for brands and products that come with high Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP).
- You should only choose an MCS-certified installer for quality assurance and also for the eligibility for government schemes.
Conclusion
Air source heat pumps are a new choice of thousands of people for being eco-friendly, cost-effective and versatile. While the upfront investment may seem significant, the long-term benefits like lower running costs to government incentives make it a worthwhile choice.
If you are looking to install an air source heat pump for your home, contact us for a hassle-free as we are your one-stop-solution for everything related to ASHPs. We provide a complete installation of ASHPs such as Daikin’s silent ASHP for a more comfortable, warm and energy efficient home that is future-proof with the latest quiet mode technology offered by Daikin ASHPs.
Consider investing in an air source heat pump with us as the UK’s push towards net-zero carbon emissions, it’s a step in the right direction for both your home and the planet.
