What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump is a renewable energy technology that extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to heat buildings and provide hot water. Air source heat pumps come in two main types: air-to-water heat pumps and air-to-air heat pumps. Air-to-water heat pumps are the most common type and are designed to work with wet central heating systems, providing heating and hot water for the home. Air-to-air heat pumps, on the other hand, are designed to provide heating and cooling for the home by circulating warm or cool air through ducts or air handlers.
How does an air source heat pump work?
It works by absorbing heat from the outdoor air, which is then compressed and transferred through a heat exchanger to your home. This heat is then used to heat the home’s radiators, underfloor heating system or hot water cylinder.
Air source heat pumps use electricity to operate the compressor and circulating pumps, but they can produce more energy than they consume, making them an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems.
Benefits of an air source heat pump
efficiency
Air source heat pumps are more efficient than gas, oil or LPG boilers. Typically an air source heat pumps efficiency rating is 300%, meaning it can produce three units of energy for every unit of electricity it absorbs, where an A-rated gas boilers efficiency is around 90%. In some scenarios an air source heat pump can reach efficiencies of around 500%.
long lifespan
Air source heat pumps are durable and can last for up to 20 years if properly maintained. This can provide a long-term solution for your home heating needs.
enviromentally friendly
Air source heat pumps produce lower carbon emissions compared to traditional heating systems, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. This can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
long lifespan
Air source heat pumps are durable and can last for up to 20 years if properly maintained. This can provide a long-term solution for your home heating needs.
Is my home suitable for an air source heat pump?
Whether or not your home is suitable for an air source heat pump depends on several factors, including the size of your home, insulation, and the type of heating system you currently have.
Firstly, the size of your home is an important factor to consider. Air source heat pumps are best suited to well-insulated homes with a relatively small heat demand. If your home is large or has a high heat demand, you may need to install more than one heat pump, which can be more expensive.
Secondly, your home’s insulation is important as it can affect the efficiency of the heat pump. If your home is poorly insulated, you may need to improve your insulation before installing an air source heat pump.
Thirdly, if you currently have a heating system that uses radiators, you may need to replace them with larger radiators or underfloor heating to ensure that the heat pump can provide enough heat to your home.
CHG South West are able to carry out an assessment of your home to confirm the suitability of an air source heat pump heating system.
Installation and running costs of an air source heat pump
The costs and running costs of an air source heat pump can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your home, the type of heat pump, and your existing heating system. Here are some rough estimates of the costs and running costs of an air source heat pump:
Installation costs:
- The cost of an air source heat pump system can range from £8,000 to £15,000 depending on the size and type of heat pump required, as well as the complexity of the installation.
- You may be eligible for government incentives, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which can provide funding in the form of a grant of up to £5,000 to help with the costs of installing an air source heat pump.
- You may also need to factor in the cost of replacing radiators or installing underfloor heating, which can cost several thousand pounds.
Running costs:
- The running costs of an ASHP depend on various factors, such as the size of the system, your electricity tariff, your energy usage habits, and the efficiency of your home’s insulation.
- Running costs of an ASHP can be further reduced by using the system in conjunction with other energy-saving measures, such as insulation, draft-proofing, and smart heating controls. These measures can help to reduce the amount of heat energy your home requires, meaning that the ASHP has to work less hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, ultimately reducing your energy bills.
In summary, the costs and running costs of an air source heat pump can vary depending on several factors. However, they are generally a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating systems, which can save you money in the long run.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the latest Government initiative to provide financial support for the installation of low carbon heating . This scheme is designed to help reach the UK’s net zero emissions target by 2050 by making low carbon technologies more affordable to install by reducing the upfront cost. The scheme runs from 2022 to 2025.
The BUS provides funding in the form of a grant of up to £5,000 for an air source heat pump installation, subject to all eligibilty criteria being met.
You may be eligible for the grant if:
- You live in England or Wales and own your property
- Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (unless you have an insulation exemption)
- Have an installation commissioned on or after 1st April 2022
- The installation fully replaces an existing fossil fuel system (such as oil, gas or direct electric)
- Have an installation capacity of no more than 45kWh
- Meets the full space heating and hot water demands of the property
Full details on the scheme can be found here
Why chose CHG South West?
Looking for a reliable and efficient way to heat your home or business? Look no further than CHG South West, your trusted provider of air source heat pump installation services.
Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us for your air source heat pump needs:
Expertise and Experience: Our team of experienced professionals have years of experience installing air source heat pumps in a wide range of properties, from residential homes to commercial buildings. We know what it takes to get the job done right, and we’re committed to providing the highest quality service possible.
High-Quality Products: At CHG South West, we only use the best products on the market. We work with and are accredited installers with industry-leading brands, such as Vaillant, Daikin and Worcester Bosch, to ensure that your air source heat pump is built to last and delivers the best possible performance. Plus, all of our products are backed by warranties for your peace of mind.
Energy Efficiency: Air source heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient heating solutions on the market, and at CHG South West, we’re dedicated to helping you save money on your energy bills. We’ll work with you to design a system that maximises efficiency and reduces your environmental impact.
Customized Solutions: Every property is different, which is why we take a customized approach to every installation. We’ll work with you to assess your unique needs and design a system that meets your specific requirements. Whether you need a single unit for your home or a multi-unit system for your commercial building, we’ve got you covered.
MCS Certification: CHG South West is MCS certified, which means that we meet the highest standards for quality and safety in the industry. This certification demonstrates our commitment to providing top-quality services to our customers and ensures that your air source heat pump installation is done to the highest standards.
Competitive Pricing: At CHG South West, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality air source heat pump installation services at an affordable price. That’s why we offer competitive pricing to make our services accessible to everyone.
Don’t wait any longer to enjoy the benefits of an air source heat pump. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you save money and energy with our top-quality installation services.
FAQs
Are they noisy?
Air source heat pumps are generally not very noisy, but like any heating system, they do produce some noise during operation. The level of noise can vary depending on the specific make and model of the heat pump, as well as the installation location.
Modern air source heat pumps are designed to be relatively quiet, and many manufacturers take measures to reduce noise levels. For example, some models have low-noise fans or are designed to operate at lower speeds to reduce noise levels.
What warranties do air source heat pumps have?
As an MCS accredited installer, all our heat pump installations come with a 2 year workmanship warranty. As we are a accredited installers for various manufactures, our installations also come with the following manufactures warranties:
- Vaillant – up to 7 years
- Daikin – up to 5 years
- Worcester Bosch – up to 5 years
Do they need servicing?
Yes, air source heat pumps do require servicing on an annual basis to ensure that they continue to operate efficiently and effectively. Regular servicing can also help to prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of the heat pump. Here at CHG South West we carry out servicing as well as installations.
During a service, we will inspect and clean the heat pump, check for any signs of wear or damage, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. We will also check the performance of the heat pump and its components, such as the compressor, heat exchanger, and controls.
Regular servicing can help to ensure that the air source heat pump is operating at maximum efficiency, which can help to reduce running costs and save energy. It can also help to identify and address any potential issues before they become more serious and costly to repair. You would also need to have the air source heat pump serviced annually to maintain the manufactures warranty.
Will an air source heat pump work with my existing heating system?
In most cases, an air source heat pump can be integrated with an existing heating system, such as a radiator or underfloor heating system. The heat pump can be used to provide the primary heating source for the home, or it can be used in conjunction with an existing heating system.
When integrating an air source heat pump with an existing heating system, it’s important to consider the compatibility of the two systems. For example, if the existing heating system uses radiators, it may be necessary to install larger radiators or additional radiators to ensure that the heat pump can provide enough heat to the home.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to install a new hot water cylinder or to modify the existing plumbing and electrical systems to accommodate the heat pump.
During an initial survey we will be able to assess your current heating system and make recommendations on the best way to integrate the air source heat pump with your existing system.
What accreditations are needed to install an air source heat pump?
Installers need to be accredited by a professional trade organisation, such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), to install an air source heat pump.
The MCS is an independent certification scheme that certifies installers and products for renewable energy technologies, including air source heat pumps. Being accredited by the MCS demonstrates that the installer has met certain standards of quality and competence in the installation of renewable energy technologies.
To become accredited by the MCS, an installer must undergo training and assessment to demonstrate their knowledge and competence in the installation of air source heat pumps. They must also adhere to strict standards of quality and customer service, as well as ongoing training and professional development.
It’s important to choose an accredited installer when installing an air source heat pump, as this ensures that the installation is carried out to a high standard and in compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines. It also ensures that the installation is eligible for any available incentives or grants, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
CHG South West are fully accredited by MCS to install heat pumps.
Does an air source heat pump work when it's cold?
If designed, installed and commissioned correctly, an air source heat pump can still work in temperatures as low as -25 degrees C
For further information on Air Source Heat Pumps, or to arrange for a free, no obligation survey and quotation please contact us
