Heat Pumps
The latest in eco-heating solutions, heat pumps promise to save you money whilst saving the planet.
Interest in heat pumps have grown in recent years with the rising push towards green energy, with the government Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) subsidiaries making this technology for affordable and more widespread.
But will a heat pump actually reduce the cost of your heating bills?
What is aHeat Pump?
A heat pump is a type of heating system that draws in warmth from outside the home to heat water, which is then piped through your central heating system. Heat pumps can draw warmth from either the ground or from the air. The most common heat pumps in this country are air source heat pumps, as there’s no need for any underground piping like there would be for a ground source heat pump.
Heat pumps run entirely on electricity, making them a great alternative for homes that don’t have gas or are reliant on deliveries of fossil fuels such as LPG.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps work a lot like your fridge, except your fridge is designed only for cooling one small space, but a heat pump has been designed so that it can heat one large space (your house).
A heat pump works by using a fan to draw warm air from outside – don’t worry, the heat pump is designed to work even at low temperatures, so it won’t be affected by the cold British weather!
It then uses the warm air to heat a refrigerant liquid, which evaporates and turns into a gas. This gas then runs through a compressor system, increasing the pressure and the temperature simultaneously.
The hot gas is then used to heat the water in your central heating system, circulating through your radiators and your taps – giving you heating and hot water.
As your home heats, the gas looses warmth and returns to a liquid, ready to start the cycle again.
Prosof a Heat Pump
Like anything, heat pumps come with both benefits and drawbacks. Deciding if a heat pump is right for your home or your business can be tough, but this list of heat pump pros should help give you a better idea.
The question at the front of everyone’s mind when it comes to heat pumps is, “Can this really save me money?”
The answer is both yes and no.
We estimate that most of our customers could save up to 60% on their energy bills by upgrading to a heat pump, but how much you could save depends on a range of factors like your current boiler, your heating system, and how well insulated your home is. A modern, thermally efficient home will save more money, but even older homes can see lower bills when switching to a heat pump.
Heat pumps offer similar savings to a brand new, thermally efficient boiler, so for homes that have recently had a new boiler in the past 3-5 years, a heat pump may not be worth the cost. However, for homes that have old, inefficient boilers, a heat pump will offer massive savings in comparison with an outdated boiler system. Plus, a heat pump will benefit from the government BUS grant to pay towards the cost of the installation!
The UK Government is currently offering grants of up to £7,500 for homes upgrading to air source heat pumps, meaning you could get the cost of your installation partially covered under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Certain people may be eligible for the grant funding if the upgrade will replace an existing fossil fuel system and if they own the property in question (in other words, you wouldn't be eligible if you are a tenant renting a home or business – though you may be able to discuss it with your landlord). Properties that have already received funding for energy efficient measures such as insulation are still eligible for this scheme.
You can check your eligibility for the boiler upgrade scheme on the government website or you can contact us and our friendly team can give you advice.
Yes, a heat pump can be worth it, though how much you could save depends on the current condition of your home. The only way to know a heat pump is definitely right for you is by booking a free quote to have your home or business assessed by one of our certified installers.
Find out if a heat pump is right for your home or business!
Arrange your heat pump survey
Or call APG Domestic Services on 01772 697166 to book your free survey.
