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Heat Pumps: The Basics

Heat Pumps: The Basics
6 December 2023
Heat Pumps: The Basics

Heat Pumps – The Basics

Renewables, and in particular heat pumps, have been around for decades, but we know that in the UK, they’re still seen as the exception rather than the norm. Therefore, they’re often viewed with some uncertainty, lack of knowledge, and scepticism.  So, this month we’re offering a bit of mythbusting as we explore how heat pumps work and are they worth it?

Is my home suitable for a heat pump?

Determining the suitability of a home for an air source heat pump involves several factors that homeowners should consider. Firstly, the insulation and overall energy efficiency of the home play a crucial role in deciding whether to get a heat pump for the home. A well-insulated home with energy-efficient windows and doors will retain heat more effectively, allowing the air source heat pump to operate more efficiently, and minimising the size of the heat pump required.  Making sure that your home is energy efficient before you consider a heat pump will ensure that you need the minimum amount of energy, regardless of the heating system you decide to use, to heat a home. Check out our ‘Fabric First’ blog for more information on this.

Layout of the property is an important consideration. The layout can impact the distribution of air created by the heat pump for the home.

Furthermore, the homeowner's commitment to maintenance and installation costs should be taken into account. Installing an air source heat pump for the home typically requires an upfront investment, but over time, the energy savings can offset these costs. Homeowners should also ensure that their property has adequate outdoor space for the installation of the heat pump unit and that local regulations permit its installation. 

If you are considering a heat pump to replace an existing system, you also need to think about whether your heating, plumbing and radiators are suitable for heat pumps. It’s important to factor in how heat pumps work as traditional systems are set up for high temperature systems with narrow pipes and small radiators. Heat pumps typically operate at much lower temperatures which means you need larger bore pipework and oversized radiators. All totally achievable, but another consideration before you commit. It’s worth noting that as heat pump technology advances, solutions that operate at higher temperatures do mean that the disruption associated with replumbing for a heat pump is reducing.

Heat Pumps – Pros

There are several advantages of heat pumps, making them a popular choice for heating and cooling in residential and commercial settings. 

One key benefit of heat pumps is their energy efficiency, as they move heat rather than generate it. This results in lower energy consumption compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.

Heat pumps can deliver above 3 units of heat energy for every 1 unit of electricity put in, but you should note that this is dependent on several factors including outside air temperature. Many people install a heat pump believing that they’ll always get this high COP figure (as it’s known), but the reality is that it varies and so you should be realistic on just how much saving you expect from a heat pump.

A convenient advantage of heat pumps it that they provide both heating and cooling capabilities, offering year-round comfort with a single system. 

Additionally, heat pumps are often environmentally friendly, especially when powered by electricity from renewable sources. This is because they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuel-based alternatives. 

The versatility of heat pumps extends to their ability to dehumidify indoor air during the cooling process, contributing to improved indoor air quality.

Heat Pumps – Cons

Despite the many advantages of heat pumps, they do come with some drawbacks. 

One notable limitation is their efficiency decline in extremely cold temperatures, especially in regions experiencing sub-zero temperatures. In such conditions, the heat pump may require additional energy or a supplementary heating source to maintain optimal performance, potentially reducing overall energy savings. 

Installation costs are also often a concern, as the upfront investment for a heat pump system, including the necessary infrastructure and components, may be higher compared to traditional heating systems.

Additionally, the lifespan of some heat pump components, such as the compressor, can be shorter than that of other heating systems, leading to potential maintenance and replacement costs. Finally, reliance on electricity as a power source could be a disadvantage in areas where electricity prices are high, impacting the cost-effectiveness of operating a heat pump. Despite these drawbacks, ongoing advancements in technology aim to address some of these challenges and improve the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of heat pump systems.

Macro-economic backdrop

Direction of travel is very clear here. Renewable heating systems such as Air Source Heat Pumps:

-  Score highly when calculating an EPC, increasingly a measure affecting mortgage rates, value of a home, and the decisions of house buyers;

-  Are integral to building regulations Part L, Future Homes Standards, and a core component of the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy;  

-  There are grants available for upgrades from fossil fuel to low carbon heating systems:

Visit our blog page to explore our other helpful blogs and key informational guides. For more information on heat pumps or other information in this blog, get in touch with our team of experts today!