The Pros and Cons of Air Source Heat Pumps
An air source heat pump extracts energy from the outside air and transfers it into your home to provide heating and hot water for your home. While heat pumps have several advantages, they also have some drawbacks. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons and what you can expect when installing an air source heat pump in your home.
Pros of Air Source Heat Pumps
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are a highly efficient solution for heating homes. They can achieve high levels of efficiency, with most models having a coefficient of performance (COP) of over 3, meaning they produce three times more energy than they consume.
Low carbon footprint
Air source heat pumps operate using electricity, which can be generated from low carbon sources (such as solar, wind, and nuclear), resulting in lower carbon emissions compared to traditional heating systems, that rely on gas or oil.
Cost savings
Heat pumps can provide cost savings on energy bills, especially when replacing older, less efficient heating systems. There are also dedicated heat pump tariffs which make it even cheaper to run an air-source heat pump. Not to mention if you have solar, and/or battery, you can power your heat pump with the sun’s energy.
Evenly distributed heat
Heat Pumps ensure a consistent temperature throughout your home, unlike the hot and cold nature of a boiler. Furthermore, they can be used in conjunction with underfloor heating systems, ensuring even more heat distribution throughout the house.
Low maintenance
A well designed and installed Air Source Heat Pump will have a much longer lifespan than a traditional gas boiler. As long as your heat pump is serviced every year, it will give you and your home plenty of heating and hot water for many happy years.
Pair with other renewable sources of energy
If you pair your Air Source Heat Pump with another renewable energy source such as solar panels and a battery, you could make further savings on your energy bills. You will also be a step closer to being energy independent.
Cons of air source heat pumps
Decreased efficiency in below-zero-temperatures
The efficiency of air source heat pumps decreases as the outside temperature drops, making them less effective in extremely cold climates, luckily in the UK, we don’t see temperatures below freezing very often and most heat pumps on the marketing, including the ones we supply, are more than adequate for the UK climate.
Noise levels – busting the myth
Some air source heat pumps can generate noise during operation, which may be a concern for homeowners. However, an Air Source Heat pump ranges between 40-60db. Compared to a domestic refrigerator which operates at 30-50db, they both make as much noise – now put your fridge outside, would you hear it? So, heat pumps actually offer a bit more peace and quiet when you’re inside.
Space requirements
Air source heat pumps require outdoor space for installation, typically in the back garden or on the side of the property. For flats on higher levels or properties with limited outdoor space, alternative heating solutions may be more suitable. All heat pump installations should be properly designed to ensure they work effectively and efficienctly wherever they are positioned
Initial cost
The upfront cost of purchasing and installing an air source heat pump can be slightly higher compared to traditional heating systems, although long-term savings on energy bills can offset this initial investment, especially if you opt for the right tariff or have solar. Furthermore, government incentives and grants can help reduce the financial burden, currently offering £7,500 off the price, which makes them cost the same as a gas boiler in some cases.
System performance
The performance of an air source heat pump is influenced by factors such as the size of the pump unit, the flow temperature required, and the suitability of the home for this type of heating system. It is essential to ensure proper sizing and installation to achieve optimal performance. We’ve got over 20 years experience in designing & installing heat pumps, with hundreds of 5-star Trustpilot reviews from happy customers.
Conclusion
Air source heat pumps offer several advantages, including energy efficiency, low carbon footprint, potential cost savings, and consistent heating and hot water. However, they also have limitations, such as dependence on external temperature, space requirements, initial cost (in some cases), and system performance (if you choose the wrong installer).
It is crucial to carefully consider these pros and cons before deciding whether an air source heat pump is the right heating solution for their specific needs.
Why not have a chat with an air source heat pump expert today and find out if it’s the right thing for you and your home?