Air to Water Heat Pumps
Being MCS Registered will also give you access to government funding. The boiler upgrade scheme will give you a £5000 grant towards an air source heat pump as long as your property EPC meets a certain criteria such as cavity wall and loft insulation.
Remember – Most homes will need a few adjustments to work well with a heat pump.
When we come to survey your property we will do heat loss calculations for each room and take into account data from your EPC so we can install the correct sized radiators or underfloor heating to provide you with the most efficient system we can running at a low temperature so your heat pump has to work less and hopefully save you money. We can arrange an Energy Performance Certificate if you do not have one.
*There is a £75 Inc. VAT for heat pump quotes, this is due to the time involved in producing the quote and calculations required. This charge will be taken off the final invoice if the quote is accepted.*
How does an air source heat pump work?
An air source heat pump takes heat from the air and boosts it to a higher temperature using a compressor. It then transfers the heat to the heating system in your home.
Air source heat pumps look similar to air-conditioning units. Their size depends on how much heat they’ll need to generate for your home – the more heat, the bigger the heat pump.
Air-to-water heat pumps take heat from the outside air and feed it into your wet central heating system. They’re most suitable for larger radiators or water underfloor heating because the heat they produce is cooler than that from a conventional gas or oil boiler. To be most effective they need a large surface area to release the heat.
Hot water
When you have a heat pump you will need a hot water cylinder to provide you hot water.
The water will be cooler than from a conventional boiler. Practically this means that If you’re running a bath, you’ll need more hot water and less from the cold tap. So you’ll likely need a bigger hot water tank to cover your needs too.
What is the cost of air source heat pump installation?
An air source heat pump costs more than a new gas or oil-fired central heating system. The typical cost with installation is between £5,000-£12,000. If you’re fitting new underfloor heating or larger radiators, you’ll need to factor in these costs too. And potentially improved insulation, since air source heat pumps aren’t very effective at heating draughty or poorly-insulated homes.
Remember from April 2022 the government are offering £5000 towards this.
What is the running cost of air source heat pumps?
Air source heat pumps are one of the most efficient appliances on the market to heat your home. With traditional boilers running at 90% efficiency rates, you are losing 10% of heat through the burning of fossil fuels to create the heat. Heat pumps on the other hand have an efficiency rating of around 350%. We expect that fuel prices will rebalance in time, which will make the running costs on a par or even cheaper what you’d typically pay for your existing heating system. When you weigh up the environmental benefits against the fossil fuel options – heat pumps are the better choice.
According to Energy Saving Trust, it costs about 4.65p per kWh to heat a home with gas, 4.82p per kWh for oil, 7.70p per kWh for LPG and about 20.06p per kWh with standard electric heaters. Whilst a typical air source heat pump might cost about 5.73p per kWh to run.
Air source heat pump advantages
- Highly efficient at producing heat and hot water
- Zero carbon if used with a renewable tariff
- Can closely match the running costs of other home heating systems
- Installation cost can be offset by the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- They are easier to install than ground source pumps that require digging in your garden
- Low-maintenance with a long service life
Air source heat pump disadvantages
- Your radiators will feel warm, not hot to touch
- Best at keeping ambient warmth, but not for boosting heat
- Keep the heat in – consider upgrades to your insulation to keep the running costs low
- Installation can take between 3 – 10 days
- You’ll need space – outside for the pump as air needs to circulate, and inside for water storage tank
5 Heat Pump Myths
Myth 1 – Air source heat pumps are noisy
This is one of the most common myths you’re likely to hear about air source heat pumps.
Today’s heat pumps are no longer the big, bulky and noisy pieces of equipment they were when they first came onto the market. Modern heat pumps are compact, energy efficient and make about as much noise as your refrigerator.
Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pumps that we regularly install are Ultra Quiet.
Myth 2 – Heat pumps are not efficient during cold winters
The efficiency of an air source heat pumps will gradually reduce as the outside air temperature falls. However, they are still capable of extracting heat from the air when temperatures are as low as -15°C.
Myth 3 – Heat pumps only work with underfloor heating
Air source heat pumps are compatible with underfloor heating and radiators – although it may be more efficient if connected to an underfloor heating system.
Larger radiators, which give out heat at lower temperatures over longer periods of time, can help to maximise the benefits of heat pumps. It’s also worth ensuring that you have suitable insulation in your home, as this will help to minimise heat loss.
Myth 4 – Heat pumps are too expensive
The upfront cost of installing a heat pump can be significant. However, there is some financial support available – from April, The Boiler Upgrade scheme will provide a £5000 grant for eligible installations.
You still have to pay fuel bills with a heat pump because they are powered by electricity, but you’ll save on the fuel you are replacing.
Myth 5 – A heat pump can only be installed in new houses
The UK Government has committed to a target of 600,000 heat pump installations every year by 2028. While the focus is on newbuilds, heat pumps can be installed in most properties – regardless of the type of building or how old it is.
Modern heat pumps can easily be fitted into different property types – from semi-detached houses to high rise flats. Air source heat pumps are similar in size to an air conditioner compressor and can be a great solution for retrofitting an older or outdated heating system in your home.
You should always check whether you require planning permission from your local planning authority before installing any new renewable system, especially if you live in a conservation area or listed building.
Heat Pump Associations
- MCS
- Oftec Renewable Business
- Recc (Renewable Energy Consumsumer Code)
- Mitsubishi Accredited Installer
Why Choose us ?
Matt Poulter has over 15 years of experience in Plumbing and Heating Services with an eye for quality and customer focus.
Heat Pumps
Using the latest heat pump technology I can create a highly efficient heating system running at the lowest temperature possible which in turn saves you money and future proofs your property.
Heat Pump Brands we like to install
