How a heat pump can cut your energy bills
The benefits of a heat pump
Save money on your heating bills
While heat pumps come with an upfront cost to cover installation, they can save you money in the long run by slashing your energy bill. You might save hundreds of pounds a year - the exact amount depends on your energy usage, how much your electricity costs, the kind of heat pump you install, and how cold it is where you live.
Become more energy efficient
While heat pumps run on electricity, they produce more energy than they consume. And because every year more of our electricity comes from renewable sources like wind and solar power, heat pumps are an increasingly green option. They can be an incredibly powerful way of reducing your carbon footprint, and on a wider scale, they’ll help the UK meet the emissions targets that are crucial to stopping climate change.
How do heat pumps work?
A heat pump transfers heat from outside your home to inside - and amazingly, they do so without burning any fuel or creating carbon emissions. Instead, they work by harnessing the basic laws of science.
The heat pump first sucks in air, turning a cold liquid - called a refrigerant - into a gas. A part called the compressor then increases the pressure, which makes this gas hot enough to heat up cold water. This water is then pumped through the central heating, warming your home. After expending its heat energy, the refrigerant turns into a liquid again, and the whole cycle restarts.
Types of heat pumps
Air source heat pumps
This is the most common type of heat pump, which as we’ve described above works by sucking in air. They can even work at temperatures as low as -25C,
Ground source heat pumps
These work similarly to air source heat pumps, but as you might suspect from the name, heat energy is absorbed from the ground rather than the air. As a result, they’re more efficient, but come with a higher price tag and a more invasive installation procedure - holes will be drilled deep into the earth beneath your home.
Water source heat pumps
If your home is located near a body of water, such as a river or lake, you may be able to use it to your advantage with this type of heat pump.
Air to air heat pumps
These work similarly to air source heat pumps, but are unable to heat your water supply - they simply blow hot air directly into your home.
Which heat pump should I choose?
You won’t have to make this decision on your own. Heatio will evaluate which heat pump is most appropriate for your home based on factors like the size of your property, how well-insulated it is, and your energy usage.
Who can use heat pumps?
Heat pumps aren’t just for new homes - even older buildings with poor insulation will benefit from installing one. However, if you don’t take steps to reduce your home’s heat loss, as with any heating system, your heat pump may be less effective as a result.
How to install a heat pump in your home
Check if you need permission
If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, you’ll need to seek planning permission before you can install a heat pump. The majority of homeowners won’t need planning permission for a heat pump, but it’ll need to be located somewhere that limits its impact on the building’s appearance, such as at the back of the house.
Improve your home insulation and upgrade radiators
If your home has poor energy insulation, you should tackle this before you install a new heating system, whether you choose a boiler or a heat pump - otherwise, the heat it creates will just go to waste. That might mean installing insulation in your walls or roof, or replacing your windows with double glazing. It’s also possible that you’ll need to install larger radiators in your home, as these work best for spreading the warmth of a heat pump.
Heatio can help you determine where to start making these improvements with our bespoke energy saving advice. We’ll simply ask you a few questions about your property, and arrange a call with our energy saving expert.
Find an installer
You’ll want to look for an experienced heat pump installer that’s accredited under the industry-standard Microgeneration Certification Scheme. That’s where Heatio comes in - we can help along every step of the way, including the specification, supply, installation, and maintenance of your heat pump.
What to expect during your heat pump’s installation
Heat pumps are made up of both an inside and outside unit, so you’ll need space for both. A hole will be drilled through the wall to connect the pipes and cables between each unit.
The installation of an air source heat pump can happen quickly and without much fuss - the outside unit just needs to be positioned outside your home somewhere it will be sheltered from the elements. Ground and water source heat pumps often take longer to install because of the more complex procedure - and digging - involved.
How you can fund your heat pump installation
Heat pumps cost around £10,00 on average to install - plus, remember there may also be the additional expense of installing better insulation and new radiators.
Luckily, there are ways of cutting costs. A government grant, called the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, could save you up to £7,500 when you swap your boiler for a heat pump.
Heatio can help you find the best heat pump to meet your needs. We’ll determine if your home is suitable, recommend the system best suited to your property, arrange the installation, and cover every step in between.
