By absorbing heat from the outside air and using it to heat both your home and your hot water, an air source heat pump is an excellent method for heating your home.
Whilst they still use some electricity to run, an air source heat pump will be an exceptionally energy efficient system, as the heat output they create is greater than the electricity input needed.
Should you be looking to make your heating system more energy efficient, make sure to find out more about an air source heat pump today. Read on below for our guide to air source heat pumps, written in collaboration with Summit Energies, leading providers of air source heat pump installations in Bristol.
What are Air Source Heat Pumps?
An air source heat pump system will convert air into energy. The system is simple. Essentially, an outside fan will draw in air into a fluid. This then moves through a container which raises the temperature of the fluids. This heat is then distributed throughout the heating system of your home.
Whilst of course, these systems aren’t completely impact free, and do require a small amount of electricity to run; an air source heat pump will be around five times more efficient than more traditional methods of central heating.
Air source heat pumps are incredibly efficient, especially when they are working at a consistently low temperature, which makes them a great choice for underfloor heating.
Is an Air Source Heat Pump Right for My Home?
An air source heat pump will work best in a home which is well insulated. This can include;
- A well insulated loft
- Cavity wall insulation
- Draught excluders on outside doors, windows and letterboxes
- Double glazing
You should also consider;
- The units will need to be installed outside your home, against a wall, in a location which has good airflow,
- The savings you will make by choosing an air source heat pump, which will depend on the energy source you already have. For example, should you currently rely on either coal or electricity, switching to an air source heat pump will be much more efficient, saving you both energy and money on your monthly bills.
Can I Get a Grant for an Air Source Heat Pump?
Air source heat pumps are in fact included in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This is a government lead scheme where homeowners in England, Scotland and Wales are paid for the amount of renewable heat they generate.
These Renewable Heat Incentive payments will last for seven years and depending on the size of the system you invest in, you could receive up to £1,300 per year.
Are Air Source Heat Pumps Right for You?
Of course, choosing to install an air source heat pump can seem like a big decision. So, you may need to take some time to weigh up the benefits and decide as to whether the investment is right for your home.
Air source heat pumps are an excellent low-carbon method for heating your home, especially if you are choosing to replace a gas or oil-fired central heating system. Whilst they may seem like a larger investment to make at first when installing the system, the lower running costs will make all the difference in the long run.
