Renewables

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a green, low carbon alternative to fossil fuel boilers. Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air to heat your home and hot water. They can still extract heat when air temperatures are as low as -15°C.

Air source heat pumps need electricity to run, but because they are extracting renewable heat from the environment, the heat output is greater than the electricity input. This makes them an energy efficient method of heating your home.

Heat from the air is absorbed at low temperature into a fluid. This fluid passes through a compressor, increasing the temperature, and transfers that higher temperature heat to the heating and hot water circuits of the house.

Unlike gas and oil boilers, heat pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods. If you are installing an ASHP to replace a gas or oil boiler, you should consider whether you can also upgrade your insulation to get the most out of your ASHP. You might also consider fitting larger radiators or underfloor heating.

If you live in England, you may be eligible for a voucher to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of insulating your home under the Green Homes Grant scheme.

• Air source heat pumps can lower your fuel bills, especially if you replace conventional electric or oil heating. 
  
  
• Air source heat pumps slower home carbon emissions.
  
  
• It could provide you with an income through the UK government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.

Installing a typical system costs around £10,000 – £15,000.

Running costs will vary depending on several factors. These will include:

• The size of your home and how well insulated it is
• The room temperatures you are aiming to achieve
• The design of the system

How much you can save will depend on what system you use now, as well as what you are replacing it with. Your savings will be affected by:

Your heat distribution system

If you have the opportunity, underfloor heating can be more efficient than radiators because the water doesn’t need to be so hot. If underfloor heating isn’t possible, use the largest radiators you can. Our expert surveyors will be able to provide you with advice tailored to your home.

Your fuel costs

You will still have to pay fuel bills with an air source heat pump because it is powered by electricity, but you are likely to save money on your fuel bills (depending on the type of heating you are replacing).

Your old heating system

If your old heating system was inefficient, you are more likely to see lower running costs with a new heat pump.

Using controls

Learn how to control the system so you can get the most out of it. You will probably need to set the heating to come on for longer hours, but you might be able to set the thermostat lower and still feel comfortable. Our installers will explain how to control the system so you can use it most effectively.

The Boiler upgrade scheme is designed to help homeowners in England and Wales making the initial costs of low carbon heating systems more affordable. For example biomass boilers, air-source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps.

You can find more information about how the boiler upgrade scheme works here.

You may be eligible to receive payments for the heat you generate using a heat pump through the UK Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).