How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Source Heat Pumps

As with anything else, there are pros and cons of having an air source heat pump installed. We’ve listed a few of these below.

Air Source vs Ground Source Heat Pumps

There are two main types of heat pump – air source heat pumps (as mentioned above) and ground source heat pumps. Both types of heat pump work in a similar way but a ground source heat pump will require extensive work to install. The same compression process occurs with each type of heat pump but they generate energy from different sources.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps source energy from water circulating in underground pipes, rather than the air outside. As a result, installing a ground source heat pump will require extensive work being done in your home and garden, which can be very disruptive and take several days to complete.

There is a mixture of water and antifreeze within the underground pipe system of a ground source heat pump, which uses natural heat from the ground to raise the temperature of the fluid. This fluid is then distributed around your home via radiators, underfloor heating and hot water taps.

Is an Air Source Heat Pump Right for my Home?

There are a few questions you should ask yourself before going ahead and installing a heat pump on your property. Your answers will determine whether a heat pump would be suitable for your home or whether an alternative option may be better suited.

Do you have enough space?

Air source heat pumps are not one-size-fits-all. The model you end up installing could be quite bulky if you live in a larger property. Heat pump units are usually installed on the side or the back of your home, so you will need space for this. You will also need additional space for a water storage cylinder.

Is your home sufficiently insulated?

Many homes suffer from poor insulation, which is a contributing factor to how much you will spend on your energy bill each year. You can lose 25% of heat through the roof of your home alone if you have poor insulation. Insulation is something you should think carefully about before installing a heat pump on your property.

What heating system are you replacing?

Having a heat pump installed can come with a high upfront cost attached. If you are replacing an electric heating system, you will most certainly be able to save money on your annual bill. However, if you are replacing a gas boiler, there may be little difference and you could in fact end up spending more.

You can see the potential savings of replacing your heating system with an air source heat pump in the graph below. Costs are calculated on yearly savings you'd see if you replaced the whole system. Only a brand new oil boiler will be cheaper than installing a heat pump, but this is not the low carbon heating source of the future.

Underfloor Heating and Air Source Heat Pumps

As mentioned, air source heat pumps work much better with a larger surface area, so underfloor heating is the perfect partner for these types of heat pumps. Heat pumps will not give the same heat output as say a gas boiler, and underfloor heating can run perfectly well with a low flow temperature.

The less power that is required to heat a surface area, the cheaper it becomes. If you have underfloor heating already, getting an air source heat pump might just be the perfect combination for reducing your energy costs.

How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost?

The cost of having an air source heat pump installed can vary. It will depend on the size of the heat pump; how big your property is and whether it is an older property or newly built. You can spend anywhere from approximately £7,000 to £18,000 getting an air source heat pump installed. This figure can rise to up to £45,000 for a ground source heat pump to be installed.

Since 1^st April 2022, you have been able to take advantage of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). If eligible, you can get £7,500 off the installation cost of an air or ground source heat pump. You can find out about more ways to save money by researching government grants for heat pumps. It is best to calculate the cost of installation compared to what you could save on your annual energy cost.

We advise you to get at least three quotes before going ahead with your air source heat pump installation.

Air Source Heat Pump Maintenance

One of the advantages of an air source heat pump is that it requires very little maintenance. These types of heat pumps are well-established technology, having been on the market for a very long time. Much of the heat pumps maintenance needs can be carried out by yourself, such as removing any leaves or other debris that may block the fans from working efficiently.

The manufacturer will have specific servicing requirements for each model of air source heat pump and your installer will be able to tell you more about this. However, it is recommended to get your heat pump professionally serviced every two to three years to make sure everything is working as it should be. Servicing can cost in the region of £150 plus VAT for a standard sized unit.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Heat pumps are generally considered ‘Permitted Developments’, which means that you should not need planning permission to install an air source heat pump on your property. However, it is always advisable to seek advice, especially if you live in a listed building or conservation area. If you need to apply for planning permission, you can do so by contacting your local authority. You can find our more information on the government website.

Once you have an air source heat pump installed, you will need to register your device with your district network operator (DNO) within 10 days. You can ask your installer for more information about how to do this and some may do it for you upon completing the installation. You can find out who your local DNO is by visiting the National Grid website.

Air Source Heat Pumps: The Conclusion

Depending on your needs, an air source heat pump could be an ideal energy solution for your home. The technology is well-established and guaranteed to be more environmentally friendly than many other heating options, bringing us a step closer to net zero.

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