Maintenance Tips for Air Source Heat Pumps

What Are Air Source Heat Pumps and How Do They Work?

The purpose of an air source heat pump is to absorb heat from the air outside of your home. The heat from the air moves at a low temperature into a refrigerant. This is then sent through a compressor which boosts the temperature. The energy created from the transfer of heat can be used to provide you with hot water, power your radiators and work with your underfloor heating system if you have one. An air source heat pump may benefit you whether you are a residential or commercial customer.

The Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps

• Reduce your carbon footprint
• Cut your energy bills
• Grants available
• Long lifespan
• Low maintenance
• Quick installation process
  
• No need for fuel storage

Do Air Source Heat Pumps Need to Be Serviced Regularly?

You won’t need to have your air source heat pumped serviced as regularly as a traditional boiler. However, you may need to keep your system running all the time during the winter months so you can keep heating up your property effectively.

How Long Does an Air Source Heat Pump Warranty Last?

The vast majority of these systems come complete with a warranty of around 2-3 years. However, many manufacturers do offer warranty extensions in exchange for a fee. You can normally expect your air source heat pump to last for around 20 years before it needs to be replaced. By having your air source heat pump serviced regularly, you can prolong the life of your system.

What Happens During Air Source Heat Pump Servicing?

When your air source heat pump is serviced, your system’s expansion vessel pressure will be checked. Top-ups will be carried out if needed, and the heat pump circuit filter will be checked and cleaned. The valves will be checked for freedom movement, and there will be checks to make sure the water stops and both valves are able to rest properly. The primary system safety valve will be checked to make sure it is discharging securely. The system refrigerant will need to be topped up, and the specialist will ensure the primary system pressure isn’t rising higher than necessary. Air may be released from the system, and fuses may be checked and corrected if necessary. The thermostats will also be checked, as will yield performance. It’s likely that motorised values will also be assessed for efficiency. You should receive a certificate once the servicing process has come to an end.

What Happens After Air Source Heat Pump Installation?

Once your heat pump has been installed, your installer should provide you with a document that tells you about any maintenance checks you should carry out to maintain the efficiency of the system. You may need to check the air inlet grill and evaporator are free from debris each year, and you’ll need to remove any growth that has appeared around your heat pump. It’s also highly advisable to use anti-freeze during the colder months of the year to prevent freezing. The central heating pressure gauge in your home also needs to be checked frequently.

Air Source Heat Pumps Don’t Need Much Maintenance. Why Is This?

Air source heat pumps are designed to remain reliable and efficient for many years before they need to be replaced. They use air rather than oil and coal, which makes them much safer than other systems used to source heat for your property. Air source heat pumps operate in a very simple manner, and this is one reason why they don’t need a lot of maintenance. You should only need to have your air source heat pump serviced every few years.

With this in mind, take a look at the average maintenance costs involved with heat pumps in the interactive graph below.

As well as this, there is a minimum call out charge of £100. Technicians also charge an hourly rate of around £40. It's good news that heat pumps don't need regular maintenance.

Will an Air Source Heat Pump Help Me Cut My Carbon Footprint?

It’s said that air source heat pumps can help people to reduce their carbon footprints by around 44%. Air source heat pumps are widely regarded as being among the best renewable energy sources available to you. An air source heat pump requires around three times less energy than a gas boiler to carry out the same work. You can make an air source heat pump completely green if you use 100% renewable electricity to power it.

How Much Will an Air Source Heat Pump Installation Cost Me?

An air source heat pump can cost a high four or five-figure sum, but there are big savings to be had in the long run once your installation is complete. Energy Saving Trust says an air source heat pump can cost approximately £10,000 to purchase and install. You may need to spend more if you want to take full advantage of an air source heat pump. Many people do this by installing new radiators, superior insulation and new underfloor heating. You may need to replace your radiators with much larger ones if they are too small to help you make the most of your system. The reason you may need bigger radiators is that heat pumps release heat at lower levels than gas boilers do.

Can I Install an Air Source Heat Pump Myself?

Installing an air source heat pump yourself is not a good idea if you don’t have any or limited experience in this area. If something goes wrong, it can take a great deal of time and money to put things right. The process is a very complex one, so it really is better to leave things to the professionals rather than attempting a DIY job. A heat pump specialist can also provide you with in-depth advice on making the most of your system. You may also be able to take advantage of the Clean Heat Grant to reduce the cost of your air source heat pump installation substantially.

How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost to Run?

It’s said that an air source heat pump costs approximately £1,360 to run. At present, that may be more than it costs to use a gas boiler, though this is likely to change in future. Regular maintenance checks could help you source warmth and hot water from your pump for at least two decades. When it comes to servicing costs, these can set you back around £150. However, this figure can vary. You may be able to get regular maintenance included as part of your initial purchase. Once you have had your heat pump installed, ask the installer if there is anything you can yourself to keep the system in good condition and maintain its performance. This is likely to include tasks like removing dust, leaves and snow from the fans and cleaning out the filter. They may also advise you to purchase a heat pump for your outside unit so it’s protected from adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion

One of the biggest draws of buying and installing an air source heat pump is that they require little maintenance compared to many other forms of heating your home. This kind of system can serve you well for decades before it needs to be replaced. Although costs can seem expensive initially, you can save a great deal of money on your fuel bills over time once your system has been installed.

Another big benefit of installing an air source heat pump is that it can help you make a better contribution to the environment. It’s said that using an air source heat pump can cut your carbon footprint by 2.6 tonnes of CO₂ each year. Air source heat pumps are likely to become much more popular in future. New gas boilers look set to be withdrawn from sale by 2035, and these pumps are expected to become one of the most popular home heating solutions on the market. The International Energy Agency predicts that 22% of homes in Europe, America and the north of Asia will be using air source heat pumps by the year 2030.

If you are interested in investing in an air source heat pump but can’t quite cover the cost as yet, rest assured that prices are likely to drop considerably over the coming years. These systems are likely to become more and more accessible for millions more people as we move towards a greener future.