Air source heat pumps have become a hot topic as energy costs rise and people look at how to reduce their carbon footprint at home. But what will it actually cost to fit an air source heat pump, and how much could it realistically save you in the long run? Let’s take a look at the facts and figures to find out more.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump, and Why is it Efficient?
An air source heat pump is basically a fridge working in reverse. It sits outside your home and pulls heat in from the air (even in cold weather) to heat up your home and your hot water. It runs on electricity, but don’t confuse it with an electric heater. A heat pump is much more efficient.
For every 1 unit of electricity it uses, it can provide about 3 units of heat for your home.
In other words, it’s more or less three times more energy efficient than an old-school gas boiler. Gas boilers inevitably waste some energy as heat escapes out the flue, while heat pumps just move heat around. This is why a heat pump can massively reduce your carbon footprint while also trimming your bills if used smartly (more on that later).
Upfront Costs and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Let’s start with the big question: how much does an air source heat pump cost to install? The upfront cost is higher than a boiler. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the typical installation cost of an air source heat pump in the UK is around £14,000. This can vary depending on your home and the system, though.
This might sound steep but don’t panic.
There is help available. The UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (often shorted to BUS) offers you a hefty grant to cover part of that cost. In fact, if you’re a homeowner in England or Wales, you can get £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump installation through the scheme.
It’s not complicated, either. The BUS grant is a straightforward discount. Your installer applies it on your behalf, and if it’s approved, £7,500 will be knocked off the price you pay. That brings the cost down to about £6,500 net, which is much more comparable territory to a high-end boiler installation, especially if you were thinking of upgrading radiators or tanks.
Running Costs and Energy Savings
Upfront costs aside, what’s it like paying the bills with an air-source heat pump? The good news is that a heat pump’s super-efficiency pretty much offsets the high price of electricity. While electricity can be more than gas in terms of up-front cost in the UK, this is counteracted by the fact that a heat pump gives you up to three times the heat output of a boiler for the same amount of energy.
In fact, heat pumps are generally cheaper to run than almost any other heating system, such as direct electric, oil, or LPG, thanks to their efficiency. If you’re replacing old electric heaters or an oil boiler, you’ll probably see a big drop in your heating bills.
Cutting Your Carbon Footprint
One of the biggest motivations for choosing an air-source heat pump is to reduce carbon emissions from home heating. So, how much difference does an air source heat pump actually make? In short, a lot.
By moving away from burning fossil fuels, a typical heat pump can slash your home’s CO2 output by as much as 70% compared to a gas boiler. That’s a huge drop in your carbon footprint. For an average household, this could mean saving as much as two tonnes of CO2 every year.
This is all caused by the fact that heat pumps are able to harvest renewable heat from the air. Even though UK electricity isn’t 100% renewable yet, it’s getting cleaner every year as more wind and solar come on the grid.
Ready to Upgrade to an Air Source Heat Pump with ECS Plumbing & Heating?
We’re a local, experienced plumbing and heating firm that specialises in installing and maintaining greener heating solutions, including air-source heat pumps. From the first survey of your home to the final commissioning of your new system, we’ll support you every step of the way. We can advise you about eligibility for the BUS Grant and handle your installation to the highest possible standards.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of heat pump technology. Call us on 01420 571000 or book an engineer today.
FAQs
Do air-source heat pumps work in cold weather?
Yes – air source heat pumps are designed to work even when it’s freezing outside. They can extract heat from the air in temperatures well below 0°C.
Are air source heat pumps loud?
Not really. The outdoor unit does emit some sound from the fan and compressor, but it’s about the same as a fridge or a modern boiler.
Will I need bigger radiators or any other gear to run a heat pump?
This depends on your current setup. Heat pumps work best with larger radiators or underfloor heating because they supply heat at a slightly lower temperature than a gas boiler. Get in touch with us, and we will assess this for you.
How long do air-source heat pumps last?
A good quality model will typically last 15 years or more if it’s regularly maintained and serviced. Some can last over 20 years. To reach that lifespan, you need to have them serviced at least annually.
Further Reading
- When to Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Heating
- Are Heat Pumps Worth It?
- Is Underfloor Heating Worth It?
- Why Radiator Maintenance is More Important Than You Might Think
