To say the UK’s attitude towards sustainable and energy-efficient heating solutions has changed in the past few years would be an understatement. From 2013 to the end of 2023, around 4.1 million energy efficiency measures were installed in 2.7 million properties in Great Britain through various government support schemes.
One of these sustainable solutions making waves across the country is air source heat pumps. Supported by government incentives and guidance from industry customers, many homeowners in the UK find them effective in reducing energy bills and carbon footprint.
At Julian Bland Ltd, we are passionate about sustainable heating solutions. In this quick read, we will explain how air source heat pumps work, their typical costs, and how to get government grants.
Let’s get started.
How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?
Air source heat pumps pull warmth from the outdoor air to heat your home and provide hot water. They run on electricity but are super-efficient, producing about three times more heat than the energy they use. This means they generate around three units of heat for every unit of electricity. They work reliably, even in freezing temperatures, making them a great option for homes across the UK.
Here’s how modern air source heat pumps work:
These pumps use an outdoor unit that grabs heat from the air, which then warms up a special refrigerant gas. After getting compressed, this gas gets even hotter and transfers that heat to the water in your radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water cylinder.
If you want to boost comfort and efficiency, pairing the heat pump with your underfloor heating can work wonders.
Are Air Source Heat Pumps Suitable for Older Homes?
If you think air source heat pumps aren’t right for older homes, think again!
Modern high temperature heat pumps are designed to work efficiently in both older and newer properties. While it’s true that good insulation and properly sized radiators or emitters can boost performance, these systems can still deliver impressive results in less modern buildings.
If your oil or gas boiler has been acting up for a while, you might want to switch to an air source heat pump. However, before you go ahead with the installation, it’s worth checking if upgrades like better insulation or draught-proofing could improve your home’s energy profile.
For one, it will help your heat pump work at its best and provide comfort and warmth during freezing UK winters. Secondly, it will help you keep the heating running while saving money on your energy bills.
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Air Source Heat Pump?
The cost of installing an air source heat pump depends on several factors, including:
- Home size: Typically, larger homes require more powerful heat pumps, which can increase the setup costs.
- Existing Heating: Upgrading old systems or switching from gas or oil may require additional labour and system upgrades
- Radiator and Emitter Upgrades: You might also need to replace older or undersized radiators to ensure your new system works efficiently and lasts longer.
- Insulation Upgrade: Older homes tend to have poor insulation. If yours has this problem, you might need to upgrade it to boost efficiency and cut running costs.
With the boiler upgrade scheme, you can get a government grant of £7500, which can bring your installation costs to anywhere between £5,500 and £11,500, including all the required upgrades and the labour required. You will pay a higher price tag without the grant. However, with it, air heat pumps become a competitive alternative to gas boilers.
Just be sure the contractor is MCS-certified, as this ensures your system is designed and installed in accordance with the latest industry standards as well as affording you protection should the company not deliver on their proposal. That, in turn, guarantees maximum efficiency, comfort, and savings.
How Much Can You Save with an Air Source Heat Pump?
Switching from a gas boiler to an air-source heat pump could save you substantial money on energy bills. Given the current energy prices, using a smart electricity tariff and removing the gas metre can help a typical household save around £234 annually.
However, the exact savings depend on factors like:
- Your home’s energy efficiency
- The tariff you choose
- And how well the system is installed
Combining the heat pump with solar panels could further cut your energy bills.
One benefit that has been mentioned by clients is the increase in comfort, from the low, slow heating delivery that an air source heat pump provides, instead of the spike in heat typically delivered by a Gas or Oil boiler.
How to Qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant?
The UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to help homeowners switch to low-carbon heating by offering a £7,500 grant for installing an air source heat pump. The grant goes straight to your installer, who takes it off your final bill, making it easier to afford the upgrade.
Basic eligibility requirements include:
- Property Type: Your home must be in England or Wales and not a new build (unless it’s self-built).
- Existing System: You should have an existing fossil fuel heating system like gas, oil, or electric heating.
- Ownership: You must own the property or have permission from the owner.
- Timeline: Your installer must install the heat pump within 120 days of applying for the grant.
Not all systems qualify, but an MCS certified installer will guide you through the process and ensure your setup meets the scheme’s standards. If you live in Cheshire, call JBL to discuss your options. They will handle the application for you and help check if a heat pump is the right choice for your home.
Choose the Right Installer for Peace of Mind
When investing in an air source heat pump, think of quality and professional service first. In other words, you must:
- Pick an MCS-certified Installer: They meet strict industry standards, giving you confidence in their expertise.
- Choose Trusted Brands: Opt for reliable names like Vaillant to ensure durability and efficiency.
- Choose Trusted Locals: In addition to MCS certification, be sure to work with a reputed local installer. If you are a homeowner in Cheshire, find someone who offers reliable, cost-effective installation and maintenance in your area.
Replace Your Old Boiler with Air Source Heat Pump
Like millions of homeowners, if you wish to make more sustainable heating choices, look no further than air source heat pumps. Replacing your old oil or gas boiler with a heat pump can help you reduce energy costs, lower carbon footprints, and take advantage of government support. With proper design, expert installation, and regular maintenance, air source heat pumps offer a long-lasting, efficient, and eco-friendly solution for heating and hot water in your home.
If you are looking for heating solutions in Middlewich and Cheshire, look no further than Julian Bland Ltd. We are a third-generation, family-run business with over 40 years of experience in heating and plumbing services. As well as installing air source heat pumps, we have a long history of installing gas, oil and LPG boilers so you can rest assured that only the right, unbiased toward fuel source approach will be offered when considering your home heating solution.
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