Over the past few years, homeowners and businesses in Norfolk and East Anglia have seen the cost of energy rise. Factors such as higher wholesale energy prices and geopolitical tensions have led to these increases. Classic heating systems, such as gas and oil boilers, are known to consume more energy and thus increase the bills.
Understanding Air Source Heat Pumps
As a result, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) can be looked at as an alternative that is more efficient. They work by employing outside air to warm your home. This takes less energy than making heat with fire. ASHPs work at efficiencies greater than 300%. That high number means for every one unit of electricity consumed by an ASHP, three units of heat are produced.
Cost and Practical Considerations
- Installation Costs – The cost of installing an ASHP depends on the factors such as the size of the property and the type of system to be installed. On average, installation costs stand between £8,000 and £15,000. However, through the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), those who are eligible can get grants of up to £7,500 to help cut the initial costs.
- Running Costs – ASHPs are more efficient than traditional heating systems than most systems. The annual running cost for a three-bedroom household is roughly £939, this can vary depending on your location and energy tariffs.
- System Compatibility – ASHPs can be combined with conventional radiators; however, more substantial radiators or underfloor heating can enhance the efficiency. A water tank is usually required for the storage of hot water.
- Performance in Winter – Today’s ASHPs are designed to work effectively at cold conditions and give adequate heating during the winter.
- Alternatives – Some other options are available, but electric boilers are the most common, and they are less efficient and more costly to run than ASHPs.
- Savings Potential – If you switch to an air source heat pump (ASHP), you may see a significant drop in your energy bills, and much of that may be savings compared to an old, inefficient fossil fuel system. Some homeowners have reported cutting their heating bills a third after installing an ASHP.
Grant Funding
At first, the expense of getting an air source heat pump (ASHP) seems expensive than a conventional fossil fuel boiler. However, there are grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to help people pay for the difference. There is funding of up to £7,500, and many people find that the final cost of an ASHP system is pretty much on a par with, if not less than, the cost of installing a new gas or oil boiler.
An ASHP can be more cost-effective in the long run due to its lower operating costs and potential for bill savings. Traditional fossil fuel systems will continue to demand costly and environmentally harmful fuels, whereas a heat pump is more energy-efficient and, therefore, more ecological in its energy use.
Environmental and Financial Benefits
ASHPs cut energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, which are good for the environment. The UK government is encouraging the take up of heat pumps through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Property?
ASHPs are suitable for all kinds of buildings, including houses and business premises. Before installation, there are several factors that must be considered, such as the level of insulation of the property, the existing heating system, and the availability of space for the unit outside. This means that in homes with very poor insulation, an ASHP may not lead to as much savings on energy bills without other energy efficiency measures being taken.
Working Together
An air source heat pump, when used in combination with battery storage and solar panels, becomes part of an environmentally friendly, energetically efficient system. The solar panels power the heat pump with clean electricity from sunlight. Any surplus electricity produced during the day can be stored in a battery and used to power the heat pump in the evening—or on a not-so-sunny day. Battery storage takes this system to the next level.
This setup reduces the dependence on electricity from the grid and reduces energy bills even more. It also cuts your carbon footprint by using more renewable energy to heat your home. These technologies, when used together, are a smart and sustainable way to control home energy usage.
Why Choose Aspect?
Aspect has installed heat pumps for both homes and businesses in Norfolk and East Anglia. We provide professional services to fulfill our clients’ demands related to installations. Dependable service and continuous help ensure your heating is system is running efficiently.
Interested in sustainable heating solutions? Get in touch with Aspect today to discuss your options or read testimonials from some of our existing customers who have decided to go for air source heat pumps.