Hello, My name is Gary Hockins, Retrofit Projects Manager at Aspecte. I have spent more than ten years in the energy sector, and when it comes to the sorts of renewable technologies we discuss with homeowners, I have installed most of them in my own home. I understand the concerns and questions that often arise when one is considering making their home more energy-efficient.
I would like to answer a few frequent questions I’ve been asked about air source heat pumps to help you in making a well-informed choice.
What are the typical running costs of air source heat pumps?
The efficiency of air source heat pumps is widely recognised, and they can lower your heating expenses considerably. They pull heat from the air outside and use it to warm your home and water—even when outdoor temperatures are very low.
There are a number of things that affect how much it costs to run a heat pump. Your home’s dimensions are obviously a big factor, but also important are how well your home is insulated and your typical heating habits. On average, people could save over 30% on their heating bills compared to using a traditional electric heating. This is mostly because the heat pumps use a far less amount of energy to do the same amount of work.
How should homeowners address poor insulation?
An air source heat pump can offer maximum benefits only if your home is thoroughly insulated. If your home is poorly insulated, you may lose a sizeable portion of the heat the pump generates. That heat loss would then force the pump to run more often—a problem made worse by the fact that the pump is likely to be generating heat at a lower temperature than any kind of conventional heater.
I advise beginning with loft and cavity wall insulation because these are frequently the most effective places to insulate. From my own experience, adding insulation made a significant and noticeable difference in keeping a home warm. That improves the efficiency of the heat pump, but even more important, it greatly increases the comfort level of the overall house.
Are the units noisy during operation?
People often worry about the noise a heat pump might make, but contemporary air-source models are as quiet as can be. The outdoor unit makes some noise—like any kind of pump—but it’s generally comparable to a refrigerator and is, for the most part, pretty unobtrusive. Listening to the unit while working with the proper placement can help ensure that it’s neither offensive to the delicate human ear nor inefficient in terms of heat pump function and heat distribution.
What grants are available, and how can I qualify?
Government incentives exist to encourage homeowners to invest in renewable energy solutions. For example, the UK has a program called the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides grants to pay for a portion of the installation costs of air source heat pumps.
Typically, there are set criteria that your property must meet to qualify, one of which is having enough insulation. The team here at Aspecte can help you navigate the waters of eligibility and the application process with an eye toward ensuring that you get as much of this funding pot as you can.
How long does the installation process usually take?
In general, the installation of an air source heat pump requires around 2 to 3 days. This timeframe includes the removal of your previous heating system, the setup of the new pump and its requisite components, and the testing of the system to verify that all parts are functioning and that the whole setup is cohesive and satisfactory.
We strive to make the setup of your system smooth and easy, with as little disruption to your routine as possible. Our skilled and knowledgeable technicians do all the installation work and take care of all the details, both big and small. They will also instruct you on all the necessary basics and some handy tips to operate your new system with maximal efficiency and effectiveness once they have completed the work and transferred everything over to you.
Is planning permission required?
Air source heat pumps generally do not require planning permission. They typically qualify as “permitted development.” But that is not the case for everyone. People in listed buildings (like the one you currently reside in) and those living in conservation areas should prepare to ask for permission.
It’s always a good idea to consult your local planning authority. We can help you sift through the rules and make sure your installation follows them.
Will the entire home’s windows, radiators, and plumbing need replacement?
Not necessarily. While air source heat pumps work most efficiently with modern heating systems, you may not need to replace all your radiators or plumbing. In some cases, upgrading to larger radiators can improve the system’s efficiency.
When it comes to windows, even heat-retaining double glazing isn’t absolutely necessary for a heat pump to work well. Instead, we perform a thorough first assessment of your home’s unique combination of strengths and weaknesses, and we actually recommend at that time any window upgrades you might need for optimal system performance.
What kind of space is needed for the unit and cylinder?
The outdoor component of the system naturally requires sufficient space with unobstructed airflow. That usually means it’s installed against an exterior wall or in the garden. It’s about the size of a large suitcase. The indoor components are less demanding. The indoor hot water cylinder takes up about the same space required for a traditional hot water tank. That often means the technology finds a home in an airing cupboard or a utility room.
Our site survey will assist you in determining the optimal sites for both the outdoor unit and the indoor cylinder.
Final Thoughts
Moving to an air-source heat pump is much more than a single switch; it’s a move toward a home that’s sustainable and energy-efficient. At Aspecte, we help homeowners with that switch—if it’s right for them—with advice, expertise, and a quality that we hope characterises everything we do.
If you have additional inquiries or want to dive deeper into whether an air source heat pump is a good match for your house, please feel free to get in touch. We are more than happy to assist you throughout the entire process.