Learn how Air Source Heat Pumps can transform your home or business with the help of Aspect Group Services. For homeowners and businesses looking for lower bills, lower carbon emissions and a more efficient heating and cooling system, the main benefits of air source heat pumps are simple: they absorb heat from the outside air, even at temperatures as low as -15°C, and can deliver around three units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) work by using refrigerant to absorb heat from the outside air, transfer heat into your property, generate heat for indoor spaces, and heat water for radiators, underfloor heating and taps. Because ASHPs can extract heat from the outside air, they can keep working even in very low outdoor temperatures, although poor insulation can make the system use more energy.
Compared to electric heating, traditional boilers and traditional gas boilers, ASHPs can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while providing home heating and hot water without burning fossil fuels in the same way as traditional systems such as gas or oil boilers. That makes them increasingly relevant for anyone weighing installation costs, upfront cost, running costs and long-term efficiency, especially with renewable energy and solar panels becoming part of more low-carbon properties. Below, we cover the key advantages of ASHPs, what to consider before installation, available UK government and government funding support, and the practical questions people ask when choosing between heat pumps and other heating systems.
The key advantages of ASHPs include
- They are highly efficient because they use electricity to capture heat rather than generating it through burning, and can be up to four times more efficient than gas boilers with a coefficient of performance exceeding 3.0
- Because of the amount of electricity consumed relative to the heat produced, you could get heating bills up to 50% cheaper than a rated gas boiler, with annual savings of up to £375
- Your home heating system can produce much lower carbon emissions, especially when paired with renewable energy sources such as solar panels
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers UK government funding to help eligible homeowners in England and Wales switch from fossil fuels to low-carbon heating, with a £7,500 grant available for air source heat pumps. Vouchers must be redeemed within three months, and the scheme is designed to support 90,000 homes as part of the wider move away from traditional boilers and towards combating climate change.
ASHPs are an all-in-one, low-carbon home heating solution that can provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.
Choosing the Right Air Source Heat Pump Is Essential
Before considering ASHPs, it’s essential to establish whether you need heating or cooling.
What is the size of your property, and do you have good insulation? What is the status of your current heating system? How much energy do you use? Air-to-water systems are commonly used with radiators or underfloor heating and may need upgrades to the central heating system in some homes.
If you require a versatile, eco-friendly solution for your insulation, heating, and cooling, with the right central heating system compatibility, ASHPs may be the right option for you. Ground source heat pumps, while requiring more outdoor space, offer higher efficiency in colder climates compared to air source heat pumps.
Consider the climate, size of your home, and specific heating and cooling requirements, especially in lower temperatures, where homes without proper insulation may use more energy. Different brands and types of ASHPs offer a range of solutions for your specific needs.
Once you’ve chosen a brand and type of ASHP, look for specific models that offer high Seasonal Coefficient Of Performance (SCOP) and seasonal energy efficiency ratio ratings for optimum efficiency, including options designed to work with traditional systems where relevant. The heat exchanger plays a crucial role in transferring heat between the internal and external components, enhancing the efficiency of ASHPs.
Getting the Right Installation Is Essential to an ASHP’s Performance
Choose certified professionals who understand the specific make and model of your ASHP and the layout of your home or business, as the installation process should include assessing external unit placement and the indoor system layout. Some properties may also need larger radiators, underfloor heating, or changes to the central heating system for the best performance. The correct installation maximises performance and system life.
To get the most out of your ASHP, you should have good insulation and proper insulation in your home, have your unit serviced regularly, and use smart thermostats to control heating and cooling, which helps avoid the system using more energy. The external heat pump unit extracts heat from the environment, providing sustainable heating for your home, and some systems also include a water tank or hot water cylinder inside the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can air source heat pumps work in cold climates?
Yes. Modern ASHPs are designed to work efficiently even when the temperature drops to -15°C, making them an ideal retrofit solution for older, inefficient properties that are difficult to warm up. In simple terms, heat pumps work by using electricity consumed to absorb heat from the outside air and transfer heat indoors to generate heat for home heating and heat water, even at lower temperatures. Efficiency is best with good insulation or proper insulation, because poorly insulated homes may need more energy in cold weather than traditional systems with an external unit.
Are ASHPs expensive to install?
Although the upfront cost and installation costs are usually higher than air heating and cooling systems, the long-term energy savings can help recover the expense, with savings of up to £375 annually depending on the home and system design. Government incentives can also help, including Boiler Upgrade Scheme support of up to £5,000 for homeowners, and vouchers must be redeemed within three months. If you compare them with traditional gas boilers or oil boilers, the long-term value can be stronger.
How long do ASHPs last?
A well-maintained heat pump can last over 25 years, although lifespan, efficiency, and running costs still depend on the suitability of the property and design quality. By comparison, gas boilers typically last 10–15 years. Air source heat pumps also generally require less maintenance than traditional boilers.
If you want to enjoy low cost heating and see a drop in your heating and cooling bills, you can do just that with an Air Source Heat Pump. We’ve already helped many happy customers do just that, and you could be one of them too.
Contact our team who can help create an environment where you feel the difference, your family feels the difference, your colleagues feel the difference, and the environment benefits.
“I wasn’t sure if ASHPs were worth it at first, but the team talked me through it all, from choosing the unit to having it installed. Now, nearly a year on, not only have my heating costs nearly halved, but I also have a warm and comfortable home all year round. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”
Alex J., Comforted Homeowner
The efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits of implementing ASHP technology are now too good to ignore.
