Is a heat pump right for me?
When installed correctly, air source heat pumps can work with a range of different property types.
You might be thinking that heat pumps only work for new properties – in reality, they can work in all kinds of buildings, not just modern ones.
Let's take a closer look at some examples of how a heat pump could work in different settings. This information is for illustration purposes - actual outcomes will vary.
You can also look at the MCS Data Dashboard here to learn about the uptake of renewables in your area.
Get to know your heat pump
Air source heat pumps are designed to provide a consistent level of comfort, drawing on warmth in the ambient air outside to heat your home inside.
This is similar to how your fridge stays cool even during the height of summer. It’s important that your heat pump is installed correctly and is designed properly for it to deliver the results you expect. There are several factors that affect a heat pump’s performance, including where it is situated on your property through to the level of insulation you have, and even the local climate.
Will an air source heat pump provide all of my heating and hot water needs?
When combined with a compatible hot water cylinder, an air source heat pump can be a great option for efficient heating and hot water performance.
How does an air source heat pump work in cold weather?
As winter draws closer, you might be wondering whether your air source heat pump will work during the winter.
Get your home ready
The right heat pump for your needs is configured according to your home’s unique characteristics. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- the level of insulation you have at your home
- whether you have double (or even triple) glazing
- how much heat is lost from your home.
A sound assessment will also be carried out to ensure your heat pump operates within certain guidelines and to avoid disruption to your neighbours.
Each home is different, so to get you thinking about what you need to do to prepare your home for a heat pump, we’ve put together a short checklist for you to download.
Environmental considerations of a heat pump
Coefficient of Performance (COP) is the ratio of useful heating provided to the energy consumed. Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) provides insights of efficiency with seasonal factors and specific conditions taken into account.
This measures the overall efficiency of your property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Insulation and home modifications
The overall efficiency of your heat pump can be influenced by the level of insulation you have, whether you have double glazing (or even triple glazing) or solar PV panels, and if you have to make other modifications such as draught proofing.
Grants & financial support
There are options to help if you’re worried about the cost of having an air source heat pump at your property.
The Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, as an example, provides eligible homes in England and Wales with a grant of £7,500, rising to £9,000 in some cases, to go towards the cost of a new air source heat pump.
To get an estimation of how much you could potentially save on your energy bills through having an air source heat pump, we use information about your typical usage, weather patterns, and the EPC rating of your property. The current energy price cap is also taken into account for electricity rates.
The fixed variable is the kwh assumption. By taking these assumptions, we can then assume the price per kwh of gas/oil/LPG and efficiency of your existing heating appliance vs price per kwh of electricity and efficiency of your heat pump. This provides an indication of what your running costs will likely be.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government grant aimed to support with the cost of replacing traditional boilers with a low-carbon option, such as an air source heat pump. The grant provides £7,500 for eligible homes across England and Wales, rising to £9,000 in some cases, which is deducted from installer quotes.
Our Heat Pumps and Cylinders
Our heat pumps are designed to be efficient and deliver lasting results for various property types. With decades of expertise delivering heating systems across the UK, we understand that every home is unique and therefore, so is the solution.