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Simply put, a heat pump is a device that moves heat from one place to another. An example of this would be the soil temperature in a garden (like the hot-water system of a house). Heat pumps, as opposed to boilers, need less electricity to accomplish this, yet they frequently reach an efficiency rate of 200–600% because the volume of heat produced is far greater than the energy spent.
Their affordability and effectiveness, at least in part, account for why they have gained popularity in the UK in recent years. They are efficient fossil fuel substitutes that can drastically lower your utility costs or, even better, generate income through the Renewable Heat Incentive.
In order to meet the ambitious UK’s 2050 Net Zero target, heat pumps are crucial. By 2050, 19 million heat pumps are anticipated to be installed in new houses, significantly increasing their contribution to lowering carbon emissions both locally and nationally in the UK. The Heat Pump Association conducted a poll, and the results show that the demand for heat pumps is expected to roughly treble in 2021. The installation of various heat pumps as a low carbon heating option is anticipated to rise further with the implementation of the new heat and buildings plan. The VAT on energy-efficient solutions will be eliminated beginning in April 2022, according to the UK government.
In its most recent special study, the International Energy Agency emphasizes that no new gas boilers should be sold after 2025 if Net Zero targets are to be met by 2050. In the near future, heat pumps are anticipated to be a superior, low-carbon option for heating homes.
However, there are several considerations to make when thinking about buying a heat pump, including the location of your house and whether you want it to heat domestic hot water or offer warmth. In addition, other factors like the manufacturer of your heat pump, the size of your garden, and your budget can affect whether kind of system—air source, ground source, or water source—is best for your situation.
Continue reading to discover more about the various varieties, or fill out the contact form , and we’ll send you up to 4 free estimates on heat pumps that are the greatest fit for your house. This service is provided without expense or commitment on your part.
Depending on the source of the heat and how it is used in your home, there are numerous distinct varieties. Although all heat pumps in the UK are worthwhile investments, your choice will depend on two factors:
We refer to ground source heat pumps when the heat source is the soil. The ones that use outside air or water are referred to as air source heat pumps and water source heat pumps, respectively. Then, depending on the application, these umbrella phrases can be further divided.
Read more about the many categories of heat pumps below:
The majority of the time, geothermal or ground source heat pumps are utilized to heat water. It is feasible to employ warm air ventilation with geothermal systems with the aid of additional system components, but it is much more typical to use it for traditional radiators and underfloor heating.
Heat pumps can be used to heat the water and indoor air in your home from both air source and water source sources.
We talk about water-to-water heat pumps and air-to-water heat pumps when they are used to heat water. Systems that heat the air using water are referred to as liquid-to-air heat pumps, which are a particular kind of specialty goods.
Air-to-air heat pumps are typically used to provide hot air ventilation. The latter can also be used in reverse to cool your home, although it is not covered by the RHI.
Various ground source heat pump systems are available (GSHP). Vertical and horizontal systems, as well as open- and closed-loop systems, are subcategories of GSHPs. The costs of ground source heat pumps are impacted by the many options.
Open-loop systems, despite their name, pump up groundwater from deep inside the soil, extract the heat from it, and then pump the water back down. A system like this has greater operating costs because you have to ensure the water is undisturbed and you have to follow rules for using such natural water sources.
In the UK, closed-loop ground source heat pump systems are much more prevalent. These systems use closed plastic polymer tubing that is buried in the ground to transport an antifreeze liquid.
When the property cannot be altered, a radial or directionally drilled system is a fantastic alternative. With this GSHP system, pipes are inserted into small, angled holes that are drilled into the ground. You can install a GSHP system without tearing down gardens, yards, buildings, etc. by using directional or radial drilling. The system’s price is comparable to both vertical and horizontal systems.
In order to produce heat, air source heat pumps (ASHP) rely on the principles of vapour compression. Air source heat pumps are a well-liked low-carbon heating method with a variety of advantages.
They generate heat for your house using outdoor air. Compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator are the four main components of ASHPs that enable refrigerant to transition from liquid to gas state.
Heat from the outside air is absorbed by the refrigerant as it circulates through the system. Then, the compressor raises the pressure by raising the heat. This hotter heat is transmitted from the condenser to your home’s heating and hot water circuits. The medium-temperature liquid then flows through the expansion valve, where it cools as the pressure is released. The liquid is then returned after it has finished cooling down so that it can continue absorbing heat from the air.
Radiators, underfloor heating, and household hot water can all be heated with ASHPs. These devices are referred to as air-to-water heat pumps (A2W). They are also outfitted with an electrical resistance heating element that would provide additional heated water if a sudden requirement for a big amount of hot water arose (at a lower efficiency rate, though).
As an alternative, air-to-air heat pumps can be utilized with air source systems to warm and cool the indoor air (A2A). These add to the advantages of air-to-air systems by functioning similarly to an air conditioner while efficiently heating and cooling the home.
Surface water is used as the source of energy for water source heat pumps (WSHP). Even though WSHPs are quite effective, not all residences are located to a large enough body of water.
In a well or pond, an open-loop WSHP system is installed. Pumping water from the pond via the pipes allows the heat to be dispersed throughout the system and absorbed, after which the water is either returned to the pond or used to refuel the well.
Anyone who lives close to a larger body of water should think about closed-loop WSHPs. To prevent freezing, the water should be at least eight feet deep. Similar to GSHPs, closed-loop WSHPs operate by pumping a specific liquid through the water’s pipe system. This liquid absorbs the water’s heat and transports it to the compressor, where it is converted into useful heat. One of the best solutions for reducing the cost of a water source heat pump is a closed-loop system
Heat pumps draw unrestricted heat from the ground, the surrounding air, or a body of water. Then, with the aid of an electric compressor, this heat is transmitted for household consumption. But compared to a boiler, this compressor uses a lot less energy. A heat pump therefore practically frees up your home’s heating.
AdvantagesThe advantages of heat pumps are numerous, despite the fact that they could be a sizable expenditure for many households:
DisadvantagesHowever, there are a few drawbacks to heat pumps as well:
In the short term, heat pumps are not a cheap investment for your house, but they have several advantages in the long run. Heat pumps have relatively low operating expenses, especially when compared to other electric, oil, and bottled gas boilers.
The British government also provides financial help for such sustainable solutions, so you don’t just save money each month on your energy bills. For a period of seven years, you will get payment if you apply for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
Your decision about a heat pump may be influenced by your budget in addition to your home. As seen in the table below, certain varieties are more affordable than others, and RHI payments also vary.
| Type | Price Range | RHI Payments*(p/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Source Heat Pump | £20,000–£40,000 | 21.29p |
| Air Source Heat Pump | £8,000–£18,000 | 10.92p |
| Water Source Heat Pump | £20,000–£32,000 | 21.29p |
* In the first quarter of 2021, Ofgem specified the RHI prices.
Please note that the price ranges listed above are based on unbiased analysis from our heat pump vendors. GreenMatch cannot guarantee that these prices are the lowest available. However, we are convinced that working with our dependable, licensed heat pump installers will give you a positive buying experience.
Currently, ground and water source heat pumps account for only 9% of all sales units in the UK, whereas air source heat pumps are the most common, accounting for about 87 percent.
To encourage the installation of environmentally friendly heating systems, the UK government offers a number of heat pump awards. The Renewable Heat Incentive, which falls under the following categories, is one of the most well-known:
Regarding residential RHI tariffs, these subsidies ensure certain pricing for the heat produced for seven years following application. The benefits of the non-domestic RHI scheme vary significantly, thus each instance should be the topic of in-depth analysis.
The RHI is anticipated to end in March 2022, while the Clean Heat Grant is anticipated to take its place by April 2022. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which is an installation award as opposed to the RHI, is now known as the Clean Heat Grant.
Additionally, there are incentives that are only available in Scotland, like the Warmer Homes Fund and the Home Energy Scotland Loan.
Wales residents have access to the Arbed am Byth Scheme (Warm Homes Scheme).
Normal heat pump warranties last between two and three years, although extended warranties are also available. For instance, a guarantee for the system’s construction typically lasts for roughly 10 years. Different types of protection are also offered under the so-called Quality Assured National Warranties. Additionally, manufacturers and installers may also provide a variety of supplemental warranties.
Considering that heat pumps typically come under the area of beneficial renewable energy, planning clearances are frequently not required. There are a few exceptions to this rule, though.
Before installing a GSHP, confirm with your local council that all standards are completed if you live in a conservation area or a listed building.
For ASHPs, there are various regulations in Scotland, Wales, and England.
Closed-loop WSHP Permissions Unless you live in a conservation area, WSHPs often don’t need planning clearance.
Depending on the system type, permits from the Environment Authority may be needed to divert surface or groundwater because an open-loop system modifies the natural water temperature and thermal plumes affect the bacteriology and hydrochemistry of the body of water.
The average heat pump lasts 15 years or longer. Their lifespan can be increased to as long as 50 years with good management.
They do need routine maintenance; you should check specific system details yourself once a year, and a professional installation should give the system a once-over every three to five years. You might also need to manually defrost the heat pump throughout the winter.
The installer should document the system’s state and any potential future problems in writing after the inspection.
The Ground Source Heat Pump Association claims that because there are no mandatory safety inspections, maintenance requirements are extremely minimal. Before turning on the system, it’s customary to check the pump itself, the external pipes, the electronics, and other fittings and electrical components.
Whether they are ground source, air source, or water source, heat pumps present fantastic prospects for home improvement because they not only give you a good return on investment but also raise the standard of living and monetary value of your house.
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