Air source heat pumps are one of the most efficient heating systems available today. They can often provide all or part of your home’s heating needs, taking heat from the air outside and using it to provide one of the most efficient systems possible.
As part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to eradicating its contribution to climate change over the coming decades, the government announced their ambitions for 600,000 heat pumps to be installed each year by 2028. As a positive step towards making our homes greener, warmer and more energy efficient, air source heat pumps are a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating solutions, playing a pivotal part in reducing our country’s fossil fuel emissions.
Yet, despite air source heat pumps gaining traction amongst home-owners looking to make a switch to green, there are still many misconceptions surrounding the technology that may have made you hesitant to invest in something different to the norm. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common myths surrounding air source heat pumps, and show you why an air source heat pump is a great investment – both to reduce your energy bills, and your carbon footprint.
They don’t work well in the cold
Whilst it’s no surprise that air source heat pumps are able to perform most effectively at warmer temperatures, the technology is designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -20°C – about the temperature of your freezer! Despite the air outside feeling particularly glacial to you and I, the air still has ambient heat available to keep your home toasty, handling chilly British days with ease. So, if your air source heat pump has been professionally installed by a trained engineer, you can rest assured that your pump will run effectively and efficiently throughout the winter months, remaining cheaper than other heating alternatives.
They are not compatible with radiators
Contrary to popular belief, air source heat pumps work well with radiators – the nature of this misconception stems from the fact that air source heat pumps sometimes require your radiators to be replaced with slightly larger ones. This is because air source heat pumps operate at a lower flow temperature, so they need to reflect the same setting to ensure maximum efficiency. As long as the radiators are the right size for the heat pump, your professional installer will ensure continue to produce heat – whatever type and style of radiator you have.
They are expensive
As an initial cost, an air source heat pump may be more expensive to buy than a typical gas boiler due to the fact that the engineering required to recover energy from the air is significantly higher than burning fossil fuels. However, as one of the most energy efficient systems available on the market today, this expense is completely offset by an air source heat pump’s capability to offer significant reductions in your monthly household bills. Up to four times more efficient with very low running costs as a result, this green technology can help you save up to £870 on your energy bills annually.
It’s also worth noting that you may be eligible to relieve grant funding from the Domestic Renewable Incentive (RHI), which was created to reward users of renewable heating systems by offsetting their initial investment. With the RHI scheme open for new applications until the end of March 2022, having an air source heat pump fitted before this date could enable you to receive quarterly payments over the next seven years, of up to £13,000. So, whilst this myth may be partially true, it’s definitely not the full picture!
They are too loud to have in the home
This is perhaps one of the most common myths surrounding the air source heat pump – many think that the unit will be as noisy as an air conditioning unit, which is notoriously loud! However, we’re pleased to say that this myth can be fully debunked. Whilst all systems make some noise, traditional and renewable alike, modern air source heat pumps are built to minimise noise pollution with a thicker chassis and quieter fans. This ensures that they make no more than a low whir, quieter than the quietest traditional boiler. And don’t forget, they are installed outside of your home!
Interested in finding out more?
We hope that this article has helped to clarify some of the misconceptions surrounding air source heat pumps, as well as informing you about why they are a great investment for both your home and the future of our planet. To ensure the efficiency and safety of your air source heat pump, and your eligibility for any grant payments, your system should be installed by qualified, insured and MCS registered engineers – just like our team at NCS!
Our installers’ reputation for outstanding customer service is at the heart of what we do, and that’s why we offer free, no-obligation quotations with competitive pricing, helping you to work out if an air source heat pump is right for you and your property. So, if you’d like to find out more about the suitability of an air source heat pump for your heating needs, please get in touch today.
