What Are Heat Pumps?
Domestic heat pumps are a green, renewable energy source that can not only help save the planet, but could also help you save money over time!
Heat pumps work by taking heat from a source (ground, air, water.) The heat is then transferred into a fluid in the system, the fluid is then transferred and compressed to generate even more heat. This then gets distributed into your home, giving you central heating, and some can even provide your home with hot water. Some kinds of heat pumps can even take heat out of sources from as cold as -15° C.
They can benefit your home by providing it with central heating, air conditioning and cleaner air. Heat pumps also reduce condensation inside your home in both summer and winter.
Types of Domestic Heat Pumps
We offer four different types of heat pump for domestic properties.
- Ground source heat pumps
- Air source heat pumps
- Water source heat pumps
- Split heat pumps
Costs and Savings
Installing a typical heat pump system will cost anywhere between £6,000 – £10,000 this figure will depend on the type of property, the type of heat pump, and what work is required to install it.
Running costs vary depending on size of home, how well insulated it is and the efficiency of the heat pump.
The savings you make will depend on the type of heating system you currently in use verses the one you are replacing it with. Your savings will also be affected by:
Heat Distribution System
It is recommended to install underfloor heating where possible, if not, larger radiators will be needed to get the most out of your system.
Your Homes Insulation
Domestic heat pumps work by producing low amounts of heat over long periods of time to maintain a comfortable temperature. So if you’re house is not well insulated then you may not see the results that you are after.
Fuel Costs
Heat pumps are powered by electricity, meaning that you will still have fuel bills, but for every one unit of electricity used, the heat pump may generate anywhere from 2-4 units of heat.
Your Old Heating System
If your old heating system was inefficient then you are more likely to see much lower running costs after installing a heat pump. For example, if you currently use an electric heating system and replace it with a heat pump system you could save 30-40%.
Using Controls
Once you have been shown, and then learned how to use the controls, you will be able to get the most out of your system. You may need to keep the heating on for longer, but depending on the insulation in your home you may be able to set the thermostat lower and still feel comfortable.
Efficiency of the System
The efficiency of a heat pump reflects how hard it needs to work to achieve the desired results. The smaller the gap between the source temperature and desired temperature in your property, the more efficient the system will be.
Entitlement to the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
RHI is a government scheme that gives people funding for switching to renewable energy.
Are Heat Pumps Worth the Investment?
Even though heat pumps come with a pretty large initial cost, they could end up saving you money in the future. If your current heating system uses oil, electricity, liquid gas or solid fuels to heat your home then a heat pump is a great way to lower your energy bills. This along with the RHI scheme could see you making your money back within a number of years.
How Green Are Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are an environmentally friendly way to heat your home. Even though they use electricity to power them they can produce up to 4 times as much heat from the energy that they use. Installing a heat pump could help you lower the amount of Co2 emissions that are used to heat your home, and this in turn could help you lower your carbon footprint.
Heat pumps also don’t need to burn anything to produce heat. This is not only better for the environment, but for the air quality in your home too! Because heat pumps offer a clean source of energy it can be beneficial to those who suffer from asthma.
Due to the way that heat pumps work, you may need to have your heating on for longer. This doesn’t mean that it’s going to cost you more or be worse for the environment, infact it’s quite the opposite! Because heat pumps produce heat at a low temperature it is actually more efficient.
Installing a Domestic Heat Pump
Installation for heat pumps will differ depending on the type of heat pump.
Ground source heat pumps
You require to have garden space to install a ground source heat pump as digging is required.
Water source heat pumps
A series of flexible pipework is submerged in a nearby body of water.
Air source heat pumps
Less intrusive to install than ground source heat pumps. You will get the most out of your air source heat pump if it is installed on the side of the house that receives the most sunlight.
Split heat pumps
Similar to ground and air source, digging required.
*Please be aware that ground source and water source heat pumps may require planning permission prior to installation.
Benefits of Using Domestic Heat Pumps
Switching from a conventional method of central heating to a heat pump can have may benefits including:
Lower fuel bills compared to conventional methods of heating
Could lower CO2 emissions, reducing your carbon footprint
Minimal maintenance required
Can provide home with air conditioning as well as central heating
You could be entitled to RHI government funding
Some forms of domestic heat pumps provide your home with hot water as well as heating
Some heat pumps are fairly easy to install (air and water source)
Stop condensation and dehumidify rooms
Why Choose HP Energy?
Here at HP Energy we know everything there is to know about domestic heat pumps. We pride ourselves in the dedication and determination to give our customers the best quality service possible. There is no job too big or small and our expertly trained engineers are able to handle anything that comes their way.
If you’re interested in switching to renewable energy, and think installing a heat pump is right for you then contact us and we’ll see what we can do for you!