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How Do Heat Pumps Work? We Explain The Future Of Heating

The UK government has announced that gas boilers will soon be banned in all new-build homes, with the focus shifting to renewable heating sources such as air source heat pumps.

Here we explain how air source heat pumps are more effective than traditional fossil fuel burning methods, such as gas boilers, which will be banned in all new-build homes from 2025.

What Are Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps are devices that transfer warm air from one location to another in order to heat and cool rooms and provide hot water. They are used for heating in winter and cooling in summer, with the settings easily reversed.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

A heat pump absorbs warmth from the air outside and transfers it inside. As temperatures drop, the heat pump must work harder to be effective, although they work down to temperatures as low as -25°c. Heat pumps are powered by electricity.

How Do Heat Pumps Save Money On Bills and Utilities?

With a low-carbon heat pump, the only electricity required is for powering the heat transfer system, with homeowners able to save as much as 30-50% compared to a traditional gas or oil heating system.

How Are Heat Pumps More Effective Than Gas Or Oil?

Significantly more efficient than traditional heating methods, the cost benefits are improved if heat pump systems are powered by PV solar panels and batteries, rather than electricity imported from the grid.

For every 3 kilowatts (kW) of heat that an air source heat pump produces, it uses only 1 kW of energy, which is much more efficient than traditional boilers.

Heating from homes contributes 14% of all carbon emissions in Britain, which is why a move to low-carbon alternatives, such as heat pumps, has been planned by the government.

What Is It Like To Live With A Heat Pump?

A home with a heat pump is just as comfortable as a home with a traditional heating system, and once the system is installed, you won’t even know the difference.

Heat pumps are designed to run 24-hours a day, maintaining a steady temperature set on the thermostat. They also produce enough heat to warm water for cleaning and showers.

How Are Heat Pumps Maintained?

Maintenance includes keeping the outdoor unit clean and free of debris, while it’s important to get the system serviced at least once a year to keep it running as efficiently as possible.

The average heat pump has a lifespan of 25 years.

How Much Does A Heat Pump Cost?

Every heat pump is different because it is designed specifically for the building where it is installed. This means it’s difficult to provide an exact figure, although savings on energy bills could add up to thousands of pounds.

Are There Government Incentives?

Yes. By installing a heat pump you could be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, whereby you are paid per kW of heat generated over the course of seven years.

Join The Renewable Revolution Today

Discover how you can save with a heat pump from Project Air Source.

Apr 30 2019