There are many benefits to heating and cooling your home with air source heat pumps. Here are some of the most important ones:
Air source heat pumps have higher efficiencies than other heating and cooling technologies; you typically use less fuel to heat or cool your home with ASHPs than you would with more conventional technologies. Over time, consuming less energy can help you reduce your environmental impact and energy bills.
Many heating and cooling technologies run on fossil fuel or electricity produced from burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. When you reduce your property's fuel consumption, you're helping to decrease carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and reduce your carbon footprint.
Additionally, using less fuel helps you save on your overall energy costs. The amount you can save depends on several factors, including your existing heating or cooling source, where you live, and the fuel cost in your area. According to research from the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), homeowners who switch to air source heat pumps in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions save roughly $459 annually compared to electric resistance heaters and $948 annually compared to oil furnaces.
Have you ever been distracted by a noisy furnace? Air source heat pumps operate relatively quietly compared to other heating and cooling technologies, mainly if you're using ductless mini splits.
Just how quiet are they? Sound is typically measured in decibels (dB): the lower the decibel rating, the softer the sound. Dishwashers and AC units usually run at around 60 dB; in comparison, many air source heat pumps operate at 40 to 60 dB. Remember that most of this noise comes from the outdoor unit of air source heat pumps; if you install ductless mini splits inside your building, they typically only make between 20 to 40 dB of noise, which is near the sound rating of a whisper.
In addition to increased comfortability from noise benefits, air source heat pumps help improve air quality through air filtration and reduce allergens in the air while heating and cooling your home. They also help to dehumidify your environment, making your living spaces more comfortable.
When you install an air source heat pump, you benefit from the heater and air conditioner in one. This means you can usually reduce the costs and time associated with installing two different systems that serve separate purposes and lessen the amount of physical space required for two individual technologies.
Another benefit of using air source heat pumps is that you can heat or cool a specific room or zone in your home to a certain temperature. This is particularly useful if you experience persistently colder or warmer areas in their home that they want to regulate. Alternatively, saving energy and money is also helpful by keeping different areas of your home at different temperature settings. For example, if you have a multi-zone air source heat pump, you may keep bedroom areas cool at night during the summer but have a higher temperature setting in areas you aren't using, so you're not paying to cool those other rooms.
Air source heat pumps have gained popularity in recent years as an eco-friendly and cost-effective heating solution. They use the outside air to generate heat in the home, making them highly efficient, and allowing homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on heating bills. Without fully understanding heat pump technology, some people assume there are many disadvantages to air source heat pumps. Here are some of the concerns people have about installing heat pumps and why they are often thought to be a disadvantage for UK homeowners.
One of the major disadvantages of air source heat pumps is their relatively high installation cost. Though prices are gradually decreasing, the upfront investment required to install a heat pump is significant when compared to a gas boiler. The installation process itself can also be complex, requiring technical expertise or modifications including new radiators or insulation.
You don’t need to let the upfront cost of an air source heat pump put you off, as help is available. Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can get a grant for £7,500 towards the installation cost, this could cover up to 75% of the total cost of installation. Plus, monthly subscriptions for heat pumps are also on the horizon.
Air source heat pumps extract heat from outdoor air, which means their efficiency can be affected by variations in weather conditions. In the UK, the difference in outdoor temperature between summer and winter can be drastic. This means that during the colder months, when the heating demand is at its highest, the performance of a heat pump may decline, resulting in reduced efficiency and increased running costs.
Truth be told, heat pumps are 3 to 4 times more efficient than a gas boiler and DO still work in temperatures as low as -20 (including Vaillant’s heat pumps). Without going all too scientific, heat is still in the air at sub-zero temperatures and is measured in a temperature known as Kelvin. Countries such as Norway and Sweden have adopted heat pump systems for years, and their climate is much colder than the UK’s during the winter months. Many residents in these countries have never seen a gas boiler.
Another disadvantage often associated with air source heat pumps is the noise they generate during operation. The noise level differs between different models and manufacturers and is something to consider when installing the heat pump near neighbouring properties or in urban areas with noise restrictions.
Yes, older, bulkier heat pumps tend to be noisier, but modern heat pumps are generally no louder than your freezer or combi boiler. As they’re also installed outdoors, you won’t hear the noise when indoors. Certain measures, such as installing soundproof enclosures or locating the unit away from bedrooms and living spaces, can help mitigate any noise concerns.
Air source heat pumps require an outdoor unit to extract heat from the air, which means they need sufficient exterior space for installation. Finding a suitable location can be challenging in densely populated areas, where outdoor space is limited.
With technological advancements, heat pumps are getting smaller, and when there’s not enough ground space for an air source heat pump, they can be wall-mounted instead, and even positioned on flat roof properties or extensions.
The design of an air source heat pump means it’s best suited for low-temperature heating systems, such as underfloor heating or low-temperature radiators. Many homes may need new radiators or insulation improvements before a heat pump is installed which can be costly and disruptive, making them less favourable than other heating options.
Yes, it is common for some radiators to be replaced to make sure your system is efficient, but it’s an easy job for any heat pump installer who knows their stuff. A professional heat pump installer will always design a system that works for your home, provide accurate heat calculations, and give recommendations that may need to be applied beforehand.
Despite some of the air source heat pump disadvantages you hear about, most are myths or based on misinformation. Air source heat pumps do have pros and cons like any heating system, but their benefits including reduced carbon emissions, savings on heating bills, and eligibility for government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, far outweigh the cons.
Each homeowner’s circumstances and requirements are unique, so always consult with a heating professional who will make sure that your property has a thorough survey to decide whether an air source heat pump is the right choice.