Air source heat pumps are a type of low carbon heating system that uses the outside air to heat or cool your home. Compared to coal- or electricity-based heating systems, air source heat pumps can significantly reduce carbon emissions. These pumps use only one unit of electricity for every three to four units of energy produced, making them a far better alternative for cutting emissions.

Switching to air source heat pumps can lead to lower energy bills by utilizing outside air for heating and cooling. The potential savings are even greater if you're transitioning from an electric or coal-based system. Although the initial investment may be substantial, you may qualify for up to £5,000 in funding through the UK government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Several factors, such as efficiency, required heat output, and heat source temperature, determine the operating costs of heat pumps.

You could be eligible to receive £5,000 towards this cost through the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which was launched in April 2022. The aim of this £3.9 billion initiative is to encourage the uptake of low carbon heating technologies among homes in England and Wales. The scheme will run until April 2025 and is specifically geared towards granting funds for the installation of air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and biomass boilers, which are more environmentally friendly than natural gas boilers.

Air source heat pumps are versatile and can be used for both heating and cooling. Some models are capable of providing cooling during summer and heating during winter. To ensure effective cooling, it is important to check that the coefficient of performance (COP) of your air source heat pump is above 0.7. Additionally, these pumps are compatible with underfloor heating, making it a wise decision to install underfloor heating to fully optimize your system's capabilities.

Air source heat pumps are very efficient, both in the winter and the summer. To measure their efficiency, we use a metric called the COP, which stands for coefficient of performance. This metric compares the amount of heat that a heat pump can produce to the amount of electricity that it needs to run.

A higher COP means that the heat pump is more efficient. In the case of air source heat pumps, a typical COP is 3.2 when the outside temperature is above 7°C. This means that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity that the heat pump uses, it can generate 3.2 kWh of heat.

An air source heat pump can be installed in as little as two days and is a more straightforward process than installing a ground source heat pump, as no digging is necessary. While domestic air source heat pumps usually don't require planning permissions, it's recommended to confirm with the local authority before proceeding. They are suitable for both new constructions and retrofitting. Combining air source heat pump installation with other building work can also lead to cost savings.

To ensure your air source heat pump runs smoothly, it's recommended to have it serviced and maintained by a technician annually. While these systems are generally low maintenance, there are still a few simple tasks you can do to optimize performance, such as cleaning filters and clearing away debris. However, more complex technical tasks should be left to certified installers. It's also important to check for system leaks and ensure refrigerant levels are adequate.

Air source heat pumps are known for their longevity and durability. With proper maintenance, these systems can remain operational for up to 20 years, making them a sound investment for any homeowner. In fact, most air source heat pumps come with a 5-year warranty, giving you added peace of mind. Thanks to advancements in technology, modern heat pumps can work efficiently for close to 25 years before needing to be replaced. By investing in an air source heat pump, you can enjoy reliable heating and cooling for many years to come.

Air source heat pumps use the outside air as their fuel source, which means you don't need to store any fuel like you would with other heating systems such as oil-fired boilers. This eliminates the need for extra storage space on your property and also eliminates the additional costs of fuel deliveries.