Heat Pumps in the UK - 31 Frequently asked questions 2023
In previous blogs, we’ve covered the different types of heat pumps, their benefits and their efficiency in the UK. In this article we’re building on that, covering the 31 most Googled FAQs for Heat Pumps in the UK.
From how heat pumps work, to their benefits, and how efficient they are, we’ve provided clear and concise answers to the most commonly asked questions about heat pumps in 2023.
How do heat pumps work?
Heat Pumps work by using refrigerants to transfer heat from one place to another. This heat can be gained from the air, ground, or water, to be transferred into your home, or collected from inside your home and transferred outside.
This process is powered by electricity and is considered much more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems seen in homes. Heat Pumps can also be used to create hot water.
How much does a heat pump cost?
The price of a Heat Pump will depend on the size and type of system you require (heat source, air source, ground source, or hybrid heat pump), as well as the installation/labour costs. A typical range for this is from £7,000 to £18,000.
Air source heat pumps are less expensive to purchase and install than ground source heat pumps, however, it’s important to take into account the energy savings on your bills, and the reduction of your carbon footprint over time compared to traditional heating systems.
Are heat pumps cheaper to run than gas boilers?
Generally speaking, heat pumps are less expensive to run than gas boilers due to using less energy to produce the same amount of heat. Of course, the up-front cost of installing a heat pump is high, but likely to be countered by long-term savings.
What are the benefits of using a heat pump?
Some of the benefits of using a heat pump include lower energy consumption, cheaper energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a more environmentally friendly home. It can also help improve your EPC rating, and require a lot less maintenance than traditional systems.
You can read more on the benefits of heat pumps in more detail here
How efficient are heat pumps?
Heat Pumps are to be considered very efficient. They can produce up to 3 times more energy than they consume, measured through the Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP). In the UK a good COP number would be between 3 and 4. A COP of 3 means that the heat pump produces 3 kW of heat for every 1 kW of energy it consumes
Can a heat pump replace a gas boiler?
We’ve covered electric vs gas boilers, but what about heat pumps? Heat pumps can replace a traditional or electric boiler as the main and primary heat source in your home. Heat Pumps are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than boilers, meaning they’re a good choice for minimising your carbon footprint.
How long do heat pumps last?
Heat Pumps have a long lifespan, which is often longer than most heating systems. Heat Pumps traditionally last between 15-20 years with regular maintenance, due to having much fewer moving parts, being less prone to breakdowns, and increased efficiency.
How noisy are heat pumps?
Heat Pumps are very quiet and considerably quieter than traditional heating and cooling systems. The noises associated with Heat Pumps are often described as a low humming noise, or a whirring sound while switched on. This is mostly the case with Air Source Heat Pumps, whereas Ground Source Heat Pumps are virtually silent.
Are heat pumps suitable for old houses?
Whilst Heat Pumps can be used in older buildings and older houses, you should consider the insulation and energy efficiency of the house, alongside the energy requirements, as there may be better alternatives for higher heating demand.
What size heat pump do I need for my home?
The size of the heat pump you might need for your home depends on your heating and cooling demands, as well as the size of your property. If you are unsure of the size of the Heat Pump you’ll need, you can get a qualified heat pump installer to conduct a heat load calculation to determine the appropriately sized heat pump for your home.
How do I maintain my heat pump?
Heat pumps require very little maintenance, and can run efficiently and smoothly with just an annual service. You can also clean air filters, keep any outdoor units free of debris or overgrowth in surrounding areas, as well as monitoring the system for signs of damage or malfunction.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Heat Pumps can be used in cold weather. It should be noted that some heat pumps, especially air source heat pumps can be less efficient in winter months and colder temperatures. They are still effective in providing heat for your home. Ground source heat pumps remain unaffected by colder weather conditions and can provide heating year-round.
What type of heat pump should I choose?
There are 4 types of prominently used Heat Pumps in the UK, including Air Source, Ground Source, Water Source and Hybrid Heat Pumps. Each has a different efficiency, is a different price (to install and run), as well as providing greater value long term. This decision will be based upon many factors including your heating demands, and budget.
Can a heat pump provide hot water?
Yes. Heat Pumps can provide hot water for your home. Some Heat Pumps come with a built-in hot water tank, and others can be attached to an existing water heating system by a qualified heating engineer.
Are there any government grants for heat pumps?
There have been both past and present Government incentives to get a Heat Pump installed in the UK. Previously there was the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) that provided financial support for instals of renewable heating systems, and there is currently a boiler upgrade initiative, that allows for £5,000 towards an air source heat pump, £6,000 towards a ground source heat pump and £5,000 towards a biomass boiler. You can find out the eligibility criteria here.
How does a ground source heat pump work?
Ground source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the ground via a network of buried pipes. The fluid passed through these pipes absorbs heat from the ground and transfers this to the heating system in your house.
These pipes contain a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the ground and transfers it to a heat exchanger inside the pump, providing hot water for your home.
How does an air source heat pump work?
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and use it to provide heating and hot water in your home. They work by compressing the air and transferring that heat to a fluid which can be circulated through your house's heating system.
Can I use a heat pump with radiators?
You can use Heat Pumps with radiators, however, you should check that the radiators that you install are compatible with the lower operating temperatures of a heat pump.
Are heat pumps better than electric heating?
Heat Pumps are considered to be more efficient and cost-effective than electric heating systems as they produce three times more energy than they consume, with a COP of 3.
Can a heat pump be used for cooling as well?
Yes. Heat Pumps, although the name suggests differently, can also be used to cool your home. This type of Heat Pump is often referred to as a reverse cycle heat pump air conditioner.
How does a heat pump compare to solar panels?
Whilst both are often compared due to being renewable energy sources, solar panels and heat pumps function very differently. Heat Pumps generate electricity from heat extracted from the air and ground (sometimes water too), whereas electricity is created via Solar Panels through sunlight.
How much space does a heat pump require?
This depends on the type of Heat Pump that you choose. Ground source heat pumps require you to move a lot of soil and dig up the ground, whereas air source heat pumps can be installed on the side of your home. The amount of space you require will depend on the system you choose, and a qualified installer will be able to tell you the type of Heat Pump you can fit with the available space.
How long does it take to install a heat pump?
The time it takes to install a Heat Pump depends on the type. An Air Source Heat Pump can take 1-2 days to install, whereas a Ground Source Heat Pump can take up to 1-2 weeks and require a lot more planning.
Can I use a heat pump with underfloor heating?
Yes. Heat Pumps can be used with underfloor heating. In fact, using a heat pump for underfloor heating is one of the most efficient ways to use it, as it generally operates at a lower temperature than traditional radiator systems.
How often does a heat pump need to be serviced?
You should get your heat pump serviced annually by a professional installer of heating and cooling technicians. This ensures that your system is operating at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance can also help prolong the lifespan of the system, ensuring it lasts up to 20 years.
How much does it cost to install a heat pump?
Installation prices can vary depending on the size and type of heat pump you choose. Generally, Air Source heat pumps are less expensive to install, costing around 6-12k for an install. Ground Source heat pumps on the other hand demand more labour and parts, meaning that the average installation can cost 10-18k in the UK.
How much can I save on my heating bills with a heat pump?
The average saving on heating bills via a heat pump being installed in the UK can depend on a number of factors including the size of your property, heating habits, and the type of heat pump. Here is a breakdown of the cost savings on bills with different heat pump types:
Air Source Heat Pumps - According to the Energy Saving Trust, an ASHP can save between £395 and £1,425 per year on heating bills compared to an electric heating system
Ground-source Heat Pumps - According to the Energy Saving Trust, a GSHP can save between £1,200 and £1,800 per year on heating bills compared to an electric heating system
Hybrid Heat Pumps - A hybrid heat pump can save between £235 and £725 per year on heating bills compared to a gas boiler
Can I use a heat pump with an existing heating system?
Yes, you can use a heat pump with existing heating systems. Heat Pumps can be used to fuel radiators, underfloor heating, or even your current boiler system to provide better efficiency and cost-efficiency.
The most commonly used heat pumps with existing heating systems are hybrid heat pumps. In this setup, the heat pump provides the majority of the heating needs, while the existing system kicks in when additional heating is required, such as during extremely cold weather or when there is a high demand for hot water.
You can also retrofit the heat pump to an already existing system and remove the gas or electric boiler.
Can a heat pump be used in a large commercial building?
Heat Pumps are being used more and more for large commercial buildings as an alternative to traditional heating methods. Ground Source Heat Pumps are most commonly used for large commercial buildings s they are more efficient and can provide a higher capacity of heating and cooling than air-source heat pumps. GSHPs use the ground as a heat source or sink and are typically installed in a borehole or ground loop.
How does a heat pump impact the environment?
The environmental factors of heat pumps have various different angles. The first thing to look at is energy efficiency. They require less energy to run and operate, with similar or higher output than traditional systems, meaning they are considerably more efficient.
In regard to greenhouse emissions, heat pumps can have zero greenhouse emissions if powered by renewable energy sources. If the power for the heat pump comes from non-renewable sources such as coal-fired power plants, there is something to think about in terms of offsetting in this case.
Like all cooling systems, heat pumps also use refrigerants, which can have environmental impacts if they leak or are not disposed of properly. Some refrigerants used in older heat pumps have high global warming potential (GWP), which means that they can contribute to climate change if they are released into the atmosphere.
Can a heat pump be used to heat swimming pools?
To properly size the heat pump for a swimming pool, you'll need to consider factors such as the size of the pool, the desired temperature increase, and the climate conditions in your area. Using a heat pump to heat your swimming pool can be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional pool heaters, such as gas or electric heaters. Swimming pool heat pumps work in the same way as air source or ground source heat pumps, extracting heat from the air or ground and transferring it to the water
