Heat Pumps - The Benefits and Energy Efficiency in the UK
Heat Pumps are an increasingly popular way to heat and cool homes in the UK due to their energy efficiency. Unlike traditional methods for heating and cooling homes, a heat pump works by moving heat from one place to another, meaning that they are highly efficient due to not having to generate their own heat.
There are four different types of heat pumps commonly seen in the UK, which are covered in this blog alongside the efficiency and benefits of each type.
What are the different types of heat pumps in the UK?
The four main heat pumps are Air Source heat pumps (ASHP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), water source heat pumps (WSHP) and Hybrid heat pumps. Each pump works in a very similar way, with the main difference being the source of heat they extract from.
Each heat pump has its own set of unique advantages, therefore when choosing the best option for your home, you should consider your heating needs, installation budget, overall budget, and the space you have available.
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs)
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. This style of heat pump is considered to be the best option for homeowners due to them being the most cost-effective option of the four, whilst also being easy to install and maintain.
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs)
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. Due to the nature of the installation, this option is one of the more costly of those available, but is very efficient and can provide greater levels of heat.
Water Source heat pumps (WSHPs)
Water source heat pumps extract their heat from any nearby water source, including lakes and rivers. This works by circulating water through a heat exchanger, which then absorbs heat from the water and transfers it to your house's heating system. This style of heat pump is less common due to the need for a nearby (and owned) water source.
Hybrid heat pumps
Hybrid heat pumps combine your traditional or electric boiler with a heat pump to provide the heating and hot water for your home. This method works by providing heat when temperatures are mild, and switching to the boiler when temperatures are lower in winter periods. This option is considered the most expensive but can provide higher levels of heating and are more versatile than the other 3 options listed above.
An infographic listing the different types of Heat Pumps in the UK, including air source, ground source, water source, and hybrid heat pumps.
What are the main benefits of heat pumps?
Cost savings
One of the biggest benefits of installing a heat pump is the associated cost saving on your energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a heat pump that is well installed and used efficiently can save a household up to £1,400 a year in their energy bills. On average, for every unit of electricity used to power the pump, you can get up to three times the heat in units, making it a very cost-effective method of heating for many homeowners.
Reduced carbon footprint
Another advantage of heat pumps is the significant reduction in carbon emissions and low environmental impact in comparison to some other heating methods. Heat pumps emit 70% less carbon dioxide than other heating systems. The source of heat is taken from the air, ground, or water means that the environment doesn’t suffer and there’s no need to burn fossil fuels.
Renewable energy source
The renewable energy sources used for heat pumps link to the point above. This style of heating is considered to be carbon neutral. The use of air, water, underground, and hybrid sources of energy means that you are only using renewable sources of energy to heat your home.
Long lifespan
The lifespan of a heat pump can be longer than traditional heating systems, typically lasting between 15 and 20 years. Their simple design has fewer moving parts, meaning that they are much less prone to breakdowns, and with maintenance performed, they can operate for long periods of time safely and efficiently.
Low maintenance
Heat pumps require very little maintenance, and can run efficiently and smoothly with just an annual service. Perfect for a homeowner that wants a low-hassle heating system with little to no upkeep.
Easy installation
Unlike some other heating systems, heat pumps are easy to install and cause minimal disruption. They can be installed inside or outside your home and can be connected to your existing heating system to provide both heating and cooling.
Efficient heating and cooling
Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, making them a versatile option for year-round comfort. In the winter they extract heat from the ground and transfer it into your home, and in the summer they can reverse this process to cool your home.
Improved air quality
Improving the air quality inside your home is done by filtering out any pollutants and allergens. This is done via a filter that can remove particles including dust, pollen and pet hair from the air.
An infographic explaining 4 of the main benefits of heat pumps. These benefits span across all of the heat pump options.
Heat Pump Efficiency
When it comes to the energy efficiency of heat pumps, they are among the best options available for homeowners in the UK. One of the many benefits of heat pumps is that they move heat, rather than generating it, providing 3-4 times the amount of energy it consumes, making it cheaper than traditional gas boilers.
How is the energy efficiency calculated in Heat pumps?
The efficiency of heat pumps is measured in two ways, Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP).
What’s Coefficient of Performance (COP)
Coefficient of Performance is a ratio calculated by the amount of heat produced by the pump against the amount of electricity consumed and used to power it. A higher COP means that your heat pump is more efficient in converting heat. In the UK a good COP number would be between 3 and 4.
Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP)
The seasonal Coefficient of Performance is very similar but takes into account the variations in performance that occur over the course of the heating season. This is calculated by calculating the output of heat over the season against the cost in the same period of time. This can vary based on the pump type, the size of your heating system and the variation in weather conditions.
The efficiency of a air source heat pump
The energy saving trust suggests that an air source heat pump can have a seasonal performance factor of up to 4.5. This means it produces up to 4.5 units of heat for every unit of electricity used.
The efficiency of a ground source heat pump
Ground source heat pumps can have a seasonal performance factor of 4.8 according to the energy saving trust, meaning that it produces 4.8 units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses.
The efficiency of a water source heat pump
Water source heat pumps are incredibly efficient, with a seasonal performance factor of 6.0, making them one of the most efficient available due to producing 6 units of energy for every unit of electricity used.
The efficiency of a hybrid source heat pump
Hybrid heat pumps have an SPF of 5.6, making them one of the more efficient options albeit at a price. This means that hybrid source heat pumps produce 5.6 units of energy for every unit of electricity used.
Do Heat Pumps need an annual service?
It is highly recommended that you get an annual service for your heat pump as you would for any other HVAC system. Regular servicing can help prevent any ongoing issues or breakdowns. The requirements of each pump will differ for a service, so ensure to use a recommended engineer or qualified heating engineer. It is not a legal requirement for you to get your heat pump serviced in the UK.
Who can service a heat pump?
In the UK it’s suggested that you used a qualified and experienced heating engineer or specialist heat pump engineer to complete the service. Not all heating engineers will have the qualifications to service your heat pump, so make sure to ask. Double-check via the heat pump association and Gas Safe Register to make sure you find an engineer you can trust.
Heat pump maintenance
Maintenance for your heat pump will include changing air filters, cleaning coils, and checking the levels of any refrigerant used. Basic maintenance tasks can be performed at home, but if you notice any issues or anything you are not sure about with your heat pump, be sure to contact an engineer following the steps above.
