Benefits Of Heat Pumps

Read on to discover numerous benefits of heat pumps, along with insights on selecting the right one for your home among all heat pumps types.

What are heat pumps?

Heat pumps are devices that transfers heat from one place to another using a small amount of energy.  

Unlike traditional heating systems, instead of generating heat, heat pumps move existing heat around.  

A heat pump takes the heat from the air or ground in a property and transfers that heat from a cool space to a warm space.  

What do heat pumps look like?

Heat pumps can be like an air conditioning unit that sits outside the property. This is an air source heat pump, and it will consist of an outdoor unit and indoor unit.  

Ground source heat pumps are pipes called collectors which are installed underground.  

Heat pumps life expectancy

Heat pumps should last 20 years or more. The more modern heat pumps can even last 25 years or more.  

How do heat pumps work?

Depending on what type of heat pump it is, it will work slightly differently.  

Heat pumps in general take heat from one place and move it to another.  

In the case of an air source heat pump, it takes heat from outside air even when it’s cold and sends it into the property.  

A ground source heat pump will absorb the heat from the Earth and again send it into the property through pipes. 

Types of heat pumps

There are different types of heat pumps, all with their pros and cons.  

• Air source heat pump (ASHPs)
• Ground source or geothermal (GSHPs) 
• Water source heat pumps 
• Absorption heat pumps 
• Ductless mini-split heat pumps 
• Air-to-water heat pumps 
• Hybrid systems 

Air source heat pumps 

These tend to be the most common type of heat pump used.  

They take heat from outdoor air to heat a property during heating seasons and send heat into the outdoor air during hot weather.  

They are efficient in mild climates but may not be as good in colder climates where you may need other heating. 

Ground source heat pumps 

Ground source heat pumps use the heat of the Earth and take this heat and send it inside.  

They are buried horizontally in the ground, vertically in deep wells, or can be placed in ponds.  

Ground temperature is more stable than air, so they tend to be more efficient than air source heat pumps.  

Water source heat pumps 

Just like ground source heat pumps, water source pumps use water such as a lake or pond to absorb heat rather than the ground.  

Absorption heat pumps 

These heat pumps are driven by a heat source such as natural gas and are ideal where electricity is more expensive.  

Ductless mini-split heat pumps 

These are like air source heat pumps, but they don’t have ductwork and serve individual zones or rooms.  

Each zone has its own thermostat to better control the temperature which can be helpful for reducing energy even further. 

Air-to-water heat pumps 

These heat pumps provide hot water for hydronic heating systems like underfloor heating or radiators.  

They take heat from outdoors and transfer it to water which then circulates through the heating system. 

Hybrid systems 

A hybrid system will be a mix of heat pumps and can switch between the two based on what is most efficient.

Advantages of heat pumps

There are many benefits of heat pumps compared to other heating systems, but they may not always be the right solution depending on your circumstances. 

It is best to speak to a qualified professional to determine whether heat pumps are a good way to heat your property.  

Low running costs 

One of the main benefits of heat pumps is an energy-efficiency resulting in significant savings on your energy bill. 

There is an initial cost for heat pumps which may be more than other heating systems, but the savings will offset the initial cost.  

Long life

Heat pumps can last for 20 years or more which is generally a longer operational life than combustion-based heating systems.  

Energy efficient 

Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it which makes them much more efficient. It also allows them to deliver more energy (heat) than they consume (electric).  

Especially when they are paired with renewable energy, they can operate with very low carbon emissions which makes them a great alternative to conventional heating systems.  

This helps both businesses and residents reduce their carbon footprint and become less vulnerable to volatile energy prices. 

Low maintenance 

Heat pumps tend to need less maintenance than traditional heating systems which saves the hassle of organising this and the cost of servicing as often.  

No vat on installation 

For green alternatives there is no VAT on installation which saves money.  

Governments also offer incentives, tax credits, or rebates for installing heat pumps to encourage the use of greener energy sources. 

Versatile

Many heat pumps can provide cooling as well as heating which eliminates the need for a separate air conditioner.  

This dual function can also save cost and space. 

There are a variety of heat pumps which can suit different circumstances which allows you to choose the right one for you and offers a more customised solution based on the property’s requirements.  

Location 

If your home or business is in a cold climate country, then heat pump efficiency could decrease and a supplementary heat source may be needed. 

Electric dependency 

While the running costs of a heat pump and a gas boiler are similar, heat pumps rely on electric to operate and if the electric price surges or there is a power cut, it could cause a problem.  

Upfront costs 

The initial cost for installing heat pumps is usually more than traditional heating systems.  

It can cost between £7,000 – £13,000 to install an air source heat pump or air-to-water pump.  

But the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 towards an air source or ground source, or water source heat pumps for homes across England and Wales. 

While the designing and installing of heat pumps can be a little more complicated, the process generally includes: 

• Site survey 

This is when your experienced and qualified tradespeople, such as our team at Add Heat,  assess the best location for installation.  

• Choosing heat pump type 

The experts will let you know which type of heat pump will suit your property.  

• Installation 

The outdoor and indoor units will be installed and connected and integrated with any existing infrastructure.  

• Testing 

When the installation is complete, the team will test the system to ensure it works properly. 

Heat pumps are an energy efficient way of heating and cooling your home.  

It can offer significant cost savings while helping you to be more sustainable.  

If you want to feel the benefits of heat pumps in your home or business, contact us today.