Air to water heat pumps are suitable for most homes as they’re simply fitted to the external wall at the back of your property. They’re the size of a large radiator and operate practically noiselessly.
Here are a few pointers you should consider if you’re interested in air to water heat pumps to generate free heat throughout the year.
Is there room in your home? The air source pumps will either be attached to the wall at the back of your home or left free standing on the ground. For maximum efficiency it needs to have plenty of space around it and access to a good flow of air. South facing installations achieve slightly better results, but all systems provide huge savings.
Is your home insulated to maximise heat savings? It would seemingly go against the point to be generating free heat with a renewable system, only to lose it through poorly insulated walls and windows. For an effective heating system you should have double glazing installed and think about loft lagging or wall cavity insulation.
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How quickly will I make a return? This will depend on how much you’re currently spending on your annual fuel bills. A normal air source pump will be able to generate 75% of your home’s requirement and for the average homeowner that’s a saving of close to £700 a year. When you attach the future RHI payment to this saving, payback will be as little as four years.
Can I use air source pumps for a new build? The initial cost of installation will actually be far less if you incorporate the technology into a new build. As the existing heating system doesn’t have to be replaced and removed, it’s less legwork for the contractor.
Can air to water heat pumps be used with any heating system? Yes, air to water heat pumps are able to provide heat for radiators and underfloor heating. They can also replace any form of heating, including gas, electricity and oil. Of course, as the cost of gas and electricity rises you’ll make even more savings over the years.
If an air source heat pump isn’t for you, you could also consider the ground source (geothermal) pumps. These use pipes buried into the ground to extract heat and transfer it into the home.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]A heat pump is capable of generating enough heat to reduce your annual energy bills by up to £650.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive will pay out hundreds of pounds a year for the renewable heat produced.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Cash grants of up to £2,000 are available to help fund the purchase of heat pumps.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]As gas and electricity prices continue to rise, heat pumps will provide greater savings for the years to come.[/tweetable]