As heat pumps are becoming more popular around the world, more and more people are asking themselves – what are the pros and cons of heat pumps?
There is no easy answer to this question, as there are both pros and cons to using heat pumps. However, we have compiled a list of some of the key points for you to consider.
Contents
How Does A Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump works by taking heat from the air, water, or ground outside and transferring it into your home. In the winter, this process is reversed and the heat pump extracts heat from your home and pumps it back outside.
There are two main types of heat pumps: air source and ground source. Air source heat pumps are the most common type in the UK
Why Use A Heat Pump?
As gas has started to get more and more expensive, many people are looking for alternatives to gas central heating. Heat pumps offer a great alternative as they can use renewable energy to heat your home, meaning that your running costs will be lower in the long term.
Another big advantage of heat pumps is that they can provide both heating and hot water, meaning that you only need one system to heat your whole home.
They also use very little electricity, which is great news for the environment.
The great news is, that they have a dual function since they are able to both heat and cool your home. This is because they can also act as an air conditioner in the summer.
If Net Zero targets must be met by 2050, no new gas boilers should be sold after 2025, according to the International Energy Agency’s most recent special report. In the future, heat pumps are expected to be a lower-carbon choice than traditional heating systems.
How Much Do Heat Pumps Cost?
Unfortunately, purchasing and installing a heat pump is not cheap. Depending on the amount of heat required, a typical air source heat pump installation costs between £6,000 and £8,000, while a ground source heat pump installation may cost up to £18,000.
The question is whether they are worth it?
Depending on the amount of energy produced by your system during its lifetime (from 2020), you might be eligible for up to £9,100 from the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for an air source heat pump or over £27,000 for a ground source system.
As I mentioned earlier, there are two types of heat pumps – air source and ground source. I will now go into a bit more detail about each type showing you the pros and cons of each system.
Air Source Heat Pump Pros And Cons
There are many benefits of installing an air source heat pump and in some respects, the benefits far outweigh the negatives depending on your budget.
Advantages of air source heat pumps are:
- They’re very efficient
- They can save you money on your energy bills
- They’re environmentally friendly
- Provides Cooling
- They don’t require a lot of maintenance
- They can heat and cool your home
- They’re very quiet
- They come in a variety of designs to suit any home.
- Lower running costs
- Less maintenance
- Reduces Carbon Emissions
- Long life-span
- Eligible for the RHI scheme
Disadvantages of air source heat pumps are:
- The initial cost can be expensive
- Difficult to install
- They’re not suitable for all homes
- They require a well-insulated home
- They can be expensive to install
- They may not be suitable for cold climates
- They require a good amount of space.
- Planning permission may be required
Ground Source Heat Pump Pros And Cons
There are many benefits of installing a ground source heat pump, but it is not the popular choice between the two options.
Advantages of ground source heat pumps are:
- A clean way to heat buildings.
- Free of all carbon emissions.
- Much cheaper to operate than electric heating.
- The system will operate at a higher capacity, resulting in three or four times as much thermal energy (heat) being generated, as compared to electrical energy used to power the system.
- Great for low environmental impact projects.
- No need to manage fuel deliveries.
- Can be reversed in summer to provide cooling.
- Can last up to 25 years with very little maintenance.
- Yields higher returns from the RHI scheme.
Disadvantages of ground source heat pumps are:
- The initial investment is high
- You need a large garden or field for the installation
- It can take a long time for the system to pay for itself
- They require a lot of maintenance
- Planning permission may be required.
- May incur costs beyond the initial installation.
- May require significant landscape alterations.
- Open-loop systems may contaminate groundwater
- Disruptive installation.
- Not suited to small gardens.
Are Heat Pumps Worth the Investment?
The quick answer is “Yes” in the long run. I say that because the upfront costs are quite expensive. However, with the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), it is now possible for you to receive payments for generating your own heat.
The RHI is a UK government scheme set up to encourage the uptake of renewable heat technologies among domestic and commercial users. It does this by offering financial incentives in the form of quarterly payments over seven years.
So, if you’re thinking about installing a heat pump, there has never been a better time with the current RHI scheme in place.
As I mentioned previously, it all depends on how large your personal budget is and whether you are willing to invest in the long term.
FAQs
Should I get a heat pump?
Yes, you should get a heat pump If you can afford the initial investment and you’re looking for a long-term solution to heating your home. Heat pumps are very efficient, and environmentally friendly and can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
Is air source heating expensive to run?
No, air source heating is not expensive to run. An air-source heat pump can produce 3 kWh of heat for each 1 kWh of electricity consumed. The yearly energy consumption for the majority of British homes is 12,000 kWh. It will cost you roughly £520 a year in heating expenses at 4,000 kWh of power priced at £0.13 per unit.
Is an air source heat pump cheaper than gas?
An air-source heat pump is more expensive than a gas boiler to install. However, the running costs are a lot cheaper. An air-source heat pump will also last longer than a gas boiler and is much better for the environment.
How does a heat pump work in summer?
During the summer months, your heat pump will transfer heat from the air outside into your home. This will help to keep your home cool and comfortable. You can also use your heat pump to generate hot water.
Most typically use a coil and a fan to move heat from the air or ground into the home. This type of system is called an air-source or ground-source heat pump respectively.
Why are heat pumps so expensive?
Heat pumps are more expensive to buy because the main unit and installation costs are higher than traditional heating systems. Heat pumps last longer, so there are fewer maintenance costs over the lifetime of the product.
What is a renewable heat incentive?
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a UK government scheme set up to encourage the uptake of renewable heat technologies among domestic and commercial users. It does this by offering financial incentives in the form of quarterly payments over seven years.
So, if you’re thinking about installing a heat pump, there has never been a better time with the current RHI scheme in place.
Can an air source heat pump be used for cooling?
Yes, an air source heat pump can be used for cooling as well as heating. During the summer months, your heat pump will transfer heat from the air outside into your home. This will help to keep your home cool and comfortable.
How long do heat pumps last?
Heat pumps typically last between 15 and 20 years. This is much longer than a traditional gas boiler which only has a lifespan of around 10 years.
Are heat pumps a con?
No heat pumps are not a con. Most websites will overemphasize the cheap running costs without informing you about the expensive upfront investment you’ll make. Yes, heat pumps are expensive to install but the long-term running costs are much cheaper than traditional gas boilers.
Can a heat pump heat a whole house?
Yes, your heat pump will be able to heat your whole house. The amount of BTUs required to heat a given amount of space is known as the heating capacity. For every square foot of living area, you’ll need about 30 BTU of heating output. For example, a 1,000-square-foot home would require a 30,000 BTU heat pump (that’s a 2.5-ton heat pump).
Is my heat pump better than AC?
Yes, the fact that they have a dual function means that they are able to provide both heating and cooling. This is better than an AC unit which can only provide cooling.
How cold can a heat pump make my house?
In cooling mode, air-sourced heat pumps should create cool air that is 15 to 20 degrees colder than the ambient temperature. Assume it’s 85 degrees outside and you set your thermostat to “Cooling Mode,” with a target indoor temperature of 72 degrees; as long as the interior temperature remains at or below 72 degrees, your heat pump will provide cool air between 52 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit.
