What it’s Really Like Living with an Air Source Heat Pump

As air source heat pumps rise in popularity, we’re hearing more and more about them in the media and how they can save us money on our energy bills as well as reduce our carbon emissions. An air source heat pump absorbs air at low temperatures and then heats it, sending it around your home’s heating and hot water systems.

It sounds like a great idea, but what is it like to actually live with one? We answer some of the common questions people have about living with an air source heat pump.

How noisy is an air source heat pump?

Most air source heat pumps in the UK are air-to-water installations, which means that the pump heats water and circulates it round to underfloor heating or radiators. This means that very little noise is produced.

The part of the heat pump that does all the work is outside your home, and users report that they don’t notice any noise from it when they’re indoors.

air source heat pump diagram
Image via Pinterest

How much will I save on my bills?

Air source heat pumps are best for saving on energy bills if you’re switching from old electric storage heaters. You can expect to save between £680 and £1,265 per year on your fuel bills and 6,300 to 11,100 kg of carbon dioxide! Even if you switch from an old, non-condensing gas boiler, you can save £335 to £495 per year and 1,700 to 2,700 kg of CO2.

This is all without factoring in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) paid by the government, which could give you an added income of £920 to £1,420 yearly.

Can I do anything else to increase the efficiency of my heat pump?

There are a few things you can do to make the most out of your air source heat pump:

  • Go solar: If your heat pump is providing hot water, it can actually reduce the overall efficiency of the system. Consider getting a solar thermal system to heat your hot water in the summer.
  • Use your controls: Make sure the installer shows you how to control the system so you use it efficiently. You’ll probably find that you need to set the heating to come on for longer, but you might be able to set the thermostat lower.
  • Draught-proof: You’ll get the most out of your heat pump if your home is as efficient as it can be. Insulate your home to the recommended standard if it isn’t already and plug any draughts around your windows and doors.

You can find out more about air source heat pumps from the Energy Saving Trust, but if you’re ready to see how much it would cost for you to get your own heat pump, use our service to get up to 4 quotes from reliable installers.

Emily Rivers

Emily Rivers is the Customer Experience Manager at Quotatis. She informs customers of the latest developments in a range of products so they can make the best choice for their homes and ensures they get the best out of our service.

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