A guide to heat pumps in 2023

The UK government recently set out plans to phase out gas boilers in newly built homes in 2025 (more on this here), sparking homeowners to look into alternatives and renewable energy. As many of our clients are in East Devon and its surrounding areas, they live off the main gas grid and have been previously reliant on heating oil or LPG. However, heat pumps are a more efficient and eco-friendly way to heat your rural home.

Technology has developed hugely in the last 20 years making renewable heating products far more reliable, efficient and affordable. Heat pumps in 2023 are going to be big. But what are heat pumps?

Heat pumps use natural heat energy from the environment and multiply it to create temperatures of up to 65 degrees! They’re usually installed outside, and look like an air conditioning unit. If you want to get into the technicals and mechanics, this article does a great job of explaining exactly where the heat comes from. They’re designed to keep your home heated at a steady temperature, and do a good job of it! 

There are various types of heat pumps, a ground source heat pump and an air source heat pump, and these are differentiated by the way they get their heat. Air source heat pumps are the most common type of pumps in UK households, however if you have a lot of outdoor space, you may want to consider a ground source heat pump.

Heat Pumps in 2023 Advantages

There are a number of ways in which heat pumps improve upon more conventional heating and cooling methods. Some of the primary benefits include the following:

• Heat pumps are very efficient at using energy because they transfer heat rather than creating it from beginning. Since this is the case, they can deliver heating and cooling at a lesser cost than conventional methods.
• Heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling, making them a convenient choice for year-round indoor climate control.
• When compared to conventional heating and cooling systems, heat pumps are preferable because they have no negative environmental impact due to their lack of pollutant and emission production.
• In comparison to other types of heating and cooling systems, heat pumps are much quieter when in use.
• Heat pumps have fewer moving parts and require less servicing than conventional HVAC systems, so they are more cost- and time-efficient to maintain.
• Heat pumps have a lengthy lifespan, with many versions surviving for 15 years or more with regular maintenance.
• Incentives from the government: The upfront cost of installing a heat pump that uses less energy can be reduced by taking advantage of the government’s incentive programmes.
• Energy efficiency, adaptability, environmental friendliness, silent operation, cheap maintenance, a long lifespan, and possible government subsidies are just a few of the many benefits of heat pumps over conventional heating and cooling systems.

Heat Pumps in 2023 Disadvantages

There are some drawbacks to heat pumps despite their many benefits, such as:

• Heat pumps might be more expensive to install initially than more conventional heating and cooling systems. The initial investment in a heat pump may be larger, but the money you save on energy bills in the long run will make up for it.
• Due to their reliance on ambient air for heat exchange, air-source heat pumps may be less effective in extremely cold or hot climates. Very cold temperatures may necessitate the usage of a supplementary heating source in addition to the heat pump.
• Heat pumps need outdoor installation space, and there may be a need for extra room for ducting or pipe.
• Some heat pumps produce a lot of noise when they’re running, which might be a problem if the unit is installed nearby a bedroom or another peaceful space.
• Filters in heat pumps need to be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis for peak performance and efficiency. If maintenance isn’t performed regularly, it can lead to inefficiency, waste of resources, and expensive fixes.
• Think carefully about these drawbacks before deciding whether or not a heat pump is good for your home or building. If you want to know if a heat pump is right for your home and budget, you should talk to an expert.

UK Heat Pumps in 2023

Whether you should invest in a heat pump in the UK depends on your specific requirements for heating and cooling, the construction of your home, your financial situation, and the price of energy.

Most homes in the United Kingdom use air source heat pumps because they are efficient and effective in mild to moderate temperatures. When replacing an older, less efficient heating system, they can be an economical and environmentally friendly option for heating and cooling your house.

A ground source heat pump or a hybrid heat pump, which combines a heat pump with a backup heating source, such as a gas boiler, may be necessary if you live in a particularly cold climate.

If you live in the UK and are thinking about installing a heat pump, contact us and we can evaluate your home’s heating and cooling demands, recommend the right heat pump for your home, and carry out the installation and maintenance work.

The cost of installation can be reduced and the transition to a heat pump made more reasonable with the UK government’s incredible incentive, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS scheme). This has replaced the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) where you could set up a payment plan which rewards you for using renewable technology. The BUS scheme offers customers a £5000 grant for installing an air source heat pump or £6000 grant for a ground source heat pump. There is certain criteria to meet which you can check here. 

For more rural properties, If you’re looking at upgrading an existing oil fired heating system a heat pump is definitely worth looking into. With oil costs on the rise once again fuel rates prove to be unpredictable and expensive. Heat pumps provide a heat source that is calculable and reliable.

To see whether the type of home you live in could benefit from a heat pump, contact us for a no-obligation discussion.

Last updated 2023.