Air source heat pumps are an innovative technology that can efficiently heat and cool your home. Unfortunately, misinformation often leads to confusion and there are a lot of stories about heat pumps out there in the media! We are here to clear the air on the myths surrounding air source heat pumps.
What are the myths about heat pumps?
Myth 1: In cold climates, air source heat pumps are inefficient
There's a common misconception that air source heat pumps work best in warm areas. Even as low as -26°C, modern heat pumps can actually function effectively. They are a good alternative even in cold winters because of the way they function—that is, by taking heat from the outside air and compressing it, providing much more heat energy than the energy they use to work. They do need to work harder in colder temperatures and will use more energy, just the same as your your gas or oil boiler. However, a properly designed system should not leave you in the cold.
Pro Tip: To ensure you have a good experience with your heat pump in the winter, do your research before signing up with an installation company. Ensure they are MCS accredited, competent and complete a full design process before installing, to confirm the correct sized heat pump is installed in your home.
Myth 2: Air source heat pumps make a lot of noise
While the operation of older heat pump models may have been noisy, technological developments have made them much quieter. Modern models are built to run silently, causing the least amount of disruption to your home.
Pro Tip: Make sure your installer is recommending the newer and quieter R290 heat pump, rather than older models, which create more noise when running.
Myth 3: Electricity use by air source heat pumps is excessive.
Air source heat pumps are very energy-efficient, in contrast to some reports. The key point here is ensuring your system is designed well and the correct sized heat pump has been recommended for your home. The best way to ensure you are getting an accurate heating design is to use an MCS accredited company and check that they are qualified to design their systems.
When considering how much electricity they use, air source heat pumps are capable of producing up to 4 times more heat energy than the energy they use. They are therefore a reasonably priced and green heating option.
Pro Tip: Select an installation company who complete in-house design and ask them about the expected efficiency of the system before proceeding.
Myth 4: Installing an air source heat pump is expensive
Even while air source heat pumps can be more expensive to install initially than conventional heating systems, they save money over time by using less energy. Many areas also provide rebates and incentives to help with installation costs. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant, which provides £7500 towards the cost of installation is available to UK homeowners currently, and all renewable installations attract 0% VAT, making it a good time to investigate having a heat pump fitted.
Pro Tip: Check your eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus
Myth 5: Heat Is Only Produced by Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps can be used for cooling as well as heating and hot water. They can do away with the need for separate heating and cooling systems by keeping your house comfortable all year round and will completely replace your existing gas or oil boiler.
Pro Tip: Depending on the model of heat pump you are having installed, you may need to purchase a separate part to enable the cooling function. Ask your installer to advise.
Myth 6: High Maintenance Is Needed for Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps actually only need occasional maintenance. To keep them operating efficiently, routine filter cleaning or replacement and yearly inspections are usually enough. Annual servicing costs between £150 and £350. Heat pumps generally have less components than gas boilers, making it less likely that something will go wrong.
Pro Tip: Ensure you book a competent engineer to service your heat pump annually to maintain your warranty.
Myth 7: Heat Pumps Are Ineffective in Humid Environments
It's a common misconception that heat pumps perform poorly in humid environments, yet contemporary models are made to function well in a variety of climates. Thanks to technological advancements, they can effectively extract heat even in highly humid environments, which makes them adaptable to a variety of environmental conditions.
Myth 8: Air Source Heat Pumps Have a Short Lifespan
The idea that air source heat pumps only last a short time is false. These systems can last longer than conventional heating systems provided they are well-maintained. Their longevity is a result of regular maintenance and expert inspections, which guarantee continued performance over time. A well looked after air source heat pump could last up to 25 years.
Myth 9: Air Source Heat Pumps Only Work Well For Large Homes
Although air source heat pumps are effective in large homes, they can also equally heat smaller ones. They offer effective heating solutions for homes of all sizes due to their scalability and versatility, which makes them appropriate for a range of property sizes. Air source heat pumps range from small, 3.5kw units for compact homes or newer homes with high insulation levels, all the way up to 16kw units for larger homes. If your property is larger still, multiple air source heat pumps can be joined together to provide large scale systems.
Myth 10: Air Source Heat Pumps Aren’t Suitable for Retrofits
Some believe it's not feasible to incorporate air source heat pumps into already-existing structures. However, because of developments in retrofitting technology and system design, heat pumps can now be effortlessly installed in older homes or buildings to provide energy-efficient heating without requiring major renovations. If you have a very old heating system, you may need to replace multiple radiators to ensure your heat pump will work at it's best, but discuss this with your engineer who will design the system to work for you and keep upheaval to a minimum.
Myth 11: Air Source Heat Provides Limited Hot Water
Some say that air source heat pumps don't always supply enough hot water, particularly during periods of high demand. Advanced heat pump models are a solid option for all household needs since they have features like smart controls and dual compressors, which provide a continuous and reliable supply of hot water, even during periods of high demand.
Myth 12: Air Source Heat Pumps Don’t Work With Underfloor Heating & Radiators
It is a common misconception that air source heat pumps cannot be easily integrated with underfloor heating or radiators. This is false and heat pumps work perfectly with wet underfloor heating systems and radiator alike. Radiator sizes may need to be larger than with a gas or oil boiler, but they provide a constant and comfortable heat year round, no matter your emitter type.
Ready to Find Out More?
Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying long-term savings on your heating bills. Make the switch to an air source heat pump today and take the first step towards a more sustainable future.
If you would like expert guidance or a free home survey with detailed quote, get in touch with our friendly team today.