There is a lot of buzz around greener energy these days, especially with heat pumps and it can be quite confusing understanding all the jargon. Here at Mr Central Heating, we aim to help our customers understand the latest tech in plumbing and heating and how they can better utilise it. We’re here to break down the jargon and help you make the right decision for you and your home.
Heat pumps are a type of renewable heating technology that use the natural heat in the air or ground to warm your home. They are becoming increasingly popular in the UK to help reduce carbon emissions and save money on your energy bills.
There are two main types of heat pumps: air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside your home, while ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground.
An air source heat pump, sometimes referred to as an air-to-water heat pump, transfers heat from the outside air to water, which heats your rooms via radiators or underfloor heating. It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps, showers, and baths.
As noted above, heat pumps can be used to provide heating and hot water for your home. Heat pumps use environmentally generated energy to provide heating and hot water for your home.
Air source heat pumps extract thermal energy (heat) from the outside air and convert this into heating and hot water. Air source heat pumps are designed to work in cold temperatures and are suitable for a range of homes, from a small apartment or flat* to a large, detached home. Air source heat pumps do require electricity to operate, but 75% of the energy required is generated from the outside air, with only 25% being required from electricity. This means that 75% of the energy you use will be from a renewable source, which will reduce your emissions and CO2 impact.
*Air source heat pumps need to be located outside and require a solid base to sit on or structurally secure wall to be mounted to, to be installed. Speak to a qualified and reputable renewables installer will be able to advise you if your home is suitable for an air source heat pump.
Heat from the air is absorbed into a fluid. This fluid then passes throuh a heat exchanger into the heat pump, which raises the temperature and then transfers that heat to water.
The cost of installing a heat pump varies depending on the type of heat pump, the size of your home and the installer.
However, the government offers financial incentives to help offset the cost of installation, including:
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government scheme that provides grants of up to £6,500 towards the cost of replacing your old boiler with a heat pump.
The Green Homes Grant is a government scheme that provides grants of up to £5,000 towards the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including the installation of a heat pump.
If you are considering installing a heat pump, it is important to get quotes from qualified installers and to compare the different types of heat pumps available. You should also make sure that you qualify for any government incentives that are available.
They are a renewable source of energy, which means they do not produce any emissions. This can help to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the UK’s net zero carbon emissions target
They can save you money on your energy bills. Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional heating systems, so you can save money on your energy bills every year.
They are quiet and reliable. Heat pumps are very quiet in operation, and they are designed to last for many years
They are easy to maintain. Heat pumps require very little maintenance, and most installers will offer a maintenance contract as part of the installation price
They are perfect for smaller properties as must be installed outside They’re small and compact so won’t take up too much garden space and can work well in colder outside temperatures
Suitable for modern low energy or well-insulated properties. No fuel deliveries or fuel stored in your home
And they’re compatible with radiators and underfloor heating that is already installed in your home
If you are looking for a way to reduce your carbon emissions, save money on your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home, then a heat pump is a great option. Speak to a member of our renewables team today at enquiries@mrcentralheating.co.uk for more information.
