Burning fossil fuels, such as gas or oil, for heating releases a high amount of emissions. Replacing an old fossil fuel-powered heating system with a more efficient one, like a heat pump, can help to cut your carbon footprint.
Heat pumps are an integral part of the Government’s strategy to achieve its target for a net zero carbon country by 2050. As a viable, mature technology, they have been successfully used for decades around the world as a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-powered heating systems, such as gas boilers.
Air-source heat pumps use the air as a heat source. The pump draws warmth from the air outside to heat up a refrigerant liquid. The resulting gas passes through a compressor to increase its temperature and in turn heats up your hot water supply.
Ground-source heat pumps take heat from the ground through pipes or boreholes buried in your garden. The pump draws warmth from the ground and then works in a similar way as an air source heat pump to heat your hot water supply. Ground pumps are often more consistent and efficient in the long term, but can be more invasive and expensive to install.
Heat pumps usually heat water to a lower temperature than traditional boilers, so may require a slight change in how you heat your home.
It is important your home is well insulated and you may need to upgrade your radiators depending on the size and location of them. Underfloor heating will work with heat pumps.
A standard gas boiler has 95% efficiency, air source heat pumps work at 300% efficiency as they generate three units of heat for every unit of electricity they use.
As heat pumps generate more units of heat than units of electricity they consume, called the coefficient of performance (CoP), running costs can vary. At the moment, running costs can be similar to gas boilers but cheaper than systems powered by fuels such as oil, and direct electric heating.
Costs vary by installer and the size and requirements of your property. As a guideline and including current government support, an air source heat pump can cost from £7,500 to £10,000 and a ground source heat pump can average £24,000 for installation.
These costs have been averaged out across multiple installations, ranging from those solely involving the putting in of a heat pump unit to those that have included both the installation of a heat pump and the replacement of several radiators. A qualified installer will be able to assess your home and give you a more accurate quote for you to consider.
Find an accredited installer on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme site
Find out about schemes that could help pay for energy-saving home improvements including heat pumps
You may need planning permission for a heat pump if, for example, you wish to install a heat pump with an external unit on a listed building. Find more information on our Planning Portal or by contacting our Planning team.
These external sources may be useful:
If you are considering having a heat pump installed contact our Green Team who can provide advice to help you to understand the type and size your home needs. This information can then be used for you to discuss the work with potential installers.
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