Is an air source heat pump worth the investment?
Are you wondering whether to invest in an air source heat pump? Let’s take a look at what you need to know about the technology and its benefits, especially as we face the colder months ahead and the prospect of the energy price cap raising once again.
How do air source heat pumps work?
Firstly, it is important to know that both ground and air source heat pumps don’t burn fuel; instead, they extract heat that is naturally present in the air and ground around us and transfer it into the home. This greatly reduces the carbon footprint of the system; in fact, it can be slashed to zero if you choose renewable energy sources.
No, they are increasingly not expensive. One of the leading suppliers of heat pumps said that a heat pump installation will usually start at around £5,500 including a government grant designed to pick up £7,500 of the fee. As a bonus, there is also no VAT payable.
This is around twice the cost of installing a gas boiler; however, the ongoing running costs for this kind of system are much lower than gas boilers, especially if you combine the pump with a renewable energy tariff. The average home could expect to save around £500 annually on its energy bills; what’s more, this saving can multiply further if you combine it with solar panels.
How long do heat pumps last?
Air source heat pumps tend to have a particularly good lifespan. Installers such as https://gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/ will offer around 10-15 year warranties, which far exceeds anything you would find for a gas boiler. Air source heat pumps are expected to still be working well after 20 years.
Factoring in maintenance
It is important to consider the maintenance cost of air source heat pumps. They can be more expensive to service, and insulation must be good before you invest. Summer tends to be the best time to install a new heating system, so why not ask an installer to carry out a property assessment for free?
