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  • Is a heat pump suitable for my property?

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    • Is a heat pump suitable for my property?

  • Blog
  • Is a heat pump suitable for my property?

    • home
    • Blog
    • Is a heat pump suitable for my property?

    Updated: March 10, 2023

    Can I have a heat pump in my home?

    Is a heat pump suitable for my property? Heat Pumps aren’t suitable for all properties, but they are for most. Find out more on this page to see if a heat pump is suitable for your home.

    Here you find great info about the new heat pumps.

    WHAT PROPERTIES ARE SUITABLE FOR HEAT PUMPS?

    Heat Pumps aren’t suitable for all properties, but they are for most.

    There are a few things to consider for example, if you live in a low energy efficient, drafty property, then installing a heat pump without implementing other energy efficient measures such as fully insulating your property, then your heat pump will struggle to be effective.

    Things to consider!

    You need to consider issues like;

    • Type of system,
    • The proposed systems size,
    • The technology it’s replacing,
    • Installation cost,
    • Running costs etc.

    You should consult with a professional and accredited heating engineer & installer to discuss all of these considerations.

    Is the heat pump right for you?

    Maintenance & Warranties:

    When a heat pump is correctly installed it should require very little maintenance and be expected to last for 20-30 years.

    The heat pump system will probably require an annual maintenance check which can be carried out by the systems owner or by a qualified heating engineer.

    If things go wrong!

    If something does go wrong with your heat pump system, it can lose efficiency fast, but this underperformance will most likely be quite noticeable.

    It’s a good idea to research which units have the most favourable maintenance requirements.

    Most Heating pumps come with a 5-10 year warranty on parts and labour as standard so you start asking questions if faced with anything less.

    Some also come with a free annual service but this depends on the manufacturer and installer.

    Are heat pumps worth the initial investment?

    If you currently use oil, electricity, liquid gas, or solid fuels to heat your home, an air or ground source heat pump may be a good way of reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on energy bills.

    This is especially true currently when taking into consideration the Renewable Heat Incentive payments which came into effect in 2014.

    Before purchasing a new air or ground source heat pump system you should make sure that your house is well insulated and that you have researched the proposed unit’s suitability to a large extent.

    Can heat pumps save me money?

    It is difficult to calculate the exact amount of money you’d save by using air and ground source heat pumps, given the large range of factors.

    With Heat Pumps, you still have to pay energy bills because it runs on electricity, but you will save on the fuel that you are using. So the cost of this saving differs depending on what fuel you replace and the size of your usage.

    The Heat Pump savings depend on the following factors:

    • Your property’s RHI eligibility
    • Current heating source (Gas, oil, LPG, etc.)
    • Property size, specifications and available outside space
    • Energy efficiency of your home
    • Energy consumption of your home
    • The cost of the heating pump system installation and parts, based on the size and quality
    • Type of system installed (i.e. air or ground source).

    *It is worth mentioning here that solar PV systems are the perfect renewable partner for heat pumps. Heat pumps can run on the electricity created by the solar panels from sunlight and produce up to 4 times as much energy as they consume. 

    More efficiency:

    If your old heating system is inefficient, you will possibly see a lower running cost with a new heat pump.

    *Because of their low running cost, heat pumps can provide you with significant savings over traditional heating systems.

    We can provide you with more information on how to work out your pay-back period and further advice  you on what to ask of the engineers installing your Heat Pump system.

    Electricity Savings!

    If you use electricity for heating, then a heat pump can reduce the amount of electricity you use by as much as 40%.

    What’s more, high-efficiency heat pumps can also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in summer.

    However, the efficiency of most air-source heating pumps as a heat source can drop at low temperatures.

    System efficiencies vary between both installations and the parts used. Your home’s energy efficiency is also an important factor to keep in mind when calculating potential system efficiencies. Read more here….

    How do heat pumps work?

    These devices provide heat energy which is then taken from a source of heat to what is known as a heat sink.

    This pumps warmth from one place to another very effectively.

    Heat pumps transfer thermal energy in the opposite direction of the spontaneous heat flow.

    This is done by absorbing heat from a cold area and releasing it to a warm one.

    The main task of the heat pump is to heat up space through using radiators and underfloor heating.

    Accreditations:

    When having a new heat pump installed it’s important to select equipment and installers who are credible, reliable, and proven with all of the correct accreditations.

    Energy regulations…

    Over the last few years, the UK has passed several government guidelines for boiler installation and energy efficiency. These guidelines need to be followed. please remember:

    • Gas boilers should have at least a 92% ErP efficiency regardless of boiler type.
    • A Combi boiler installation should have one energy-saving feature.
    • You should have functioning time and temperature controls.

    Want an online quote?

    Let’s Heat can provide you with an immediate quote either online or in person.

    Get an online quote now! Or feel free to contact us!

    Can I Finance my boiler replacement or heat pump?

    Buying a new boiler and having a boiler installation or a heat pump, is an investment. However it can be expensive, especially paying for it all in one hit.

    If you haven’t got the money on hand for the boiler and installation services that you require, you can get the job done on a finance package that is FCA-approved.

    We can also offer a number of split payment options for you to consider.

    Boiler Replacement Payment Options

    For new boiler installation, you can pay by card, pay zero deposit, and pay monthly over 2 to 10-years or use our a finance package.

    Full range of heating & plumbing services provided by Let’s Heat:

    Any more questions?

    If you have any further questions about boiler efficiency, other boilers, or anything else, please see our FAQ Page because you might find the answers there.

    Alternatively you could try our News Blog for lots of news and article on all aspects of plumbing and heating.

    Check out our Gas Safe Registration and if you want to see our near 5 star Trustpilot rating, please click the relevant link because you can then find what you are looking for.

    Get a quote today because you don’t want to miss out on our exceptional value for money offering!

    FAQ’s

    Is a heat pump enough to heat a house?

    Heat pumps can provide enough heat for comfort. No matter how cold it is outdoors

    Do heat pumps use a lot of electricity?

    Heat pumps need some electricity to run, but it’s a relatively small amount. Modern heat pumps can transfer three or four times more thermal energy in the form of heat than they consume in electrical energy to do this work.

    How long do heat pumps last?

    Heat pumps can last 10 to 20 years, depending on usage frequency, though 15 years is the average number. Heat pumps are similar to air conditioners, but because they can provide both heating and cooling, they are typically used longer.

    Do heat pumps work in cold temperature and below freezing?

    Heat pumps work even below freezing, especially modern ones. Good heat pumps will still work efficiently at 25 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures exceed this, you’ll notice performance loss.

    Is heat pump worth the money?

    Heat pumps are usually more expensive to install, but you end up saving more money throughout the year with low maintenance costs, making heat pumps a great investment. What’s more, heat pumps are much safer with no risks for a gas leak, which can expose you to carbon monoxide.