Before you make the call to air source heat pump installers, it’s definitely worth considering the pros and cons of such an installation. Below is a helpful list of three pros and three cons, to help you to come to a decision, and know whether or not an air source heat pump is for you.
Pro: Low Carbon Footprint
As air source heat pumps use the outside air to heat or cool your home, they are a form of low carbon heating. If your current heating system is coal or electricity based, you can significantly reduce your carbon emissions. Especially since for every 3 to 4 units of energy produced by the air source heat pump, only one unit of electricity is used.
Con: Low Efficiency Below 0℃
While an air source heat pump can work at temperatures as low as -20℃, it does lose efficiency when the departure drops below 0℃. This is because the heat pump exclusively depends on the warmth of the outside air to heat your home, so as the temperature drops, the heat pump will need to use more energy to keep your home warm.
Pro: Save Money on Energy Bills
Of course, reducing your carbon footprint and energy consumption goes hand in hand with cheaper energy bills. You will see more significant savings if moving from a coal or electric system, and while the upfront cost can be high, the reduction you will see on your energy bills will offset that initial payment. On top of this, grants are available from the government to contribute to the cost of an air source heat pump, with very few qualifying factors.
Con: Your Home Must be Well Insulated
While this point is true for any heating system, it is an absolute essential for an air source heat pump, that your home be well insulated before you have the pump installed. You must ensure that none of the heat that your pump is generating can easily escape your home via the windows, doors, walls or even floorboards. This will mean the energy you are saving by using this heating option will still be used up, trying to re-produce the heat that escaped.
Pro: Long Lifespan
An air source heat pump can have a lifespan of up to 20 years, so long as it has proper maintenance. On top of this, most heat pumps come with a warranty of at least five years. With modern technological developments, modern heat pump systems are able to work efficiently for almost 25 years. With more developments, this is likely to
Con: They Can be Noisy
When your system is running properly, it can be noisy, there’s no denying that. It must be acknowledged however, that companies are continually working to make systems quieter.
Hopefully, the above advice has given you an insight as to whether or not an air source heat pump is the appropriate choice for you. Remember, even if the pump isn’t the right fit, there are plenty of other renewable energy sources that could be absolutely perfect for you and your home.
2018 ·