A recent article from Which? has highlighted the differences between traditional gas boilers and air source heat pumps, giving information on projected cost savings and output after making the switch. The article also covers information on what it’s like to own a heat pump and how you can maximise the effectiveness of one by insulating your home before or after installation.
Traditional boilers use gas, oil or LPG as a fuel to heat your water. The hot water then travels through pipes and radiators to heat your home, eventually making its way back to the boiler to be reheated. This is called a closed loop system. Heat pump systems work in the same way, by pushing hot water through your closed loop system. The difference is in the heating method, where instead of burning fuel a heat pump uses refrigerant fluid to absorb heat from outside. The heat is then compressed and expanded to concentrate the energy, which is then used to heat the water in your closed loop system.
We already use heat pumps every day
Interestingly, the article points out that heat pump technology is already in use in many household appliances in the UK. Given the lack of correct information around heat pumps and the mistrust of the technology, this is a great reassurance to those who are unfamiliar with how they work and how effective they can be.
Appliances such as your fridge and freezer use the same refrigerant system to create a cold environment, and some types of tumble dryers use it to heat up. Air conditioning units are a brilliant example, too.
Which? says “Heat pumps aren’t new. They already heat 16% of Europe’s residential and commercial buildings.” Offering reassurance again that the technology is already in use and working well for many homes and buildings outside of the UK, where currently only 1% of homes are benefiting from using them. They are even being fitted in countries much colder than the UK where they still work very well, laying rest to any concerns over efficacy in our colder seasons.
Heat Pump cost is comparable to gas boilers after grants
The average cost of a new gas boiler is £500 – £3,000, while heat pumps can cost up to £12,000. While the numbers here look alarming and out of reach, there are government incentives to installing renewable energy systems that bring the costs right down for homeowners. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for heat pumps is available and can bring the cost down to around £500 for some homeowners, or take care of a significant portion of the cost of a more expensive heat pump system. The BUS grant is easy to apply for, and you can check your eligibility here. If you decide to get your heat pump through Pure Renewables, we can talk you through the funding and apply on your behalf.
The gov.uk website states:
“You’re eligible for a grant if all the following are true. You must:
- own the property you’re applying for (including if it’s a business, a second home, or a property you rent out to tenants)
- have installed (or plan to install) your new heating system on or after 1 April 2022
- be replacing fossil fuel heating systems (such as oil, gas or electric)
You’re still eligible if you’ve already had funding to make your property more energy efficient, for example by insulating it.”
Home Suitability
The article also discusses home suitability, with the take-away that almost all homes can be made suitable if they’re not already. Larger radiators are sometimes required to get the best out of a heat pump system, as the water generally pumps through at a lower temperature. Often, radiators in UK homes are larger than required anyway, so won’t need replacing. Reducing heat loss through insulation in walls or your roof is often advised before installing a heat pump, but Which? suggests this could be completed afterwards and more slowly if cost is a concern. Important to note that this is also a good idea if you’re not switching over to a new heating system, as you’ll save on energy bills in a better insulated property anyway. Their advice is: “Even if you’re not buying a heat pump right now, it’s wise to insulate your property as best you can anyway. Insulation lowers your heating and cooling costs no matter what technology you’re using, and also makes your home more comfortable. One common misconception about heat pumps vs boilers is that insulation only matters if you’re getting a heat pump. ”
How much do heat pumps cost to run?
With specialist heat pump tariffs becoming more available through energy suppliers, the running costs compared to gas boilers is favourable. Though heat pumps run on electricity, which does have a high cost at the moment, they tend to work more efficiently to provide a lower cost overall. Which? have completed some calculations for an average household, that you can read in the article.
Efficiency: Heat Pumps or Traditional Boilers?
With modern boilers offering 92-94% efficiency when installed correctly (many are not according to Which?) and pre-2005 coming in at significantly less, the 250 – 400% efficiency of a heat pump seems magnificent. Although the efficiency varies depending on installation and weather conditions, the huge improvement compared to traditional boilers means the cost of your electric bill to run one is very well spent. Which? says “For every one unit of energy it uses, a typical heat pump produces between 2.5 and 4 units of heat, or even 4.5 units”.
There are some other interesting points in the article that are worth reading if you’re interested in learning more about heat pumps and how they compare to boilers, or just want to understand how they work.
To read the full article, click here visit the Which? website.
To find out more about residential heat pumps, our installations, or how you could save on your energy bills, you can contact us for an estimate or chat to one of our team.
