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With the recent climate change conference COP 26 grabbing global headlines, people up and down the country are thinking a little harder about how they can be friendlier to the environment. Looking after the planet is a part we can all play and with so many ecological crises to combat, it’s easy to forget that even the little changes can make a big difference if we work together to fight climate change.
Starting your own personal journey to a greener future should begin at home. With the cooler months now upon us, how we heat our homes affordably and with minimal impact on the planet is brought back into focus. But could installing an air source heat pump be the answer?
When it comes to renewable energy solutions, air source heat pumps are leading the way. They’re becoming hugely popular thanks to their economical and eco-friendly credentials. Air source heat pumps extract and compress air, and use this to heat your home.
The best way to describe how an air source heat pump works is to think of it as a refrigerator that works in reverse.
These pumps extract heat from the air outside, absorbing it into a refrigerant. It then uses electricity to compress this liquid and increase its temperature before condensing it back into a liquid. This liquid is then distributed throughout the heating system to heat your home.
In short – yes! An air source heat pump can absorb heat from the air outside even when it’s below freezing.
As well as being distributed to radiators and underfloor heating systems, it’s used to heat stored hot water so you can enjoy scorching running water whenever you need it.
Air source heat pump installation may not be the cheapest. It costs up to £11,000 to get an air-to-water heat pump (there’s also an air-to-air heat pump available) installed.
Installation costs vary from home to home, with the size and complexity of the system needed altering the price. In addition to installation, you may also need to budget for radiator upgrades, underfloor heating, and additional insulation.
The high cost of installation and extras is offset by the huge energy savings you make year-on-year. You could save as much as £1,300 per year with an air source heat pump. The government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) provides financial support with the cost of installing and running an air source heat pump system.
For professional advice on making energy efficient improvements to your home, get in touch with your local Look4 Builder today.