GOOD ENERGY GROUP PLC byJessica Bickley
Posted on17 October 2022
- climate change
- eco friendly
- energy crisis uk
- good energy
- heat pump
- renewable energy
The government have set targets to reach net zero by 2050, and they are incentivising people to switch to clean heating systems. With a cut to VAT on clean technologies announced in the 2022 Spring Statement, combined with grants available as part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, heating your home with a heat pump is a great way to lower your emissions.
What is a heat pump?Heat pumps are relatively new renewable technologies that take in heat energy from the air or under the ground and convert it to be used to heat radiators, water or underfloor heating. Certain heat pumps can also cool rooms in summer by reversing the process. While they can become less efficient the cooler it is outside, air source heat pumps can work at temperatures as low as -20 degrees C.
There are two types of heat pump:
Air source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps (ASHP) take heat energy from the outside air. Heat extracted from the air is raised to a higher temperature and can then be used to heat water in a tank for use in conventional central heating systems. Air to Air systems circulate air rather than heating water, and these can be used for air conditioning during the summer.
Ground source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) absorb heat energy from under the ground to be used to heat water for heating systems. This type of heat pump requires suitable outdoor space, so that there is plenty of room underground for the pipe system.
How do heat pumps work?While ASHPs and GSHPs take heat from different areas, they work in very similar ways, moving heat from one location to another.
A solution of anti-freeze and cold water is run through a system of pipes, which draw in heat energy from either the outside air or under the ground. A compressor is used to increase the pressure and raise the temperature of the solution. This heated solution is then used to heat the water in a water tank, which gets circulated through the central heating system to heat your home. The solution then cools down and flows back outside to begin the cycle again.
After the initial investment of getting a heat pump, you will be able to save on your energy bills in the long term, so the unit will be able to pay for itself after a while. How much you can save by getting a heat pump will depend on a number of factors:
- What heating system/boiler you are replacing
- Your current electricity tariff
- What type of heat pump you're getting and how efficient it is
- Where you live and the average temperatures throughout the year
Heat pumps are also a good way of lowering your carbon emissions, as they use minimal electricity to run, and draw on renewable heat energy from the ground or the air.
While their energy usage is low, the actual amount depends on factors such as the size of your house, how well insulated the house is, and the desired indoor temperature. As they don't burn any fossil fuels themselves, they don't emit carbon dioxide.
Efficient source of heatingHeat pumps are highly efficient as they work all year round and even in low temperatures, as long as your house is well insulated. The average heat pump has an efficiency of around 300%, so for each unit of electricity needed to run the pump, it will give off up to three units of heat energy.
A heat pump can have a lifespan of around 20-25 years with regular maintenance, which is double that of a standard boiler.
Get financial support through the Boiler Upgrade SchemeThe Boiler Upgrade Scheme launched on 1 April 2022 and provides a grant of up to £6,000 towards the cost of installing a heat pump. Our partner Caplor Energy will apply for the grant on your behalf before they install the heat pump, so you don't have to worry about the stress of deadlines or paperwork.
Is a heat pump suitable for you?The government plans to phase out all new gas boiler installations by 2035 in favour of low carbon alternatives such as heat pumps. Heat pumps might not be suitable for everyone, but Caplor will work with you to assess if one would work for your home. They'll determine whether your property will be better suited to an air source or ground source heat pump, based on factors such as your existing heating system and your outdoor space.
There are a couple of things you will need to consider before getting a heat pump. You will need to ensure that your property is already energy efficient, and there are no recommendations to install loft or cavity wall insulation. Not having a well-insulated home will not prevent you from getting a heat pump, but you will not be entitled to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, so the process will be more expensive.
In some cases, you may need to apply for planning permission before getting a heat pump installed. Most installations are classed as 'permitted developments', but you may need planning permission if you live in a listed building or conservation area. You will also need to register your heat pump with your local district network operator, but Caplor can also help with this.
Jessica Bickley
Content Creator
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Good Energy Group plc published this content on 17 October 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 17 October 2022 07:22:00 UTC.
