Is now a good time to apply for government funding for heat pumps?
The clue to how air source heat pumps work is in the name; they use the air as a natural source! So what if the air is cold? How is the outside air supposed to make the inside of our homes warm and cosy, even during the dark months?
Even some of the coldest countries in the world such as Norway are embracing these low-carbon heating systems as a cleaner, more affordable and efficient way to stay cosy. In fact, it is one of the countries with the most heat pumps installed per capita.
Can an air source heat pump work below freezing?
Research conducted by the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) shows that cold climate heat pumps can be twice as efficient as electric heating in outdoor temperatures of -30°C. This is why we need to rethink heat pumps in the UK, especially as now it is easier than ever to check your eligibility for government funding towards air source heat pump grants, alongside a variety of government grants for energy-efficient home improvements.
As the cold weather draws in, people are looking for ways to beat the cold. Residential Energy Services are talking to fuel-poor households across Staffordshire, Shropshire and beyond to help residents understand the benefits of efficient heating such as air source heat pumps, which are ideal for a number of reasons:
They result in a permanent reduction in heating bills
They are more efficient than natural gas boilers, requiring little to no maintenance
They are renewable heating systems, using efficient heating methods to reduce your carbon emissions
They provide total control over how much energy comes into your home and when
We’re often met with challenges to the idea that air source heat pumps do in fact work in winter; here are some of the questions we’ve recently been asked and why, even now, it is a great time to apply for air source heat pump grant funding with us.
Do air source heat pumps work in cold weather?
It’s a common misconception that air source heat pumps struggle to extract heat from cold air, making them less reliable during winter months. Modern systems are engineered to work effectively in a wide range of temperatures, all year round. In fact, efficient heating isn’t even prevented by freezing conditions, making them a sensible option for colder climates.
Aren’t air-source heat pumps more expensive than gas boilers?
It’s widely considered that air-source heat pumps can be inefficient, from a cost perspective. In truth, air source heat pumps’ inherent energy efficiency is the key to long-term cost savings. By running on electricity, they automatically reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy, reducing your carbon footprint, as well as long-term running costs. By running your air source heat pump over your traditional gas boiler, you’re very quickly earning your investment back in the savings you make.
How much maintenance do air source heat pumps need?
Today’s air source heat pumps require far less maintenance when compared to older ones, particularly when compared to traditional heating systems. In most cases, general cleaning and regular replacement of filters to keep airflow healthy is more than enough to keep the system running optimally for years. These days, modern heating technology can provide real-time alerts whenever potential issues arise, enabling you to combat the problem as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Do air source heat pumps provide enough heat in the winter?
Arguably the most common misconception is that air pumps simply produce less heat if there is less outside to be drawn upon; this technically isn’t how air source heat pumps work.
As long as your air source heat pump is installed appropriately for the size and type of your home, it will deliver consistent results throughout the year, maintaining comfort and warmth exactly as you need it.
Air and ground source heat pump installation is happening near you
Simply put, the technological advancements of air source heat pumps, particularly through the increased adoption of this low-carbon heating system in colder countries, has now enabled UK residents to make the most of this advancement and switch to cleaner, smarter ways of living.
This method of heating technology has never been more affordable. In fact, air source heat pump funding is available through ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme as well as other government-driven energy saving measures.
Let us help you get started in securing an air source heat pump grant for your home so you can live more comfortably and cleanly. Even when it’s not warm outside, you can beat the cold inside.
