Air Sourced heat pumps are probably the only renewable technology that is cost effective to install without any subsidies. Payments from the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) provide an additional inducement to go down this route for heating.
Rather than produce heat, as in a conventional boiler, heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air, ground or water and using a refrigeration cycle to increase the temperature of the heat. This is then delivered either through radiators, or better still, through an under-floor system. Heat pumps also differ from other types of heating by delivering the heat most efficiently at a lower temperature, so radiators need to be larger, though this makes it ideal for under-floor or hot air systems.
Ground sourced heat pumps showed greatest promise, being more efficient than other types, but the price of ground sourced heat pumps has become prohibitively high. Air sourced heat pumps are slightly less efficient but much cheaper and are easily connected to an existing system, just four pipes going inside to carry the heat and return for heating and hot water. The pipes contain an anti freeze solution to prevent freezing in coldest weather.
The cost of running air sourced heat pumps is similar to oil fired central heating and electric storage heaters, but more expensive than mains gas. They are suitable for any property off the gas mains so long as it is well insulated. Because they run on electricity, the heating costs can be paid by direct debit and spread across the year. No large bulk fuel bills and greater and more immediate control than possible with storage heaters.
There is a range of different types and models. The more sophisticated types probably perform better, but they are more difficult for installers to install and set up. Use local installers and draw on their experience.
Rather than produce heat, as in a conventional boiler, heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air, ground or water and using a refrigeration cycle to increase the temperature of the heat. This is then delivered either through radiators, or better still, through an under-floor system. Heat pumps also differ from other types of heating by delivering the heat most efficiently at a lower temperature, so radiators need to be larger, though this makes it ideal for under-floor or hot air systems.
Ground sourced heat pumps showed greatest promise, being more efficient than other types, but the price of ground sourced heat pumps has become prohibitively high. Air sourced heat pumps are slightly less efficient but much cheaper and are easily connected to an existing system, just four pipes going inside to carry the heat and return for heating and hot water. The pipes contain an anti freeze solution to prevent freezing in coldest weather.
The cost of running air sourced heat pumps is similar to oil fired central heating and electric storage heaters, but more expensive than mains gas. They are suitable for any property off the gas mains so long as it is well insulated. Because they run on electricity, the heating costs can be paid by direct debit and spread across the year. No large bulk fuel bills and greater and more immediate control than possible with storage heaters.
There is a range of different types and models. The more sophisticated types probably perform better, but they are more difficult for installers to install and set up. Use local installers and draw on their experience.