If you are a homeowner in the UK and you are looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your heating bills, you might be interested in the UK Government's current policy on providing grants for air source heat pumps. In this blog post, I will explain what heat pumps are, how they work, and what are the pros and cons of installing them in UK homes.
What are heat pumps?
Heat pumps are devices that transfer heat from a low-temperature source, such as the air or the ground, to a high-temperature destination, such as your home. They use electricity to run a compressor that increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant fluid that circulates between the heat source and the heat destination. Heat pumps can provide both heating and hot water for your home, and they can also be used for cooling in the summer.
Heat pumps are classified into two main types: air source and ground source. Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) extract heat from the outside air, even when it is cold. They are usually installed outside your home on a wall or on the ground. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) extract heat from the ground, using pipes buried in a horizontal trench or a vertical borehole. They are usually installed inside your home, in a utility room or a basement.
How do heat pumps benefit the environment?
Heat pumps are considered to be low-carbon technologies, because they use electricity instead of fossil fuels to provide heating and hot water. Electricity can be generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, or hydro power, which have lower greenhouse gas emissions than gas or oil. According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to gas boilers.
Heat pumps are also more efficient than traditional boilers, because they deliver more heat energy than they consume in electricity. The efficiency of a heat pump is measured by its coefficient of performance (COP), which is the ratio of heat output to electricity input. For example, a COP of 3 means that for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, the heat pump delivers 3 kWh of heat. The average COP of an ASHP is around 2.5, while the average COP of a GSHP is around 3.5.
What are the UK Government grants for heat pumps?
The UK Government has recently launched a new scheme called the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers grants for homeowners and small businesses in England and Wales who want to replace their oil or gas boilers with heat pumps or biomass boilers. The scheme aims to support the transition to low-carbon heating and help achieve the net zero target by 2050.
The grants available under the scheme are:
- £7,500 for an ASHP
- £7,500 for a GSHP
- £5,000 for a biomass boiler
The grants cover both the cost and installation of the new system, and they do not have to be repaid. The scheme is expected to run until 2028 or until the funding runs out.
To be eligible for the scheme, you need to:
- Own a property in England or Wales that is suitable for a heat pump or biomass boiler
- Have an existing oil or gas boiler that is at least 7 years old
- Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below
- Agree to a quote from an MCS certified installer who will apply for the grant on your behalf
You can check your eligibility and find out more on gov.uk.
What are the pros and cons of installing heat pumps in UK homes?
Installing a heat pump in your home can have many benefits, but also some drawbacks. Here are some of the main pros and cons to consider before making a decision:
Pros:
- Lower carbon emissions: As mentioned above, heat pumps can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change.
- Lower energy bills: Heat pumps can also lower your energy bills, especially if you are currently using oil, LPG, or electric heating. According to BEIS, switching from oil to an ASHP can save you up to £460 per year on average.
- No fuel deliveries: If you are using oil or LPG, you will no longer need to deal with fuel deliveries and storage tanks, which can save you time and space.
- Future-proofing: Heat pumps are an important part of the future of heating, and installing one now will give you access to the latest technology and allow you to benefit from future incentives and regulations.
- Comfort: Heat pumps can provide consistent and comfortable heating throughout your home, as well as cooling in the summer.
Cons:
- High upfront cost: Heat pumps are more expensive than gas boilers upfront, even with the government grants. The average cost of installing an ASHP is around £10,000, while the average cost of installing a GSHP is around £20,000. However, the upfront cost can be offset by the lower running costs and the longer lifespan of heat pumps.
- Installation disruption: Installing a heat pump can cause some disruption to your home, especially if you need to dig trenches or boreholes for a GSHP. You may also need to upgrade your insulation, radiators, or underfloor heating to make your home more suitable for a heat pump.
- Noise: ASHPs can produce some noise when they operate, which may be annoying for you or your neighbours. However, modern ASHPs are much quieter than older models, and you can reduce the noise by choosing a suitable location and a soundproof enclosure for your ASHP.
- Maintenance: Heat pumps require regular maintenance to ensure they work efficiently and safely. You will need to hire a qualified technician to service your heat pump at least once a year, which will add to your annual costs.
Conclusion
Heat pumps are a great way to reduce your carbon emissions and save money on your heating bills, but they also have some drawbacks that you need to consider before installing one in your home. The UK Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers generous grants for homeowners who want to switch from oil or gas boilers to heat pumps or biomass boilers, making them more affordable and accessible. If you are interested in applying for the scheme, you can check your eligibility and find out more on gov.uk.