Your total guide to heat pumps
With the constant rise of energy bills, you’re probably wondering what exactly are heat pumps, and how you might be able to afford installing one into your property.
Over recent years, as the governments have made commitments to work towards reducing our impact on the environment and climate change, they have put in place a number of schemes to help homeowners make the swap from gas and oil boilers to heat source pumps.
A few years ago, it was announced that homeowners could apply for a £5,000 government grant to upgrade their gas boilers with heat pumps. This boiler upgrade scheme was introduced as part of the government’s net zero strategy. While it has closed in Northern Ireland, the scheme is still open across England to encourage homeowners to transfer from fossil fuel burning boilers to a more renewable energy source such as heat pumps.
Another attempt to make this switch more appealing is the reduction of VAT on both ground and air source heat pumps, taking it from 5% to nothing.
Read on to learn all about heat pumps and why you should trust Meridian Cooling to install the right heat pump for your property.
Contact us today to speak to us about installing an air source or ground source heat pump for your property.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an electrical HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technology that absorbs heat from the air, ground or water and “pumps” it around a building.
It moves the HVAC system away from depending on fossil fuels and to using renewable energy and resources from the ground and air.
Types of heat pump
There are two main types of heat pumps: ground source and air source. The heating processes of both are nearly identical; the only difference is where they absorb heat from.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
As the name suggests, ground source heat pumps gather heat from the ground.
They do this through a long coiled pipe buried in the garden. This pipe is filled with thermal transfer fluid (TTF), a mixture of water and antifreeze. The TTF absorbs the heat through the pipe, and then flows into a heat exchanger that raises its temperature further. The heat is then transferred into water for use in the house.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps, on the other hand, draw heat from the air.
They do this through an external box unit containing a network of tubes. These tubes are filled with TTF. Ambient air blows over these tubes, heating the fluid and turning it into a gas. The gas then passes into a heat exchanger. After this, the process is largely the same as the one used by ground pumps.
How do heat pumps work?
As mentioned above, the process for the two types of pumps is similar. They typically follow this process:
1. Taking the heat source (which could be from air, or water mixed with ground) and blowing or pumping it over the heat exchange surface of the outside part of the heat pump.
2. This heat is then warm enough to cause the special refrigerant liquid to evaporate into gas.
3. The gas is then compressed to increase its pressure and cause its temperature to rise.
4. The now heated gas is passed through the internal heat exchange system and blown around a property or transferred through a central heating or hot water system.
5. The gas temperature drops, and it subsequently returns to its liquid form.
6. The refrigerant liquid returns to the outside heat exchange surface, with this processing repeating itself until sufficient heat has been blown or transferred.
Air Source Vs Ground Source Heat Pumps
Cost: Because they have a more complex installation process, ground source heat pumps are more expensive to buy and install than air source heat pumps.
Efficiency: Although both air and ground pumps can run regardless of the season, ground pumps tend to be more efficient, especially in winter months. The natural temperature of ground in Britain is around 10-12°C year round, while the average air temperature in winter is significantly cooler. Because the air is colder, air pumps need more electricity to gather heat from it.
Why should I get a heat pump for my property?
TThere are a number of reasons why you should opt for a heat pump for your home. We have listed the main benefits below.
Government grants and zero VAT on heat pumps
As mentioned above, you can apply for a £5,000 government grant to assist the purchase of energy efficient systems like heat pumps for residents. This forms part of a £450 million boiler upgrade scheme that aims to help households install low carbon heating systems like heat pumps.
On top of that, currently you won’t pay any VAT on installing energy efficient systems which will save you another 5%!
Check to see if you’re eligible for the boiler upgrade scheme.
Environmentally friendly
Heat pumps will reduce your carbon footprint thanks to its efficient conversion rate of energy to heat.
Heat pumps are 3-5 times more energy efficient than gas boilers and can reduce fossil fuel use for heating by 40% or more.
Easy to maintain
Typically heat pumps require maintenance checks only once a year, and these checks can be easily done by yourself.
This, as opposed to gas boilers which require much more frequent servicing.
Safer heating system
Heat pumps are considerably safer than combustion systems found in gas boilers. As they run on electricity, they do not need to burn fuel to generate heat, meaning they come with fewer safety concerns than their gas counterparts.
Provides cooling, too
Thanks to its reversing valve, air source heat pumps can be conveniently switched to cooling mode during the summertime.
Potentially lower running costs in the long term
Heat pumps are typically more energy efficient than a gas boiler’s combustion system, meaning their long term costs are lower. Whilst heat pumps operate on electricity (and typically electricity prices are more expensive than gas), given the high price of gas these days, heat pumps could be cheaper.
What’s more, the government will look into measures so that heat pumps will not be pricier to run than gas boilers in the long run.
Designed to last
Heat pumps are a durable, reliable and steady heat source. Their average life span is between 14 to 15 years but can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance and care. .
Meridian Cooling are specialist air and ground heat pump installers
We have installed air and ground source heat pumps across a variety of residential and commercial properties across Bournemouth, Poole and Southampton. Our 30+ years of experience gives us the confidence to plan and install the right system for your needs and property, and we pride ourselves on giving our clients a professional service from start to finish.
We boast an expert team who have considerable knowledge across all types of cooling and heating systems, including air conditioning and ventilation services.
Get in touch today
To find out more about how our heat pumps, as well as the huge range of air conditioning and ventilation services we offer, contact us today or give our friendly team a call on 01202 658254.
