The UK government is working hard to install as many air source heat pumps as possible, but residents are concerned about the quality of these pumps. Many people know very little about them, so we are going to break down the good and the bad with this method of heating your home.
Pro: Last a Long Time
Air source heat pumps are very durable. They need little maintenance and should last for many years if they have been installed properly and are used in the right way. That means lower overall costs and less hassle for you. These are very reliable heating methods, which is why the government is pushing for their installation in many homes throughout the UK.
Con: Cost a Lot to Run
On the downside, an air source heat pump uses a lot of energy. They aren’t cheap to run, compared to other kinds of heating methods, so you need to be aware of that. Air source heat pumps use a lot of power, but the difference between them and a gas boiler is minimal. You likely will notice little price increase between the two.
Pro: Runs Quietly
If you are tired of the noise generated by a gas boiler, it may be time to consider an air source heat pump as an alternative. These run so quietly that you may wonder if they are even turned on. To give you a comparison, they make about the same amount of noise as a refrigerator, which is a far cry from the noisy machines they used to be.
Con: Initially Pricey
You may end up paying quite a bit for a heat pump, with average costs coming in around £10,000. That’s more than a gas boiler, so you can see why some people are hesitant to make the switch. Prices on heat pumps have gone way down over the past few years, though, with prices continuing to drop. They could be very affordable in several years.
Pro: Might Make You Eligible for a Grant
As we mentioned earlier, the government is really pushing air source heat pumps for its residents, and to help that initiative along, they are offering incentives for anyone who opts to trade in their gas boiler for an air source heat pump. Check out the government rebates and grants that are being offered and see if you can get a heat pump for much lower than the average cost.
Con: May Need Additional Components
In a lot of cases, homeowners have to buy more than just the pump when they go with this heating method. They also need to install underfloor heating or a large radiator. These take up extra space, require additional installation work, and cost more than the heater alone.
Talk to your air source heat pump installer to see if the pros outweigh the cons for you and if this may be a good heating option in your home.
