Efficient, long life span and low annual maintenance costs
An expertly-installed and good quality unit is highly efficient. Highly efficient being anything from 300-450% efficiency; this means that for every unit of electric used the pump creates up to 3 to 4.5 units of heat output. The system works by delivering a constant low temperature flow of water to your radiators, meaning you can have them on more often because they use less power. The life span of a Air Source heating system is also very long, expected at over 20 years, and incurs very low annual maintenance costs.
So, what’s the catch? The up front cost is higher than for a traditional heating system using gas, oil or LPG.
Can Air Source Heating work in any home or office?
Basically yes. Air Source Heating can be installed in a new build or extension, refurbishment or retro-fitted to houses and commercial buildings with natural gas, oil, LPG or electric heating. The biggest savings will be seen where it replaces Oil and LPG boilers.
What else do I need to consider?
There are a few things to consider when looking at installing Air Source Heating if you want to see the greatest savings from your investment:
Insulation – a home that is well insulated is essential. If you haven’t addressed this area of heating efficiency, we advise that you do so first.
Replacement – ideally you will be replacing an oil or LPG boiler. Although this is not mandatory to the instalment, this is where the best savings are to be made.
Radiators – existing radiators will need to be measured and checked to ensure they are the correct size for the pump to work at it’s most efficient level. Alternatively, that you have under floor heating installed already (UFH).
Cylinder – if you want the air source pump to also provide you with hot water then it is likely you will need a hot water cylinder that is suitable. These types of cylinders require a coil with a high surface area to allow for maximum heat extraction. In most cases your existing cylinder will not be up to this specification.
If you would like to know more about the difference between a traditional hot water cylinder and the type of cylinder needed to provide hot water via an air source heat pump – our article on Heating your home with renewable energy might be useful.
How much will it cost to have Air Source Heating installed?
We are able to do a complete installation of air source heating systems on your behalf or you can, if you wish, use a preferred plumber to install radiators and cylinder (if needed) – leaving us to concentrate on the supply and installation of the air source heat pump.
Typical costs: £5000 – £10,000, with an average of £7000
Typical savings: Average saving of approx £500-£900 per year
(based on a typical four bedroom detached home, running on oil)