Heat pumps have grown in popularity over the past few years due to their energy-efficient nature, emission reducing properties and overall cost saving for homeowners. According to the Heat Pump Association (HPA) 2019 saw just under 25,000 in heat pump sales and this jumped up significantly to over 60,000 in 2023.
Air source heat pumps use outside air to heat the water in your home, which means powering radiators, underfloor heating and providing hot water usage in showers and taps around your home. Compared to ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps are generally more affordable and easier to install.
Thinking of transitioning from a gas boiler to a heat pump? This article will explore why any Hemel Hempstead homeowner can benefit from a heat pump. Opting for a trusted heat pump installation service, such as from Gas Tech Heating Ltd, will ensure a smooth and easy transition.
Why Consider a Heat Pump?
Why install a heat pump into your home and replace your gas boiler? Heat pumps are much more energy efficient than boilers, and with rising energy costs – they are a great option for lowering bills. The energy efficiency of heat pumps also means they are environmentally-friendly.
In comparison to traditional gas boilers, a heat pump is more energy efficient, produces lower carbon emissions and has a lifespan of over 20 years – making it an effective long-term heat source for homeowners.
We will also be seeing an influx of heat pumps from this year onwards. The UK Government’s target to hit net zero by 2050 means it has now announced that gas boilers will be banned in new builds from 2027. So, this eco-friendly heat source will become more and more prevalent in homes across the country.
Heat pumps do cost more than boilers, but thanks to government grants, heat pumps are a lot more affordable than they otherwise would be. And homeowners can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to get £7,500 towards either air or ground source heat pumps.
What Makes Heat Pumps More Efficient?
Heat pumps are extremely efficient. The reason for this is that most of the heat is not generated, it’s transferred from either the air or the ground – to be used inside the home.
Air source heat pumps, much like the other types, run on electricity and take heat from outside air and raise the temperature to heat water inside the home. Even if the air is cold, there is still heat energy available to utilise.
But how does this work? Well, extracted heat energy is passed through a heat exchanger, which is absorbed by a refrigerant gas to raise the temperature and then when pressure is applied in the compressor the temperature increases further.
Compared to gas boilers – which generate all of the heat they produce – heat pumps have an advantage of using less energy due to transferring heat energy from their source and into the home.
Key Benefits of Heat Pumps for Hemel Hempstead Homes
Should you install a heat pump in your home? To help you decide, we have put together a few of the top benefits of heat pumps:
Energy efficiency and lower bills
A heat pump system can deliver cost savings when compared to a gas boiler. Heat pumps are highly efficient because they transfer heat rather than generate it. So, they use less energy to generate heat and make the most of the natural resources on offer.
Heat pumps also generally last longer than traditional gas boilers, often with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, which can make them a cost-effective long-term investment for homeowners given the current grants available.
Environmentally friendly
For eco-conscious homeowners, heat pumps are one of the lowest-carbon options when it comes to heating your home – making them a sure way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly heat pumps reduce carbon emissions as they use renewable heat sources (air or ground) rather than burning fossil fuels. And this makes them a more sustainable option compared to gas boilers.
All year-round heating
Heat pumps are suitable for all year-round use. In the winter, they provide heating for your entire home, and during the summer months – when less heat is required – they allow for consistent temperature regulation throughout. Heat pumps are a convenient and energy-efficient solution for maintaining comfort in any season.
Low-operating costs and maintenance
Due to their efficiency, heat pumps can significantly lower energy bills, especially over the long-term. While the upfront cost can be higher, the reduction in energy consumption leads to savings over time. Not to mention the government grants for heat pumps which cut the cost of that initial payment massively.
Heat pumps also require relatively low maintenance compared to traditional heating systems. Regular servicing to clean filters and top up the refrigerant is typically enough to keep them running efficiently. And if any issues do occur, contacting your provider can ensure they are sorted swiftly.
Future-proofing homes
The future for heat pumps looks to be bright, as 2025 is set to see more heat pumps installed across the UK in a move towards low-carbon heating solutions. New build homes will soon say goodbye to gas boilers, and so more and more homeowners across the country will be steadily introduced to heat pumps.
With experienced local professionals Gas Tech Heating Ltd can advise on the right heat pump for your individual needs. Get in touch today for more information.
Should You Replace Your Gas Boiler with a Heat Pump?
If you are sceptical about replacing your gas boiler with an air source heat pump, we have compiled a list of pros and cons for both to help you make an informed decision on the transition.
Gas boilers
What are the pros and cons of gas boilers?
Pros
- Long lifespan – warranties are available for up to 12 years
- Affordable
- Easy-to-install
- Reliable and fast heating
- Good for larger homes
- Familiar technology
- No need to make adaptions to your home
Cons
- Space requirements
- Maintenance and safety checks for carbon monoxide
- Less eco-friendly than a heat pump
- Gas supply dependence
Heat pumps
What are the pros and cons of heat pumps?
Pros
- Energy efficient and more environmentally-friendly than gas boilers
- Long lifespan 15-20 years
- Lower carbon emissions
- Government grants available
- Quiet operation
- Low maintenance and operating costs
- Cooling options available
Cons
- Longer and more complex installation process
- Can be a higher initial cost depending on the model
- Good insulation is needed to maximise heat potential due to overall lowers temperatures – many older homes may need significant improvements made in order to make the heat pump work at a high SCOP (seasonal coefficient of performance, which is the measure of how energy efficient the heat pump is. The higher score, the more efficient and the lower the bills)
- Money saving, but over a long period of time
- Can be bulky and take up space
The overwhelming benefits of heat pumps are that they are more energy-efficient and a lower-carbon option in comparison to boilers. So, if you do decide to make the switch, or you’re moving into a new build home that already has one fitted – you can be sure that your home will be heated effectively.
How to Choose the Right Heat Pump for Your Home
Which heat pump is right for your home and your needs? With air and ground source heat pumps available, it will be a case of which of these sources are readily available.
The obvious choice for many is an air source heat pump, as this simply sits outside your home and makes use of the heat energy in the air. Alternatively, a ground source heat pump can be placed under ground in a garden and supply your home with heat this way, although excavation work is required.
But you don’t have to make the decision alone. For a tailored consultation, Hemel Hempstead homeowners can get in touch with Gas Tech Heating Ltd for professional advice on air source heat pumps.
