Unfortunately, the cost of living only ever seems to head in one direction. As consumers, we’re increasingly forced to think of ways to save money, especially since energy costs play a big part in our day-to-day spending. Happily, a lower-cost heating option is available which means we can begin to bid farewell to energy-guzzling home heating systems.
Air Source Heat Pumps – A Brief History
One of the most important innovations in the domestic heating field has been air source heat pumps. Although it’s a technology that’s been around for more than 160 years, it has only relatively recently begun to gain traction in terms of home heating.
Nevertheless, its development has long been happening. For instance, one of the industry’s market leaders, Thermia, began in 1923, and Stiebel Eltron, another big player, started operation just a year later. We work with both brands, as well as Mitsubishi and NIBE.
Heat pumps as a home-heating solution were initially introduced in response to the decade-long 1970s energy crisis in general, and the 1973 oil crisis in particular. With energy prices drastically escalating, alternative domestic-heating solutions were urgently sought.
Air Source Heat Pumps Today
Fast forward to the present day and heat pumps are very much on the agenda, particularly given recent energy price hikes. Air source heat pumps offer a more efficient alternative to gas, oil and LPG boilers, which means they’re more affordable to run while being environmentally friendly.
In and of itself, a heat pump isn’t entirely carbon neutral because electricity is required for it to work. However, if your home is supplied with 100% renewable electricity, you’ll be able to heat your home without leaving a carbon footprint.
What About Installation?
Heat pump installation isn’t free; prices range from £6,000 to £13,000. However, potential help is on hand via the government’s £5,000 Boiler Upgrade grant. Find out if you’re eligible by visiting https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/check-if-youre-eligible.
In any case, when it comes to installation prices, it’s worth considering the process of amortisation. This writes off the initial cost over a period of time with savings that are made on subsequent energy bills.
The average UK gas and electric bill between October 2022 and March 2023 was £2,500. Of course, this isn’t entirely down to heating, which accounts for 78% of total energy bills – a pretty big chunk, we’re sure you’ll agree.
Consider The Savings You’ll Make
An air source heat pump installed with the purpose of heating a four-bedroom house needs to generate roughly 18,000 kWh of heat each year. In such circumstances, a new, fully optimised gas boiler, an oil boiler or an LPG boiler offers about 92% efficiency – and an older gas boiler clocks in even lower, at 70%.
Compare this to an air source heat pump, which offers approximately 324% efficiency. This is because it doesn’t require too much electricity to work effectively.
Future Proof Your Home Today
If you’re looking for an efficient and sustainable way to heat your home, an air-source heat pump is an elegant solution. Here at Solaris Energy, we install heat pumps produced by the best in the business. While offering you impartial advice, we’ll provide you with a heating system that’s perfect for your home.