Air Source Heat Pump with Solar Panels

Air source heat pumps (ASHP) - a new way to heat your home

What is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is an eco-friendly heating system that transfers heat from the outside air to your home, providing heating for radiators, underfloor systems, or hot water. Similar to a refrigerator working in reverse, an ASHP extracts heat from the air and operates almost silently. Air source heat pumps can work in tandem with your existing boiler in a hybrid heating system, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

How does an air source heat pump work?

An ASHP absorbs heat from the outside air into a fluid, which is then compressed to increase its temperature. This heat is transferred to your home's heating system, providing warmth even in low temperatures. The system can heat your radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water.

What are the benefits of an air source heat pump?

• Year-Round Efficiency: Functions effectively at temperatures as low as -15°C, suitable for UK climates.
• Versatile Heating: Ideal for underfloor heating and domestic hot water.
• Eco-Friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint by combining ASHP with solar panels.
• Long Lifespan: Typically lasts up to 15 years with proper maintenance.
• Quiet Operation: Near silent operation ensures minimal disturbance.
• Government Incentives: Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), offering significant financial support.
• Cost-Effective: Lower operational costs compared to traditional heating systems, especially when powered by renewable energy sources.

Are there any government incentives or incentives available for installing an air source heat pump?

• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): Grants of £7,500 for air and ground source heat pumps. This scheme encourages homeowners in England and Wales to transition to eco-friendly heating systems.
• Home Energy Scotland Scheme: Direct grants up to £7,500, with an additional £1,500 for rural areas. This scheme helps Scottish homeowners upgrade to renewable heating solutions without the need for a loan.

How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) work?

The scheme is for property owners, both domestic and small non-domestic, who are looking to replace their traditional heating systems with more eco-friendly heating options like an air source heat pump, a ground source heat pump or a biomass boiler.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus

How to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)?

1. Eligibility: Own a property in England or Wales, with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and no outstanding insulation recommendations.
2. Application: An MCS-certified installer will apply on your behalf, ensuring you meet all the criteria and receive the maximum grant available.
3. Funding: Receive up to £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump, making it an affordable and sustainable heating option.

Comparing Air Source Heat Pump to other heating systems:

• Energy Efficiency: ASHPs are more efficient than traditional heating systems, often providing 300-400% efficiency. They can deliver more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.
• Cost Savings: Lower operational costs, especially when powered by renewable energy sources like solar panels.
• Environmental Impact: Significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to oil or gas boilers, contributing to a greener planet.
• Installation Requirements: Requires outdoor and indoor units, suitable for well-insulated homes.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including cleaning and filter replacement, ensures optimal performance and longevity.
• Heating and Cooling: ASHPs can also provide cooling in the summer, making them a versatile solution for year-round climate control.

Choosing the Best Air Source Heat Pump for Your Home:

When installing a heat pump system in your home, we will consider your specific heating and cooling needs, your budget, the suitability of your home's infrastructure and suggest the most suitable ASHP for your needs.

Whether it's integrated into an existing heating system or serves as the primary source for underfloor heating, there are many options available:

Space heating with radiators. The ASHP generates heat, which is then distributed through radiators to warm your living space efficiently.

Underfloor heating system. Using an air source heat pump (ASHP) as the heat source for an underfloor heating system means that the ASHP warms the water or fluid that circulates through pipes beneath the floor, providing efficient and even heating for your home.

Providing hot water (via an external heat pump). Supplying hot water through an external heat pump means using a heat pump system to heat the water for domestic purposes, such as bathing and washing.

Independent hot water supply cylinder is a separate tank that works with systems like an air source heat pump to efficiently store and provide hot water for household use. This cylinder is distinct from the central heating system and is designed specifically to heat and store hot water for taps, showers, and other domestic hot water needs. It allows you to control your hot water separately from your heating system.

Paired with an Electric Boiler for Supplemental Heating: An electric boiler serves as a backup or supplemental heating source. When outdoor temperatures drop significantly or when you need additional heating capacity, the electric boiler can kick in to provide extra warmth.

Swimming Pool Heating: Heat pumps can also be used to efficiently heat swimming pools, extending the swimming season.

What are the best Air Source Heat Pumps for my home?

At Solar Save Renewables, we take pride in being DAIKIN approved heat pump installers because we believe their products are award-winning for a reason. DAIKIN offer several designs of heat pumps that will suit almost every property type and needs.

Air-to-water high-temperature heat pumps - You can replace easily your old heating and hot water system with the energy-efficient Daikin Altherma high-temperature heat pumps.

Air-to-water low-temperature heat pumps - Daikin Altherma low-temperature heat pumps can be used to efficiently heat, cool, and provide hot water to newly built homes.

Air-to-water mid-temperature heat pumps - Mid-temperature air-to-water heat pumps are an ideal replacement for your old gas boilers offering a renewable solution for heating, cooling and domestic hot water.

What makes Daikin a great choice?

DAIKIN stands out as one of the largest and most trusted suppliers high quality heat pump, air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration and applied system in Europe. Due to their high quality and service, DAIKIN offer a 5-year warranty on new installations.

What size air source heat pump do I need for my home?

The size of the heat pump needed depends on the size of the home, generally, the larger the home the bigger the heat pump is required. Air source heat pumps are assigned a kW rating that indicates their heating output. For instance, if a heat pump has a rating of 10 kW, it means it can produce 10 kW of heat based on the outside air temperature. As an accredited Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) heat pump installer, we at Solar Save Renewables will be able to recommend the ideal air source heat pump size for you.

For a quick overview, the following should provide a clear idea of the sizes of air source heat pumps needed, taking into account the property size and the level of insulation.

What size hot water cylinder do I need for my home?

A typical domestic household will use around 35 to 45 litres of water for every person, which means that 4-person household will need a hot water cylinder that can provide around 200 litres daily. However, in some cases you won’t necessarily need a 200-litre capacity hot water cylinder, as some heating systems may partially reheat water throughout the day.

What is the cost of installing an air source heat pump?

Heat Pumps typically cost between £7,000 and £13,000 to buy and have professionally installed. You can reduce the final cost by £7,500 from 23 October 2023 via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

How much does an air source heat pump cost to run?

For an average UK home, the running costs for a heat pump should be the same as of running a gas boiler. However, you can reduce the running costs significantly by using renewable energy sources like solar panels to power your ASHP. This can reduce the environmental impact and long-term costs.

What maintenance does an air source heat pump require?

Heat pumps are low-maintenance. To keep them running efficiently, it's advised to have an annual check-up with your installer or service provider. This will involve standard checks and a thorough cleaning of the unit and filters.

Regular maintenance for an air source heat pump involves:

Cleaning: Keep both indoor and outdoor units clean by removing debris, dust, and obstructions. Periodically clean fan blades and coils as necessary.

Changing Filters: We advise to check and replace air filters every 1 to 3 months to maintain proper airflow and system efficiency.

Refrigerant Level Inspection: Ensure that the refrigerant levels are sufficient. If there's a leak or low refrigerant, it should be addressed by a qualified technician.

Thermostat Check: Verify that the thermostat is working correctly and set to the desired temperature.

Professional Maintenance: Schedule annual maintenance with a qualified technician for more comprehensive inspections and to address any issues you may have missed.

How efficient are air source heat pumps?

The good news is that air source heat pumps are quite robust and have been known to perform well even in extremely cold conditions, with temperatures as low as -25°C.  Given that the UK typically experiences temperatures below 0°C only for short periods, you shouldn’t have much issues.

Can an air source heat pump be integrated with existing heating systems?

Yes, heat pumps can be linked to both existing and new radiators. If you already have radiators in your home, high-temperature heat pumps can easily connect to them and use the existing piping without the need to replace the radiators or additional installation works.

What is the lifespan of an air source heat pump?

Heat pumps are long-lasting. An air source heat pump typically lasts between 20 to 25 years, but its lifespan can vary depending on factors like maintenance, climate, and installation quality.

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) vs. Biomass Boiler Comparison

The choice between an ASHP, and a biomass boiler depends on factors such as your heating needs, environmental considerations, availability of fuel, budget, and local incentives. ASHPs are more energy-efficient and generally have a lower environmental impact, while biomass boilers can be a suitable choice if you have access to a sustainable biomass fuel source and the space required for storage and installation.

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP):

Initial Cost: Generally higher upfront cost due to the equipment and installation. If you're comparing the upfront cost of installing an air source heat pump to that of a gas boiler, it's clear that boilers require less initial investment. However, it's crucial to consider that heat pumps are highly efficient. If you're replacing an old and inefficient oil or electric heating system, you will save money on your ongoing running costs.

The prices can vary, but as a rough guide, including parts and labour, these are the average prices:

Air source heat pumps: £7,000 to £13,000

Ground source heat pumps: £14,000 to £19,000

Additionally, the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a grant of £5,000 for homeowners to install an air source heat pump (or £6,000 for ground source heat pumps).

Efficiency: In terms of efficiency, heat pumps are the clear winners. More efficient, especially in the long term, as it can extract heat from the air, even in colder weather.

Measure efficiency using Coefficient of Performance (CoP). CoP of 3 equals 300% efficiency. Air source heat pumps usually have CoPs between 2.5 and 4.5.

Fuel Source: Relies on electricity, which can be more expensive than oil but may offer savings on operational costs. However, combining an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) with solar panels is an excellent way to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability of your home. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, which can power your ASHP and significantly reducing your reliance on grid electricity or other energy sources.

Environmental Impact: Environmentally friendly, as it produces lower carbon emissions compared to oil boilers.

Space Requirements: Requires outdoor and indoor units, which can take up space in your yard and home.

Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance, including filter cleaning and occasional professional servicing.

Eligible for Incentives: Eligible for The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) program and £5,000 grant.

Long-Term Savings: Potential for long-term savings on heating costs, particularly if replacing an inefficient oil boiler.

Suitability: Well-suited for well-insulated homes and areas with milder winters.

Lifespan: Well-maintained heat pumps can endure for 20-30 years, which is potentially 25-50% longer than the lifespan of a gas boiler! Moreover, heat pumps typically don't need expensive parts to be replaced during their lifespan.

Biomass Boiler:

Fuel Source: Uses organic materials, such as wood pellets, logs, or agricultural residues, as fuel. Biomass is considered renewable but may require sourcing and storage.

Efficiency: Biomass boilers typically have an efficiency range of 70% to 90%. This range can vary based on the type of biomass fuel used, the combustion technology employed, and the quality of the boiler itself. Typically, they are less energy-efficient than ASHPs.

Environmental Impact: Biomass is considered a renewable energy source, but emissions depend on the sourcing and sustainability of the fuel. It generally produces more carbon emissions than ASHPs.

Space Requirements: Requires space for fuel storage, such as a wood pellet silo. The boiler itself may also require a larger installation area.

Maintenance: Biomass boilers need regular cleaning and maintenance of the combustion chamber and flue systems, which can be more labour-intensive than ASHP maintenance.

Installation Cost: Generally lower upfront cost compared to ASHPs.

Government Incentives: Eligible for The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) program and £5,000 grant.

Long-Term Savings: Savings can be achieved over time, particularly if biomass fuel costs are lower than other heating fuels.

Suitability: Well-suited for areas with access to a consistent and sustainable biomass fuel supply and larger installation areas.

Oil Boiler:

Initial Cost: Generally lower upfront cost for the boiler and installation. Gas boilers: £2,000 to £4,000

Efficiency: Lower efficiency compared to ASHP, especially in terms of energy usage and carbon emissions. Typically expressed as a percentage, with modern boilers at 85% to 95% efficiency. Again, the actual efficiency can vary depending on the specific model and its maintenance.

Fuel Source: Uses heating oil, which can be more affordable than electricity but has higher long-term operational costs.

Environmental Impact: Produces higher carbon emissions compared to ASHP, making it less eco-friendly. An oil boiler furnace releases more than six tonnes of carbon dioxide for every 20MWh of energy it generates. This amount is higher than the emissions produced by ten flights between London and New York.

Space Requirements: Requires less space as it's typically installed indoors.

Maintenance: Needs regular servicing to maintain efficiency and prevent breakdowns.

Incentives: Not eligible for the same government incentives as ASHP.

Long-Term Costs: Higher long-term heating costs due to less efficiency and the cost of heating oil.

Suitability: Can work well in homes with existing oil heating systems but may not be as efficient in the long run.

Lifespan: Gas boilers typically have a lifespan of around 10 years, but with proper care, they may last up to 15 years. Annual boiler servicing is essential.

 Heat Pumps  vs Biomass Boilers vs Oil Boilers

Request a no-obligation survey and ASHP quotation Contact Us

Air Source Heap Pump (ASHP) Installation Carmarthenshire

Incorporating an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) with a solar PV installation is an excellent approach to improve your self-sufficiency and lower your energy bills.

We will install the most sufficient heat pump for your requirements based on an energy assessment of your home. 

You will find us installing air source heat pumps across Carmarthenshire as well as Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Swansea and Mid Wales.

See our customer case study if you want to learn how we helped our customer to achieve their sustainability goals by installing a fully integrated system consisting of solar PV, battery storage and an air source heat  pumps (ASHP).

Solar PV ~ Battery storage ~ Air Source Heat Pump 

Things to consider when installing a heat pump system

While ASHP brings many benefits to a home heating system, there are few things to consider when looking to install this system.

• Available outdoor space
• How well your home is insulated
• Existing plumbing pipe work and radiators may need to be upgraded
• Proximity to neighbours. Modern air source heat pumps make about the same amount of noise as the hum of a fridge, which makes sense because they are essentially conducting a refrigeration cycle in reverse. However, air source heat pumps (ASHP) are usually quieter than fossil fuel boilers.
• Complimentary heating systems during cold weather should be considered
• Offsetting electric use with solar panels