Everything You Need to Know
This article will tell you everything you need to know about air source heat pumps Scotland.
Types of Air Source Heat Pumps
There are two main types of air source heat pumps;
Air-to-Water Source Heat Pumps
This system takes heat from the outdoor air, this heat is then taken to the wet central heating system where the water is heated up. The heat produced is not as hot as a conventional boiler, so large radiators and underfloor heating may need installed.
Air-to-Air Source Heat Pumps
Air-to-air heat pumps take heat from the outside air, this is then fed into your home by fans. This type of system cannot produce hot water.
Costs and Savings
The cost of installing a general air source heat pump system is anywhere between £7,000 and £11,000. Thanks to the government-funded Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme you can actually make that money back on these systems much faster. How quickly you get your money back will depend on;
- The efficiency of the system
- The type of system that was replaced
- Whether you can get RHI funding
If you’re replacing an old heating system you could save anywhere between £290 and £1,090, depending on the fuel used.
If you’re replacing a new A-rated boiler, then it may actually cost you more if you install a heat pump.
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps
- Can generate less Co2 than conventional heating systems
- Cheaper than ground source heat pumps
- Easier to install than ground source heat pumps
- Air-to-water source heat pumps can provide heating and hot water
- Little maintenance required
- Some systems can be used for air conditioning in the summer
- Qualifies for the RHI scheme (financial incentive for installing renewable energy solutions
- For every unit of electricity used by the pump, you will make 2-3 time that
- Cheaper Economy 7 electric tariffs can be used to lower the cost of electricity to power the heat pump
How Eco-Friendly Are Air Source Heat Pumps?
Air source heat pumps use a renewable and natural energy source (air) to heat up your home. The decrease in the amount of CO2 you will save will depend on the fuel source you are replacing.
Air source heat pumps aren’t completely carbon neutral because they require electricity to power them. But for every unit of electricity used powering the pump, the air source heat pump could make 3x that amount back.
Installing Air Source Heat Pumps Scotland
If you’re looking to install an air source heat pump system, you may be wondering what is involved in the installation process. Air source heat pumps Scotland look similar to air conditioning systems.
You don’t need to worry about air source heat pumps causing too much disruption to your garden, because unlike ground source heat pumps they do not require digging in your garden.
In summer, some types of these systems can be used in reverse and can act as an air conditioning system.