Air-source heat pumps (ASHP) are a great energy-efficient way to create heat for homes without compromising the environment. Its advantages may be popular among many homeowners in the UK, especially with the increasing noise of carbon emissions.
Fortunately, there are Government grants that make ASHP affordable to the masses.
This document shall introduce the workings of ASHP features and available grants in the UK.
Air Source Heat Pump
An air source heat pump works by collecting the heat in the outside air and converting that into usable heat for houses. Even during some colder temperatures, ASHP can successfully generate warmth. They work almost identically to a refrigerator, except that they are in reverse-direction, sucking the heat out from the environment outside and blowing it inside into a room.
Typically, there are two types of air source heat pumps:
Air-to-Air Heat Pumps: Distributing warm air by fans, best suited to insulated dwellings.
Air-to-water heat pumps: An air-to-water heat pump will transfer the heat energy from the air to a ‘wet’ central heating system generally, so that it is most suited for underfloor heating and radiators.
Air Source Heat Pump Advantages
Energy Efficiency: ASHPs boast an efficiency of 300-400%, meaning they produce three to four times more energy than they consume.
Lower Carbon Footprint: ASHPs run on electricity with far less reliance on fossil fuel than gas or oil boilers.
Sustainable Heating Solution: Air-source heat pumps are beneficial to the environment in that they are based on renewable energy.
Long Lifespan: ASHPs have a lifespan of over 20 years, depending on maintenance.
Minimal Maintenance: Compared to boilers, ASHPs require less frequent servicing.
Grants and Financial Support Available
Numerous grants and incentives proposed by the UK government and the energy providers promote the acceptance of Air Source Heat Pumps.
1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
A grant is given to homeowners in England and Wales to replace fossil fuel heating system installations with Air Source Heat Pumps.
The grant is available for homeowners, private landlords, and some small businesses.
Insulation standards must be adhered to by the property for grants to become available.
2. Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan
Scottish homeowners can apply for a grant for ASHP installations.
Additional interest-free loans are available for extra costs.
The funding is available for homeowners and some private landlords.
3. ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 scheme aims to assist low-income families in upgrading to energy efficiency heating.
A little or a lot of ASHP cost is covered depending on eligibility.
This is available to households that receive government benefits or those with heating systems that are inefficient.
4. Local Authority Grants
Several councils provide grant schemes for renewable energy installations.
Availability and amounts vary by region and type of property.
Should An Air Source Heat Pump Be Installed For Your Home?
Prior to installing an ASHP, consider the following:
Suitability of the Property: Homes with good insulation are the most likely to benefit from ASHPs.
Space Requirements: The outdoor unit requires adequate room for airflow.
Electricity Consumption: ASHPs run on electricity, so great incentive exists for pairing them with green energy- such as solar panels- for maximum benefit.
Conclusion
Air source heat pumps constitute an eco-friendly and energy-efficient choice, standing in sharp contrast with conventional heating systems. For prospective UK homeowners, switching to ASHPs is now easier than ever, thanks to government grants and financial incentives. Before making this switch, evaluate the intrinsic suitability of your property for this type of energy solution and explore various funding avenues for maximum benefits.
