Air Source Heat Pumps
Reduce Carbon Footprint and bring down your energy costs with an ASHP
Can I get a Government Grant?
The RHI scheme ended on 31st March 2022, it has been replaced by the Clean Heat Grant (now the boiler upgrade scheme or BUS). Further details about this new scheme can be found here.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is being directed towards households and small non–domestic buildings across the UK. It will help with the upfront installation cost of heat pumps which provide space heating and hot water.
The big advantage of the BUS over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is its simplicity and support with the upfront costs – doing away with the RHI’s heat demand based system.
In terms of future ideas, the boiler upgrade scheme is part of a bigger Clean Growth Strategy, published in 2017, which is aiming to decarbonise the UK’s heat and phase out high-carbon fossil fuel installations in the 2020’s for off-gas properties.
Save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint compared to a gas or electric heating system
How does an ASHP work?
An air source heat pump works by transferring heat absorbed from the outside air to an indoor space.
It uses a refrigerant system involving a compressor and a condenser to absorb heat at one place and releasing it to another.
This is then heated to the required temperature for the home and warm air or water is generated
What do they look like?
Air source heat pump units look very much like air conditioning units that you may have seen in an office building or in warmer climate countries. The size of the heat pump will be determined by a number of factors based on your home’s heat demand mainly the size of your property, and how well it is insulated.
A typical unit might be a meter high by a meter wide with a depth of about half a meter. This will obviously vary greatly between models, but it gives you an idea.
Installation
The heat pump itself is generally fitted outside in a position where it will receive good airflow. It then supplies hot water to the indoor unit (usually stored in a utility room, airing cupboard or even under the stairs) which in turn delivers it to your chosen central heating emitters (radiators, underfloor heating).
It can also supply a cylinder for providing hot water.
Servicing
It is a requirement of a manufacturers warranty to service an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) annually. It is also a condition of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) that your unit is operating effectively and the best way to do this is to ensure it is suitably maintained.
Ecoheat ASHP Ltd can offer servicing of an ASHP (up to 22kW)
What are the estimated costs?
Every installation is different as it depends on several factors but you can expect to pay between £7,000 – £12,000 for a well insulated three/four bedroom house.
Lower running costs are associated with this form of renewable technology which makes it very attractive.
There may be grants or initiatives available to help you fund the cost of installing an ASHP.
Check out what the latest incentives are at the gov.uk website
