What Are the Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps?

Air source heat pumps are heralded as the next step in domestic and commercial heating, able to extract warmth from the air outside a building using nothing but electricity. But what are the benefits of air source heat pumps, how do they work and are air source heat pumps worth it?

At Rollings Renewables, we’ve been helping businesses and homeowners across the Midlands transition to renewable solutions for over 20 years. We’ve put together this quick guide to help you understand all the benefits of air source heat pumps and decide whether they’re right for you.

Read on to learn more or, to speak with an expert, just call us now on 01905 621777. 

What is an Air Source Heat Pump?

Most air source heat pumps heat your home in a similar way to your existing gas boiler, by warming the water in your radiator system. The difference is how they generate that heat.

Air source heat pumps have a main unit installed outside your property. This unit draws in air and passes it over coils filled with a refrigerant liquid. This liquid then boils at a very low temperature before being compressed inside the unit, raising its temperature further to a point where it’s usable. The heat is then transferred to the water in your radiator system and circulated throughout the property, heating the inside.

The key distinction between air source heat pumps and other forms of central heating is that they only use electricity, and don’t require any kind of fossil fuel to run. This means they can operate on renewable electricity for a completely green heating solution. They’re also significantly more efficient than other types of heating, which we’ll talk about more in a moment. 

The Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps

Lower Energy Bills and Long-Term Savings

One of the biggest concerns people have when asking ‘are air source heat pumps worth it?’ is whether they can help save money on their energy bills. The short answer is yes.

Air source heat pumps generate about three units of heat for each unit of electricity used, whereas a modern gas boiler will barely generate one. This gigantic leap in efficiency means you can get significantly more heat for your money. Learn more about the difference between air source heat pumps and gas boilers in our guide.

The only challenge to this is the current high cost of electricity, meaning that savings can be harder to achieve at the moment. However, pairing your air source heat pump with other renewable solutions such as solar panels and battery storage can overcome these obstacles and save you even more money on your bills in the long run.

Air source heat pumps also last a lot longer than boilers, as they have fewer moving parts, keeping long term maintenance needs and costs to a minimum. 

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Another major benefit of air source heat pumps is their significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional central heating. Even against the very latest gas boilers, an air source heat pump will save the average UK home almost 2,000 kg/year in CO2 emissions according to the Energy Saving Trust.

These effects can be amplified if you power your heat pump with renewable electricity or better yet, with solar power from your own property. With the UK’s 2050 Net Zero date closing in and the effects of man-made climate change becoming ever more obvious, it’s more important than ever for home and business owners to be doing their best to lower their emissions. 

Government Incentives and Grants

Until 2027, the UK government is offering grants of up to £7,500 to property owners to help cover the cost of air source heat pumps and their installation. Your installer will apply for the grant on your behalf, all you need to do is own the property in question, have a valid EPC and make sure your installer commissions your fitting within 120 days of your application.

This particular benefit of air source heat pumps is time sensitive, however, as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that the grants are covered by will expire at the end of 2027. After that date, you’ll have to pay full price to upgrade. 

Easy Installation

If you’re weighing up ‘is an air source heat pump worth it?’, you’re likely considering the installation process too. The good news is having an air source heat pump fitted is easy, and they can work in a wide variety of properties, including flats, often with no or only minimal alterations.

Older air source heat pump models were less efficient and would frequently require additional modifications to properties such as larger radiators. Newer models, however, are far more efficient, and can heat properties effectively without the need for other installations. They also come in different sizes, meaning you can select the appropriate size for your property to achieve the desired level of performance.

Property owners can certainly still expect to see better returns in terms of efficiency if they do choose to fit other modifications, but they are no longer a necessity in most cases, making the installation process easier and less disruptive. 

Why Choose Rollings Renewables?

Rollings Renewables has been installing renewable heating and energy solutions for clients across the Midlands for more than two decades. We’re a family-run business with a five-star reputation and we pride ourselves on the quality of our services and equipment. Our installation teams are MCS Certified and RECC Approved, and we ensure a seamless, stress-free process from quotation to installation.

We offer everything from the latest in air source heat pumps to solar panels, battery storage systems, EV chargers and more. To start enjoying the benefits of air source heat pumps, just contact our team today for a free quote by calling 01905 621777, emailing sales@rollingsrenewables.co.uk or filling out our contact form.