Air source heat pumps have never been a more attractive option as a low carbon heating system for your self build or renovation. Here’s why they are worth your investment
(Image credit: Daikin)
Content provided by Daikin.
The need for change to renewable heat sources for our homes is not only critical, it’s inevitable. The UK Government has set a target of net zero greenhouse gases by 2050 in the UK, meaning that by 2025, gas boilers will no longer be permitted in new build homes, which will instead be fitted with low carbon solutions such as air source heat pumps.
Whether you’re self building or renovating, the time is now to embrace sustainable home heating. Daikin’s Energy for Change campaign aims to kickstart a new relationship with renewable heating by making sure you know exactly what technology and support is available for your home — from getting information about the latest air source heat pumps to finding out how it will affect your energy bills.
To get you started on your low carbon journey, take a look at the top five reasons why an air source heat pump will benefit your home, and the planet.
Heat Pumps Produce Fewer Carbon Emissions Than Gas and Oil Heating
The science on climate change shows that human activity has led to an increase in global temperatures — something that without swift action will lead to increasing crises such as rising sea levels, crop failures and a loss of biodiversity around the globe.
There’s no more important reason then to make the switch to an air source heat pump than to reduce the impact of your home’s heating system on the climate.
Air source heat pumps are a well-established technology and produce 45% fewer carbon emissions compared with a gas boiler, and 59% fewer carbon emissions compared with an oil boiler. This means a reduction of up to 43.5 tonnes of carbon emissions per home over the system’s lifetime.
Daikin's Altherma 3 Monobloc is a compact single fan air-to-water heat pump requires no indoor unit — the ideal solution for homes where indoor space is at a premium.(Image credit: Daikin)
Save on Your Energy Bills
An efficient heat pump can save the average household up to £378 on heating bills each year compared with a gas boiler, and up to £476 compared with an oil boiler.
The cost benefits will need to be measured out against the cost of the heat pump, the installation, and any remedial work to the fabric of your home, if renovating an existing property, to ensure that the heat pump works as efficiently as possible.
While air source heat pumps usually work best with underfloor heating and low temperature radiators, which can mean the need to install new or replace existing radiator systems, the likes of Daikin’s Altherma high temperature heat pump integrates with your existing piping and radiators. This way, you can enjoy the energy efficiency of a heat pump without having to replace your entire system.
What’s more, these costs can be further offset with the help of a range of government incentives.
Claim Back Costs With Government Grants
The government’s Green Homes Grant (GHG) currently offers homeowners vouchers worth up to £5,000, or £10,000 for lower income households, until March 2022 to cover the cost of making energy saving improvements.
Air source heat pumps are listed as a primary measure, meaning that you’re eligible for funding without making other home improvements, as long as your home meets required insulation and airtightness levels appropriate for installation of an air source heat pump.
If not, the GHG can also be used for insulation measures and draught proofing, improving your home’s fabric and making it more suitable for air source heat pump installation.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is also scheduled to run until March 2022 at present. Under the RHI, homeowners who have installed renewable heating systems, such as air source heat pumps, can apply for monthly payments to offset the initial cost of installation, over the course of seven years.
(Image credit: Daikin)
You can Find the Perfect System for Your Project
It’s not one size fits all when it comes to air source heat pumps, so working with the experts when it comes to finding an installer and choosing the right heat pump is key to make sure it’s meeting the demands of your specific home.
The Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump, for example, combines renewable air-to-water heat pump technology with a gas condensing boiler to help top up heating demand on very cold days, when an air source heat pump may not be able to meet the entire demand.
With smart programming, this system can help to save up to 35% more energy than a traditional condensing boiler by automatically determining the most economically and energy efficient combination based on energy prices, outdoor temperatures and indoor heat capacity.
Air Source Heat Pumps are Reliable
A heat pump controls the temperature by transferring heat. There are three essential components to a heat pump: the outdoor unit (evaporator), the indoor unit (condenser) and the refrigerant. The refrigerant transfers the heat as it circulates between the outdoor and indoor unit.
The technology is similar to that of something that already exists in your home - your fridge or freezer — and is reliable and relatively low maintenance. Air source heat pumps are likely to have a much longer lifespan than a traditional gas or oil boiler too.
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