Can an Air Source Heat Pump Save You Money?

If you are thinking about saving money on your energy bill, chances are that you've heard about air source heat pumps. But can they really save you money?

The short answer is yes, they can. How much you save, though, is up to what heating system you currently have, how well your home is insulated, and how efficient the pump is. Heat pumps are expensive upfront, but if you receive certain government benefits, you may get them at no cost with the free air source heat pump grant under the ECO4 scheme.

Here, we will outline exactly how air source heat pumps work, what they cost, and most importantly, how much money you can save by switching. Let's get started!

What is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump is a heating system that heats your home by pulling heat from outside the atmosphere, even in cold climates, and transferring it in order to warm your home and water.

It functions somewhat like a reverse fridge:

• The outdoor unit extracts the external air.

• Then the heat in the air is absorbed by a refrigerant.

• The refrigerant is then compressed and heated by the pump.

• The heat is then transferred to your home heating via the radiators or underfloor heating.

The heat pump is electric but it produces more heat energy than it uses in electric power so it is a highly efficient way of heating your home.

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Air Source Heat Pump?

Heat pumps, while using electricity, are much more efficient than oil or gas boilers. The most critical consideration in determining their cost is something that is termed the Coefficient of Performance (CoP). A CoP of 3 means that for every 1 unit of electricity used, the pump produces 3 units of heat.

The most efficient CoP for most air source heat pumps is between 2.5 and 4, depending on outside temperature and how well your home is insulated. In simple terms: they create more heat than the energy they use.

The average running cost for an air source heat pump is around 800 to 1,500 per annum for a typical UK home. This is subject to:

• Your homes size.

• How well your home is insulated.

• Your current electricity rates.

How Can an Air Source Heat Pump Save You Money?

Let us explain how switching to an air source heat pump can save you money on the bills in the long run:

Replacing Inefficient, Outdated Heating Systems

If you already use:

• Oil boilers save 500 to 1,000 per year.

• LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) boilers save 600-1,000 annually

• Electric storage heaters range from 800 to 1,300 per year.

The savings come about through the fact that air source heat pumps are much more efficient than such systems. For example:

• An older boiler is likely around 60-70% efficient wasting up to 40% of what you pay for.

• An air source heat pump is up to 300-400% efficient generating more heat from less energy.

• The less that is wasted, the more that remains in your pocket.

Lowering Your Energy Bills

Even in cases where you're installing a replacement for a gas boiler (which is typically less expensive to run than electric installations), savings can be anticipated.

It relies on:

• Gas vs. electric rates heat pumps function optimally when electric rates are low.

• Smart usage running your pump at a steady temperature instead of turning it on and off saves money.

• Even when at times gas boilers look more cost-effective, heat pumps outdo them in the long run as they lose less energy and qualify for free government grants.

Accessing Government Grants and Incentives

The government in the UK offers financial support so that the transition becomes more economical. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) pays 7,500 towards the installation cost of an air source heat pump, making the switch much more affordable. It reduces your upfront cost and lets you save faster.

Reducing Maintenance Costs

Air source heat pumps require less maintenance than oil or gas boilers.

• No chimney or flue cleaning is required.

• Fewer moving parts, that is, fewer breakdowns

• It is easier and less expensive annually.

It can save you several hundred dollars in repair costs in the long term over traditional boilers.

Long-Term Energy Savings

Heat pumps typically last between 15-20 years, longer than most boilers. Even if your monthly savings initially appear insignificant, they add up in the long run. Let us assume that you save just 500 in a year, that is, 5,000 in ten years.

Pair that with lower maintenance costs and government incentives, and long-term cost savings become more and more evident.

How to Maximise Your Savings with a Heat Pump

To make the most out of your air source heat pump, do the following:

Insulate Your Home

A heat pump works best when your home doesnt leak heat. Ensure that you possess:

• Loft Insulation, a thickness of at least 270mm.

• Cavity wall insulation so that heat does not pass through walls.

• Double glazing, so that heat loss from the windows is reduced.

• Good insulation equates to less running by your pump, which saves you even more money.

Use the Proper Heating System

Heat pumps work well with underfloor heating or large radiators. They warm the water at a lower temperature than a gas boiler, so larger surfaces spread the heat more evenly.

Replacing your radiators, particularly if they are outdated and small, can improve your pumps performance.

Set a Steady Temperature

In contrast with gas boilers, heat pumps function optimally if you maintain a consistent temperature. Adjust it to around 18-21 degrees Celsius during the day. Don't turn it off completely it is more energy-consuming to warm your home from cold. Slow and gradual heating costs less money than repeatedly changing the temperature.

Take Advantage of Off-Peak Electricity Rates

If your tariff is time-of-use (e.g. Economy 7), use your heat pump at night. Warming your home during periods when electricity is cheaper saves money with added savings.

So, Can an Air Source Heat Pump Save Money?

Yes, but how much is saved is a function of your current setup, your residence, and your usage of the pump. In simple terms: You could save between 500 and 1,300 per year by switching from oil, LPG, or electric heating.

Even homes with gas boilers can save money through smart consumption and better insulation. Government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the ECO4 scheme help fund installation costs so you pay less upfront.

Paired with proper insulation and regular servicing, air source heat pumps are not only eco-friendly but cost-effective as well. Choosing the right air source heat pump size for your home is essential to maximize efficiency and savings.

So, if you're tired of rising energy bills, now might be the perfect moment to see if an air source heat pump can help save you money.