Factors to Consider Before Getting a Heat Pump Installed
When looking into any household or heating modifications, there is of course the question of ‘what are the factors I need to consider?’. From initial installation costs, heat pump running costs, and general efficiency, there are several things to think about before taking on a big project like this.
Here, we explore the different factors you may want to consider before you start the process, so you can be sure it’s right for you.
Installation Costs
Getting to grips with heat pump installation costs can be tricky because they vary so much. Installation costs are dependent on several factors, including:
- The type of heating system.
- Your property.
- Area needed for the pump.
- Any renovations required.
When looking into the various options, we recommend finding out the installation requirements first and finding the best-rated heat pumps for your type of property.
As a general rule, Ground Source Heat Pump installation is more costly compared to alternatives because there is a lot involved in the setup process. A large outdoor space is required for this type of pump, and it can be quite disruptive to install, the space will need to be accessible for a digger for a large amount of groundwork. Alternatively, the installation of air source pumps is much simpler. Still, a reasonable outdoor area is required to install the unit, but this all happens above ground.
Suitability of Your Property
Generally, most UK properties can have these systems installed; that being said, not all systems will work as efficiently as others in all properties. Several factors, including the age of the building, existing insulation, and garden space, can impact the suitability of your property. Read more here about the factors that influence suitability and how to choose the right system for you, to maximise heat pump efficiency.
What is the Best Location For a Heat Pump?
The best place to situate a heat pump is at the back of a property, away from doors, windows, and the neighbours. It should be placed away from trees, shrubs, and sheltered areas with poor airflow. It is best placed on ground level for easy access, but not if your area is at risk of flooding or heavy snowfall.
Can Heat Pumps be Installed in Flats?
Yes, you can install a heat pump for a flat, provided there is adequate space for installing the outdoor and indoor units of the heat pump. Air source heat pumps can be mounted on walls for flats above the ground floor.
Types of Heat Pumps
Certain types of pumps will be more suited to your property than others. In the same way, different heating systems will endure higher running costs, based on the suitability of the property. This is why we recommend exploring the different options to find the best match for your property, not only for the installation process but for the long run too.
Are Heat Pumps Expensive to Run?
While heat pumps are energy efficient, the cost of running a heat pump depends on the cost of electricity per kWh. If you have a cheap electricity tariff, you will typically see better savings. Running costs are not fixed and will mostly vary based on these three factors:
- Type of pump installed
- Efficiency of the pump
- Heat demand of the property
It goes without saying that if the installation process has not been carried out correctly, you may run into efficiency problems with your system, ensuring your system is installed by experts like Energy Zone is essential to avoid losing money.
It Depends on Your Heat Demand
The heat demand of the area you’re heating has an obvious demand on the running costs. This can be impacted by a couple of things; firstly the existing insulation levels and secondly the size of the area you’re heating.
If your property lacks efficient insulation, it is recommended as a priority to get updated before heat pump installation to avoid extensive costs. Further, larger properties will run up larger energy bills than smaller ones, and ultimately, the more heat you require the larger the pump required, again increasing the cost.
Are Heat Pumps a Better Alternative to a Boiler?
In most instances, a heat pump is more effective than a boiler, thought to be around 3 or 4 times more efficient at heating your property. This statistic shows just how much you could save on your annual bills. The benefits of a heat pump include:
- They are much lower in CO2 emissions than gas boilers
- Low maintenance after installation
- Safe to operate
- They are very quiet – you probably won’t even hear them running
Are Heat Pumps Efficient?
On average, heat pumps convert 2.5 kWh of energy to 5 units of heat, which is less energy than a gas boiler uses to create the same amount of heat. This makes them highly efficient.
Will Heat Pumps Replace Gas Boilers?
The UK government intend to eventually phase out gas boilers in favour of heat pumps and other heat sources that run off renewables. Heat pump benefits include high energy efficiency and compatibility with renewable energy generation.
To find out more about heat pump installations, check out the Energy Zone website.
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