The best known type of an air source heat pump, an Air-to-Water Heat Pumps is a central heating system that extracts heat from the outside air to heat your home and run hot water. It saves you money on your energy bills and reduces your carbon footprint, making it a greener alternative to traditional gas or oil-fired boilers.
The price of an air-to-water heat pump , including installation, is usually £8,000 to £12,000. While the upfront cost may seem high, the long-term savings can be significant—up to £1,200 per year on energy bills, depending on your current heating system.
This guide looks at how air-to-water heat pumps work, their cost, benefits, and government grants for air source heat pumps (free installations available for eligible households in the UK).
Ready to take the next step? We can also assist you with finding trusted installers and applying for an air source heat pump grant so that you can switch seamlessly.
How Do Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Work?
Air-to-water heat pumps (ASHPs) extract heat from the outside and transfer it to an indoor heating system via water piping systems. They are a lot like a fridge but in reverse. The heat on the inside is pumped to the outside so that the heat from outside the house is warmed up for use in heating water for your home. Here’s a glance at how this works:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Unit | Extracts heat from the air. |
| Compressor | Boosts the temperature of the heat. |
| Heat Exchanger | It removes heat and transfers it to the water in your heating system. |
| Distribution System | Transfers hot water to radiators, underfloor heating, or storage tanks. |
Is an Air-to-Water Heat Pump Suitable for My Home?
Air-to-water heat pumps are an excellent heating solution for many homes, but their suitability depends on several factors. Here’s what you need to consider before making the switch:
1. Insulation Levels
Air-to-water heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated homes. Proper insulation reduces heat loss, allowing the system to maintain a comfortable temperature without overworking. If your home has cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and double-glazed windows, it’s likely a good candidate for a heat pump.
2. Heating System Compatibility
These heat pumps perform best with low-temperature heating systems, such as:
- Underfloor heating
- Large radiators
If your home currently uses traditional radiators, you may need to upgrade to larger ones to ensure optimal performance.
3. Outdoor Space
An air-to-water heat pump requires an outdoor unit to extract heat from the air. You’ll need enough space outside your home for installation, preferably in a location with good airflow and minimal obstructions.
4. Energy Efficiency Goals
An air-to-water heat pump is a great choice if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and lower energy bills. It’s a renewable energy system that can cut your household emissions by up to 50% compared to gas boilers.
5. Budget and Grants
While the upfront cost of an air-to-water heat pump can be higher than traditional boilers, government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can reduce the initial investment. At BTS Grants, we can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
6. Climate Considerations
Air-to-water heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in colder climates. Modern systems can extract heat from the air at temperatures as low as -15°C, making them suitable for most regions in the UK.
Can I switch to a heat pump?
Converting to heat pumps requires the following steps:
- Assess Suitability: Ensure that your property is well-insulated and has a heating system that allows for low-flow temperatures, for instance, underfloor heating or large radiators.
- Consult an Installer: Consult with a certified installer who can assess your home and recommend the ideal type of heat pump system. Apply for Grants: Reduce installation costs by applying for grants through programs like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) or ECO4.
- Installation: Once approved, install your heat pump by connecting it to existing or upgraded heating infrastructure.
- Maintenance: Regular service ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Eligibility Criteria for Air Source Heat Pump Grants
Residential Property
- Your home must be located in England, Scotland, or Wales and meet residential use requirements.
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) showing sufficient insulation, such as loft or cavity wall insulation, must be available.
Insulation Standards
- A heat pump system must maintain minimum insulation standards to function effectively.
Replacement of Fossil Fuel Systems
- Grants are mainly for replacing gas, oil, or electric boilers.
- Existing heat pump systems are not eligible.
Ownership
- The applicants must be homeowners or private/social housing landlords.
- Tenants must get landlord consent.
Income Criteria (ECO4)
Low-income households or those in receipt of the following governments benefits may qualify under ECO4:
- Job Seeker’s Allowance (Income-based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income-Based)
- Earning Assistance
- Pension Credit (Guaranteed Credit)
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Housing Benefit
Qualifying under these criteria ensures access to financial assistance, making it easier and cheaper to switch to heat pumps.
Benefits of Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
- Energy Efficiency
Air-to-water heat pumps are highly efficient systems. In contrast to gas boilers, electric water heaters use less energy for water heating as they can absorb and enhance natural heat from outside air to ensure cost-effective long-term operation that reduces energy use and utility bill costs.
- Lower Carbon Emissions
Air-to-water heat pumps significantly decrease carbon emissions as they harness renewable energy directly from the atmosphere, thus considerably decreasing your home’s carbon output and helping combat global warming. This also has positive environmental benefits as it improves your living environment while saving money in utility costs.
- Variety
One significant advantage of air-to-water heat pumps is that they can offer space heating and hot water. This makes them ideal for houses with a water-based heating system, such as radiators or underfloor heating. Thus, homeowners can use one system to meet all their heating needs.
What are Hybrid Heat Pumps?
Hybrid heat pumps combine both traditional boilers and air-to-water heat pumps into one system that seamlessly switches between them depending on outdoor temperature conditions and your home heating demands. When temperatures dip low enough, the boiler provides additional warmth; however, in milder months, heat pumps operate to save energy. Thus, a hybrid system will give the best of both worlds, ensuring a comfortable year and saving energy.
Heat Pump Power Consumption
This system relies on electricity for several reasons, such as its size, property insulation, and outside temperature. An air-to-water heat pump in an average-sized house consumes roughly 2-4 kWh in a day. This consumes far less energy than a traditional heating system.
| Factor | Estimated Power Consumption |
|---|---|
| Small Property | 2-3 kWh per day |
| Medium Property | 3-4 kWh per day |
| Large Property | 4-6 kWh per day |
Air Source Heat Pump Dimensions
The size of the air-to-water heat pump unit is determined usually by the size of your house and the amount of heating it requires. Generally, the height and width of an outdoor unit can range from 1.2m to 2.0m, whereas an indoor unit may be as small as a domestic boiler. This means that the dimensions of the unit are to be taken into consideration before deciding on its placement for efficiency and aesthetic reasons.
| Component | Typical Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Unit (Height) | 1.2m – 2.0m |
| Outdoor Unit (Width) | 1.0m – 1.5m |
| Indoor Unit (Height) | 0.9m – 1.2m |
| Indoor Unit (Width) | 0.5m – 0.8m |
Heat Pump Flow Temperature
Flow temperature is the temperature at which the heat pump supplies heat to your heating system. For air-to-water heat pumps, this flow temperature will typically be lower than in the case of a traditional gas or oil boiler, usually at about 35-50°C. This means that the temperature is low enough for it to utilize its ideal efficiency when used with underfloor heating or larger radiators to act at lower temperatures.
| Heating Type | Typical Flow Temperature |
|---|---|
| Radiators | 40-50°C |
| Underfloor Heating | 35-40°C |
| Hot Water | 50-55°C |
Air Source Heat Pump for Hot Water
Not only can air-to-water heat pumps be used for space heating, but they can also provide hot water for your home. They do this by heating the water in a tank that then supplies the showers, taps, and other hot water needs. The system is highly efficient, providing enough hot water without requiring a standard water heater and saving space and energy in your home.
Heat Pump Service Cost
Maintenance of the air-to-water heat pump ensures long-term performance. Annual servicing, depending on system size and service provider, costs approximately between £100 and £300. Regular servicing ensures that your system runs efficiently and minimizes breakdowns, keeping your heat pump operating for a longer time.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Service | £100 – £300 |
| Repairs (if needed) | £50 – £250 |
Heat Pump Vs Gas Boiler
There are several differences on a Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler like energy efficiency and something as environmentally friendly. Air-to-water heat pumps are more climate-friendly and economical, as they use renewable resources and not a fossil fuel source such as gas or oil.
In some cases, heat pumps come with a higher upfront installation cost; however, lower operating expenses and a longer operation lifespan can make them worth it. Boilers are cheaper at first glance, but they burn a lot more energy making them less affordable in the long haul.
| Feature | Air-to-Water Heat Pumps | Boilers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost | £5,000 – £10,000 | £2,000 – £3,000 |
| Running Costs | Lower (due to energy efficiency) | Higher (due to fuel consumption) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-15 years |
What Size Air-to-Water Heat Pump Do I Need?
The size of an air-to-water heat pump depends on your home’s size and insulation and your local climate. A small, well insulated house might only need a 3–5kW unit while bigger or poorly insulated homes could need 10kW+ or more.
General Guidelines:
- Small home (1-2 bedrooms): 3-5kW
- Average home (3-4 bedrooms): 5-10kW
- Large home (5+ bedrooms): 10-16kW
As a rule of thumb, plan for 5kW per 100 square meters of living space. To ensure that your measurements are right, seek the advice of a certified gas engineer installation company that can examine your home’s specific requirements.
Connect Your Air-To-Water Heat Pump to Solar Panels
Operating costs will be considerably less if installing an air-to-water heat pump in conjunction with solar panels. If solar panels are used to generate electricity, the same electricity can directly power the heat pump to further increase the environmental benefits and save on energy bills.
Indulge Today and get an Air Source Heat Pump Grant
And homeowners interested in installing an air-to-water heat pump may be eligible for grants and incentives from a variety of organizations. These include the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and Energy Company Obligation (ECO4). The financial support given out by these schemes can significantly help reduce the initial costs of installation. This, therefore, enables you to shift to renewable heating at a reduced price and start benefiting from the advantages of an energy-efficient home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air-to-water heat pumps have proven themselves as environmentally and economically efficient alternatives to traditional heating systems, offering lower installation prices, energy bills, and carbon emissions than their predecessors.
The government has given homeowners in the UK grants to install air-to-water heat pumps, which have reduced installation prices, energy bills, and carbon footprints compared to previous models.
Start saving today while creating positive environmental change!
Faqs:
Heat pumps typically last 10 to 15 years, but with proper maintenance, some models can operate efficiently for up to 25 years. Regular servicing and upkeep can significantly extend their lifespan.
While air source heat pumps work in most homes, they may not be suitable for:
Properties with poor insulation, as heat loss can reduce efficiency.
Homes without adequate space for the external unit.
Houses in areas with extremely cold climates that require additional heating support.
Yes! Air source heat pumps can operate efficiently even in temperatures as low as -15°C. Modern models are designed to extract heat from the air even in winter, ensuring reliable heating year-round.
During winter, air-to-water heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and transfer it into your home to provide heating and hot water. Although they work harder in colder temperatures, they still remain energy-efficient. In summer, the process reverses to provide cooling.
Yes! Depending on your current heating system, an air-to-water heat pump could save you between £55 and £1,200 per year on energy bills. Factors like insulation, energy tariffs, and usage habits will affect your exact savings.
