For Commercial & Social housing
As the UK continues to invest in clean, homegrown energy as part of its net zero commitments, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are quietly making waves in homes across the country. These clever systems are proving to be a game-changer for homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills while also doing their bit for the planet.
What is an air source heat pump
If you aren’t sure what an air source heat pump is, our handy blog post breaks it down. But it can be helpful to think of them like reverse refrigerators. Instead of keeping things cool, they extract heat from the outside air and use it to warm your home (this is a very simplified explanation, so if you’re interested in the technical details, do check out the aforementioned post).
Even when it’s chilly outside (and we mean properly cold – down to -20°C), these systems are able to work efficiently. In fact, ASHPs have been doing their thing in countries like Norway and Finland for years, where winter temperatures make our cold snaps look positively balmy.
The power of air source heat pumps
Heat pumps are around three to four times more efficient than gas boilers or direct electric heating. So, for every unit of electricity they use, they will generate three to four units of heat!
The UK government certainly seems convinced, setting an ambitious target to install a further 600,000 a year by 2028. It’s all part of the bigger picture to reduce our reliance on unpredictable international gas markets and bring us closer to achieving net zero.
On a global scale, the IEA estimates that heat pumps could reduce worldwide carbon dioxide emissions by at least 500 million tonnes in 2030. That’s equal to the annual CO2 emissions of all cars in Europe today. Not too shabby for a bit of kit that sits quietly outside your house.
Air source heat pump costs and savings
An air source heat pump installation typically costs around £11,000, which admittedly isn’t pocket change. But the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers grants of up to £7,500 to help with the cost of replacing your old gas boiler with a heat pump.
They have also been putting their money where their mouth is, almost doubling the BUS budget to £295 million for 2025/26 and removing several planning obstacles. Homeowners with detached properties, for example, can now install two heat pumps without planning permission.
Depending on what heating system you’re replacing, an air source heat pump could save you a significant amount of money on your bills. And if you already have solar panels generating free electricity, you can use that power to run your heat pump. It’s a match made in heaven!
How to apply for the BUS grant
Heat pumps are suitable for most types of homes, though some are better candidates than others. The ideal heat pump home is well-insulated (though don’t worry if yours isn’t perfect – we can help with that too) and has space for the outdoor unit. To qualify for the BUS grant, you’ll need to tick a few boxes:
New build properties aren’t normally eligible, though there are some exceptions.
The application and installation process
The installation process for ASHPs is fairly straightforward. Most jobs take between 1 to 3 days, depending on the complexity of your setup. Our MCS-certified engineers handle everything from the initial assessment through to applying for your grant and completing the installation.
And let’s bust a myth while we’re at it – heat pumps are not the noisy neighbours some people think. Modern units operate at between 40 and 60 decibels, which is quieter than most dishwashers. A Nesta survey found that 85% of heat pump owners were satisfied with their heat pump’s noise levels, often describing them as ‘unobtrusive’.
Plus, with a typical lifespan of 20-25 years, longer than traditional gas boilers, a heat pump is an investment that keeps giving long after the installation dust has settled.
How to get started
Ready to join the heat pump revolution? The process is simple. Get in touch with an MCS-certified installer (hello there!), and we’ll help you figure out whether you’re eligible for a BUS grant before carrying out a comprehensive property assessment. We’ll then provide a quote (with the value the grant deducted) and handle the application on your behalf before completing the installation at your convenience.
Ready to make the switch? Contact Thrift Energy today for your free heat pump assessment and discover how much you could save with an air source heat pump installation.
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