A Greener Way to Heat Your Home

With the ever increasing need to reduce the use of fossil fuels and carbon footprints, the Government is keen to promote renewable technology in our homes. The arrival of the Future Homes Standard (2), together with a decision that no new homes built after 2025 (Now 2035) will have fossil fuel heating systems, has increased the popularity of air and ground source heat pumps. Many new homes are now being built with either air or ground source heat pumps to provide the heating and hot water in the home.

Air Source Heat Pump

An air source heat pump takes cooler air from outside and boosts its temperature using a compressor. It then transfers the heat to the heating system in your home via either an air-to-air or air-to-water system. Air-to-water is most suitable when using underfloor heating and large radiators. Air-to-air uses a warm air system to heat the home. Although it cannot heat water, it will also work as an air conditioning unit in the summer.

Image Source: which.co.uk

Costs ASHP

The cost of installing an air source heat pump in the UK can vary based on different factors. Here are some typical costs involved:

• According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average cost of installing an air source heat pump in the UK ranges from £7,000 to £13,000
• The price of an air source heat pump can vary between £3,500 and £8,900 depending on factors like unit power, brand, government grants, and installation costs
• A high-quality air source heat pump system can cost from £8,000, with installation for a 250m2 property costing roughly an additional £6,000
• The total price of purchasing and installing a heat pump is usually around £14,000, with the potential to access government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to reduce costs
• The supply cost of an air source heat pump ranges from £2,400 to £12,350 depending on the type of system and installation complexity

These costs can vary based on the size of the property, specific requirements, and available grants or incentives

Ground Source Heat Pump

These work by harnessing the natural warmth underground and passing water pipes through it to absorb the heat. The heat pump increases the temperature and then uses it to pump heat around the home and to heat hot water. Only ground source heat pumps are eligible for the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.

Both systems use electricity. Because the temperature reached is not as high as with fossil fuels, the system must run longer in order to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Image Source: which.co.uk

GSHP Costs

The cost of installing a ground source heat pump in the UK varies based on factors like system type and size. Here are the typical costs:

• A basic ground source heat pump can range from £2,000 to £15,000, depending on size and brand
• The average cost for a ground source heat pump installation in the UK is between £16,200 to £49,000, including additional digging costs
• A 6-8 kW horizontal ground source heat pump system typically costs around £12,000 to £15,500 to install, while a larger 12kW system would be around £24,000
• Vertical ground source heat pumps are more expensive due to borehole drilling, with a 12kW system costing around £36,000

Pros and Cons of Ground & Air Pumps

Both systems are expensive to install, costing upwards of £9,000; and good insulation is a must if they are to be efficient. Air source heat pumps will need a large outdoor unit so space outside is necessary. These can be both noisy and cold in the immediate vicinity. Planning permission will also be required in listed buildings and conservation areas. However, on the plus side, they generate less CO2 than conventional systems. Some money is available via Government grants (1) to offset the initial costs. They are most economical when used in conjunction with renewable energy providers such as solar panels, using the energy generated to run the pumps.

With the change in attitude of the home buyer, the house builders see the advantages of building with these new technologies as an asset to the home. And, fitting systems during building is much less disruptive and more efficient than replacing an old system.

It would seem this must be the way forward for us all.

For further information, please contact Ed or Kelly on 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk.

References

1. Grants
2. FHS