Is my home suitable for a heat pump?

Key takeaways:

• Many indoor and outdoor attributes factor into a home’s suitability for a heat pump
• Heat pumps are highly efficient heating systems that require space both inside and outside of the home
• Heat pump systems are adaptable, and the right system can save both carbon emissions and money

With rising energy costs and a greater focus on sustainability, heat pumps offer an efficient heating and cooling option. But you may still be left wondering whether a heat pump will work for you and your home. In this article, we’ll run through everything you need to know to determine whether a heat pump will work for your space.

Key considerations for heat pump suitability

To install a heat pump, your home needs adequate outdoor space for the outdoor unit, ideally on level ground with sufficient clearance for airflow and maintenance. Determining the right size pump is vital, and will include assessing your home’s size, number of occupants, and hot water demand. At Aira, we conduct a room-by-room heat loss calculation to ensure the pump meets your needs.

You will also need to allocate some indoor space for the other components of the system, including the indoor unit and the buffer tank. We offer various indoor options, so the system can adapt to the space you have.

Compatibility with existing heating systems

While heat pumps can integrate with existing heating systems, many homeowners find a full system upgrade more energy-efficient. Air source heat pumps work best with low-temperature heating systems, like underfloor heating or large radiators, which are more common in modern homes. Older homes may need upgrades to maximise compatibility, particularly if they rely on traditional high-temperature radiators. Larger radiators or underfloor heating can enhance the efficiency and energy savings of a heat pump, providing comfortable heating even with lower water temperatures.

Installation & insulation

Outdoor units are quite sizeable, about the size of an air conditioning unit, requiring a decent amount of outdoor space and adequate airflow. When installing a heat pump, consider distance from the outdoor unit to the home, with a recommended limit of 15 meters for efficient operation.

For older homes, added insulation may be necessary for optimal performance. As heat pumps produce lower temperature water to channel through radiators, adequate insulation is important to retain all the heat generated.

Financial incentives & savings

The UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers grants of up to £7,500 in England and Wales, while in Scotland up to £9,000 is available through Home Energy Scotland. These incentive help to offset installation costs, in addition to zero VAT charge on heat pump systems. This support significantly reduces initial expenses, making heat pumps a more affordable eco-friendly option.

Heat pumps can save homeowners up to 25% on heating costs compared to gas boilers when, and even more with taking advantage of the Aira Zero clean energy tariff. Heat pumps are over 400% efficient, offering ongoing savings on energy bills and potentially boosting the property’s Energy Performance Certificate rating, which can increase its value.

Conclusion

By evaluating these factors, you can determine if a heat pump suits your home’s heating needs, so you can enjoy its energy and cost-saving benefits. We understand that every home is unique, so if you have any further questions or concerns about whether a heat pump is right for you and your home, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.