Heat pumps extract the heat from solar energy stored in the air or ground, and concentrate it for use in your heating system. These systems are a very efficient source of energy (300% efficient), and can be installed as a source in addition with an existing boiler system.
Learn about heat pumps
Do heat pumps work in the winter?
Heat pumps are common throughout Europe and demand is increasing in the UK too. They work by extracting the energy from under the ground or air around your property, which is used as a battery, continually being recharged daily by the sun. Both technologies work best with under-floor heating systems and can produce 4kW of energy for every 1kW used, making it more than four times more efficient than your existing boiler system.
Compared to the equator, the UK receives approx 60% of the energy received there, so ample enough to operate a heat pump system, even in the north of Scotland. These systems are also known as geo-thermal, ground source or air source heat pumps.
" It's not magic, you can harvest heat from air, water, bedrock and the ground. The sun continually warms our surroundings which can be collected by an air, ground source and bedrock heat pump systems "
The benefits of a heat pump system?
You can save up to 80% of your heating costs, if compared with electrical heating, and up to 60% on heating costs if compared with oil or LPG boilers, when used alongside underfloor heating. The cost of investment is usually paid back in just a few years.
With the solar energy in the air and stored in the ground beneath your home, you can collect this heat for free, contributing towards heating your home and at the same time. It is an increasigly popular and sustainable energy solution that can provide hot water and heating via underfloor heating methods. At the same time you're helping to protect our environment for future generations and reducing energy consumption and costs.
1. Reliable, tried and tested technology 2. Huge savings on fuel bills 3. No maintenance 4. Provides heating and hot water 5. Can heat swimming pools 6. Only half a square metre footprint
Some heat pumps can provide both heat and cooling of your home, providing a comfortable indoor climate all year. The heat pump needs little maintenance or servicing. Once installed by our MCS accredited installers, you can forget about it. It is an energy efficient solution that saves money long term.
How heat pumps work?
Heat pumps work like a fridge by moving energy from one place to another.
To give a very basic example, your freshly bought food shopping is at room temperature. If you put it in your fridge and wait a few hours it will cool. If you touch the back of the fridge during that time you will feel heat.
The fridge has taken the low temperature energy out of the food, compressed it up to a higher temperature and warmed your kitchen up slightly. Using the same process heat pumps remove solar energy stored in the earth, air or water, compressed it and transfer the heat into your central heating system and/or hot water cylinder.
Heat pumps incentives?
The government feed in tariffs (FIT's and RHI) incentives currently available give yearly returns of over 10% of initial investment. This means you will have paid back for your solar panel system within 8-10 years, and can enjoy another 15-17 years of government incentives and free energy.
People decide to go solar for financial reasons, as it currently returns more than ISAs and bonds. heat pumps are now considered a good investment as their returns are inflation adjusted and tax free. Heat pumps grants and feed in tariffs >>
FAQ's about heat pumps
Will air source heat pumps be suitable in my home?
There are two types of air to water heat pumps – medium temperature systems (Flow temp of around 55 - 60C), these are more suited to run with under-floor heating systems, but can be used with a conventional radiator system that are correctly sized with special low temp radiators.
High temperature (Flow temp of up to 80C) heat pump systems are more suitable for retro-fitting to existing properties and colder climates like the north of Scotland.
Will ground source heat pumps be suitable in my home?
If you have a large garden space or accessible land around your property, then a trench can be dug to accomodate the external pipework. We don't recommend using a coiled slinky like some heat pump companies, because the extraction rate can and does lead to the ground freezing. We will install either a horizontal loop where the tubes are laid flat in the trench flat (similar to under floor heating) 1m apart or a bore holed system, typically a 100m bore hole gives around 5kW of heat energy output.
An on-site inspection to check your internal plumbing for compatibility will be done by our installers.
How can you create heat from air and ground?
Simply, common examples of heat pumps systems are already used in daily life, including refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. Heat pumps basically take an ambient temperature and condense it using a compressor which converts it into a usable form. Heat pumps are heat engines, but in reverse.
Do heat pumps work in the UK?
Yes, air source heat pumps are already common in commercial industries and can be fitted outside your home too.Heat pumps are also used successfully throughout Europe too, with approximately 250,000 heat pumps installed in domestic homes in 2009.
How much do heat pumps cost to install?
Costs vary, because it isn't a one size fits all technology. Their are many different reasons why installations vary, but typically prices range from £8,000 - £12,000 depending the type and size of system also taking into account the ease of installations.
How long will the systems last?
A good quality heat pump system lasts up to 25 years with a good service history.
How long between heat pump servicing?
Good practice is to have the pump units visually inspected bi-annually and the coil cleaned if needed.
How long will my heat pump installation last?
Typically 2-3 days for installations.
Do you send salesmen round to my house?
Not at all. Our trained technicians are just that, technicians. The complexity of ensuring homes are suitable require good experience. Our technicians, will be happy to sit with you and explain the systems to you.
Can heat pumps contribute towards central heating?
This rather depends on the type of set up installed. Air source heat pumps work well with under-floor heating, simply because it runs at lower temperatures than traditional radiator heating systems. Our heat pump technicians can discuss your options while surveying your home.
Will you need to change my hot water tank?
No, if your water tank is compatible or has a twin coiled system inside. In most cases however, it's recommended that you upgrade your tank while installing heat pumps to allow the system to work at full capacity. It's important that the selection of tank is compatible in size which is crucial to the overall performance..
What heat temperatures can I expect to get?
Most of the year your water can be heated to 50-60° C which is suitable for washing and bathing purposes. Central heating will be controlled throught your under-floor heating system.
What makes our heat pumps better than our competitors?
Simply, they are designed to suit the needs of the property and its occupants. They will be designed correctly to your spcific needs, which many companies do not size properly. Our heat pumps will match the properties heat losses and hot water requirements exactly.
We promise to inspect and tailor a quotation to fit your individual needs and supply you with a premium quality heat pump system which will benefit you for many many years.
Beware anyone quoting without surveying your home on-site
Simply quoting a one size fits all price like some heat pumps companies, inevitably ends up in the customer paying more than necessary for a incorrctly sized system.
We only promote the highest quality and best performing heat pumps technology available. All our heat pump installers adhere to strict quality criteria and have extensive experience in domestic and larger scale installations.
Heat my Home was created in 2004, in response to growing energy issues within the UK and abroad. We work nation wide and in partnership to bring you a high quality service and products.
