Heat pumps are specially designed devices that capture energy from the external environment and use this to provide warmth inside a building. They use what is known as the refrigerant cycle. There are several different types of heat pumps available that draw their energy from different sources. The most commonly used are air source, ground source, air to air, and water source.
Which properties are they suitable for?
Although often seen in new-build properties, heat pumps can prove effective in a range of properties – including older ones. They can replace traditional gas or oil boilers.
They can be used as part of a wider project to upgrade the efficiency of a property, which may also involve upgrading/replacing insulation, replacing/upsizing radiators, and changing pipes or ductwork.
In most circumstances, planning permission is not required to install a heat pump. This is because it comes under what is known as permitted development rights.
Specialists in heat pumps
If you are considering a heat pump for your home or would like to know more about them, companies such as GSM Limited specialise in air source heat pumps Worcester and the nearby areas.
Are they a good investment?
This is a common question, and the answer is not straightforward.
The up-front cost is often quite considerable, with the average cost for an air source heat pump being around £14,000, whilst ground force heat pumps are approximately double this. Whilst this may seem a scary number, there are several schemes that offer grants towards the purchase that can soften the initial blow.
The other thing to consider is that heat pumps can reduce energy bills, meaning they can repay much of their initial cost over their lifetime. They also protect against energy price shocks such as the one seen after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
From a purely financial perspective, heat pumps may not always seem worthwhile; however, you must also take into account the fact that they reduce both your carbon footprint and your reliance on fossil fuels.
