When it comes to keeping warm, roughly 9 out of 10 UK homes currently rely on a gas combi boiler. Heating the homes and buildings is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in the UK.
Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are one of the most effective and sustainable heating alternatives for homes and businesses. By absorbing heat from outside air, they can heat a home and provide hot water, even when outside temperatures are below 0°C.
Air source heat pumps
ASHPs rely on electricity to run. However, as they extract renewable heat from the environment, they can provide more heat than they use in electricity. This makes them an energy efficient way of heating a home. While gas combi boilers have a 90% maximum efficiency, ASHPs can achieve an efficiency of 300% across the seasons. For every one kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity used, users can get up to three kWh of useful heat into a home.
For every one kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity used, users can get up to three kWh of useful heat
How does an air source heat pump work? Air source heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from the air outside a property. They work in a similar way to a kitchen fridge, which removes the heat from any food placed inside. The difference with an ASHP is simply that the resulting heat is put to good use – it's used to heat a home’s radiators or underfloor heating and provides hot water.
Zero carbon emissions
What are the advantages of air source heat pumps? ASHPs generate zero carbon emissions at the point of use. This means if users also choose one of the 100% green electricity tariffs, they will significantly reduce the home heating carbon footprint.
Depending on the heating system users are replacing, they could save money on the heating bills. For example, if users currently have an electric, oil or LPG heating system, they could enjoy higher fuel savings by switching to an ASHP.
Heating system replacements
At present, most heating system replacements happen when they’re deemed beyond economic repair
As well as distributing heat to a home’s radiators or underfloor heating, an ASHP also provides hot water. Anything else I should know?
At present, most heating system replacements happen when they’re deemed beyond economic repair. However, installing an ASHP at the home requires a slightly longer install lead time. If they have an older boiler and are interested in reducing the carbon footprint, they recommend looking into an ASHP in advance.
Providing clean alternative
Government support available - The government recognizes that heat pumps represent a smart investment. There are various grants and loans available to assist users in making the transition to clean, green heating.
Move towards clean heating transition - The government has already committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars to achieve Net-Zero. There is mounting pressure to phase out gas boilers and ASHPs provide a clean alternative.
At ScottishPower, they’re working on a better, greener future. That’s why they’re working with world-leading manufacturers and trusted installers to offer air source heat pumps - one of the most efficient and sustainable heating solutions for homes.
