How air source heat pumps can cut your bills and carbon footprint

Want to make your home smarter, greener and more energy efficient? More and more UK homeowners are switching from their current system to air source heat pumps – an eco-friendly alternative that not only helps the planet but can also help cut your monthly energy bills. And thanks to a government grant you could get a big chunk of the cost covered.

If you’re thinking about making the switch but not sure where to start, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

What is an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump runs on electricity and pulls heat from the air outside, then uses it to warm up your home and provide hot water. Because they move heat, rather than generate it, they are much more efficient and eco-friendly than other home heating systems.

Depending on what heating system you’re replacing, and whether you use solar panels alongside your heat pump, you can save significant amounts of money on your energy bills. On top of cost savings, switching to a heat pump can cut your carbon footprint by around 13% – or about 1.8 tonnes of CO₂ a year. That’s about the same as a return flight from London to Perth, Australia!

What are the different types of air source heat pump?

There are a few different types of air source heat pump, but the one most people go for, and the one that qualifies for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the air-to-water heat pump.

This type works by transferring heat from the air into your home’s central heating system (your radiators or underfloor heating). It also gives you hot water, so it’s a full replacement for your current heating system.

Another type is the air-to-air heat pump. These don’t heat your water – they blow warm air into your rooms, like an air conditioning unit. These are less common in the UK and don’t qualify for the government grant.

You can also get hybrid systems, where the heat pump is paired with a boiler. These are sometimes used to top up the heating on very cold days. But if you’re going for maximum efficiency and long-term cost savings, an air-to-water system is the best option.

What is the installation process like?

We’re MCS-approved installers of Vaillant UK air source heat pumps – one of the leading names in the industry. And in many homes, we can use your existing pipework, which keeps things quick and causes minimal disruption.

We’ll come to your home to carry out a free survey, check everything over, and give you a clear quote so you know exactly what to expect.

How noisy are air source heat pumps?

This is a question we get a lot, and the short answer is: not very. Air source heat pumps do make some noise, but it’s usually no louder than a fridge or a quiet fan. Most people don’t even notice it! The outdoor unit does hum when it’s running, especially in colder weather when it’s working harder, but it’s not disruptive. We’ll always help you choose the best location for your unit, so it doesn’t cause any disturbance, to you or your neighbours.

Will an air source heat pump increase my electricity bill?

Because air source heat pumps run on electricity instead of gas, your electricity usage will go up. But your gas bill (or oil bill, if you’re off-grid) will either drop dramatically or disappear altogether. And since the system is so efficient, your total energy spend should go down – especially if your home is well insulated or you’re generating some of your own electricity with solar panels.

Do air source heat pumps work in winter?

Yes, they do! A common worry is that air source heat pumps won’t work when it’s freezing outside, but actually, they’re designed to work even in cold UK winters. They can still extract heat from air as cold as  -15 degrees.

They don’t produce heat as quickly as a gas boiler, so the warmth builds more gradually, but the result is a steady, comfortable temperature throughout your home.

What else can I combine with an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps are brilliant on their own, but if you want to boost your cost and carbon savings even more, there are other green energy solutions that can work seamlessly with your heat pump.

Many of our customers choose to pair their heat pump with solar panels [link to page], which means you can generate your own electricity to power your heating system. Add in battery storage, and you can store any extra energy to use in the evenings or sell back to the grid. And if you’re driving an electric car, we can install an EV charger at your home too. All these elements work together as a complete package to make your home as energy-efficient and self-sufficient as possible.