Should I get a heat pump for my house?

Heat pumps are becoming more and more popular as an energy efficient and greener way to heat your home. But what are they, how do they work and should you get a heat pump for your home?

The most common type of heat pump in the UK is an air source heat pump. This is a low carbon type of heating system that is much more efficient than traditional boilers.

The heat pump takes heat from the air outside of your home and then heats it more using electricity. It then transfers the heat to your central heating system which is then used to heat your home.

Similar to how a fridge works, but in reverse, heat pumps use a liquid chemical that takes heat from the air then turns it into a hot gas using compression. The hot gas passes its heat to your central heating system which it uses to warm your home. The gas then cools down, turns back into a liquid and starts the cycle all over again. 

You’ll be surprised. Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, they are much more efficient that traditional heating. To give you an idea how efficient, for every unit of electricity you use, you can get 300 to 400% times as much heat in return. When you compare it to an A-rated boiler that converts only 90% of its fuel into usable heat, you can see why heat pumps are a really efficient way to heat your home.

• Heat pumps are big - Actually, they need less space than just two wheelie bins.
• Heat pumps only work well in insulated homes - No, they still work well in less insulated homes.
• Heat pumps need a lot of maintenance - They need no more than a gas boiler.
• There's no financial help for heat pumps - Up to £7,500 in Government funding is available.

Heat pumps are suitable for most houses in West Yorkshire. An air source heat pump is relatively small compared to the other types and it sits outside your home.

An air source heat pump costs around £11,000. The installation cost depends on several things including the size of your home, whether it’s a new build or not and also how much it costs to adapt your existing heating system to work with the heat pump.

The UK Government is offering up to £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump. Many energy companies are also offering discounts.

Do make sure that you use a trusted, certified installer who will plan and install your heat pump. Always get at least three quotes so you get the best price. We can point you in the direction of trustworthy and professional installers who have all the right certifications.