Air Source Heat Pumps throughout Cumbria
Everything you need to know about them!
Looking for an efficient, environmentally-friendly heating and cooling solution for your home or business? NW Renewables is the North West’s leading provider of air source heat pump installations throughout Cumbria
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Air Source Heat Pumps - Installers and Suppliers
You may be wondering what they are, how they work, and a few other questions like cost. To make it super easy, we’ve covered it all in this ultimate guide.
What do you need to know?
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What are heat pumps & how do they work?
Heat pumps are innovative heating systems that have been gaining popularity in Cumbria and across the UK. Unlike traditional heating methods that generate heat, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another. In essence, they function like a refrigerator in reverse, extracting heat from the air, ground, or water outside your home and pumping it inside to warm your living spaces.
In Cumbria’s climate, air source heat pumps are particularly effective. These systems can extract heat from the outside air even when temperatures drop as low as -15°C, making them suitable for our chilly winters. The heat pump uses a refrigerant to absorb the heat from the air, which is then compressed to increase its temperature. This heated refrigerant then passes through a heat exchanger, transferring the warmth to your home’s heating and hot water systems. It’s an efficient process that can produce up to three times more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes.
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The Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps offer numerous benefits for homeowners in Cumbria. Firstly, they’re incredibly energy-efficient. By transferring heat rather than generating it, these systems can achieve efficiency rates of 300-400%, meaning for every unit of electricity used, 3-4 units of heat are produced. This efficiency can lead to significant reductions in energy bills, especially for those currently relying on oil, LPG, or electric heating, which is common in many of Cumbria’s rural areas.
Environmental Impact
Another major advantage is the environmental impact. As we in Cumbria become more conscious of our carbon footprint, air source heat pumps provide a greener alternative to fossil fuel-based heating systems. They produce fewer carbon emissions, particularly when paired with renewable electricity sources like the solar panels that are becoming increasingly common on Cumbrian rooftops. Additionally, these systems require minimal maintenance compared to traditional boilers, and they have a long lifespan, typically lasting 20-25 years with proper care. This durability is particularly valuable in our region, where the weather can be harsh and demanding on heating systems.
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Renewable Heating
By taking advantage of thermal energy present in the environment, heat pumps provide sustainable heating from a renewable source rather than burning fossil fuels.
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Cool in Summer Too
The reversible operation of a heat pump means you get year-round comfort from one system providing both heating and air conditioning.
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Long Service Life
With few moving parts and minimal maintenance requirements, quality air source heat pumps have a typical service life over 20 years.
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Reduced Carbon Footprint
Switching to an air source heat pump can cut your household's carbon emissions by over 50% compared to an old oil or gas boiler system.
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- The Debate
Ground source or air source?
When considering heat pump options in Cumbria, the choice often comes down to ground source or air source systems.
Ground Source
Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground using a network of buried pipes, while air source pumps draw heat from the outside air. Both have their merits, but the choice largely depends on your specific circumstances.
Ground source heat pumps are generally more efficient, especially in the depths of a Cumbrian winter when air temperatures can plummet. They provide a consistent heat output regardless of the outside temperature. However, they require significant garden space for the ground loop installation, which can be challenging in some of Cumbria’s more densely populated areas or for properties with limited land. The installation process is also more disruptive and costly.
Air Source
Air source heat pumps, on the other hand, are easier and cheaper to install, making them a more practical option for many Cumbrian homes. They’re particularly suitable for new builds or properties with good insulation. While their efficiency can decrease in very cold weather, modern systems perform well even in our chilly Cumbrian climate. Ultimately, the choice depends on factors like available space, budget, and the specific heating requirements of your home.
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Will I need to upgrade my radiators?
When installing a heat pump in your Cumbrian home, you may indeed need to consider upgrading your radiators. This is because heat pumps operate most efficiently at lower temperatures than traditional boilers. While a conventional boiler might heat water to 70-80°C, a heat pump typically operates at around 35-45°C. This lower temperature means that to achieve the same level of warmth in your home, you need to have a larger surface area for heat emission.
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What's the difference between Gas boiler vs heat pump?
The debate between gas boilers and heat pumps is particularly relevant in Cumbria, where many rural properties are off the gas grid. For those homes, heat pumps present a compelling alternative to oil or LPG systems. However, even for properties with access to mains gas, heat pumps are becoming an increasingly attractive option.
Gas boilers have long been the standard in the UK, valued for their ability to quickly heat homes and provide hot water on demand. They’re familiar technology and generally have lower upfront costs. However, heat pumps offer several advantages. They’re more environmentally friendly, producing fewer carbon emissions, which aligns with Cumbria’s growing focus on sustainability. Heat pumps also tend to be more efficient, especially when paired with good insulation, which can lead to lower running costs over time. While the initial investment for a heat pump is higher, government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help offset these costs. Additionally, as the UK moves towards phasing out gas boilers in new builds from 2025, heat pumps represent a future-proof heating solution. For Cumbrian homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and potentially save on long-term energy costs, a heat pump could be the way forward.
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Is an air source heat pump right for me?
Determining whether an air source heat pump is right for your Cumbrian home involves considering several factors. Firstly, the insulation of your property is crucial. Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes, as they operate more efficiently at lower temperatures. Many traditional Cumbrian properties, from stone cottages to Victorian terraces, may require additional insulation measures to fully benefit from a heat pump system.
Another important consideration is your current heating system. If you’re off the gas grid and currently using oil, LPG, or electric heating, an air source heat pump could significantly reduce your heating costs and carbon footprint. The outdoor space available is also a factor, as you’ll need room for the external unit. While they don’t require as much space as ground source heat pumps, you’ll still need a suitable location that allows for good air flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern air source heat pumps operate at low noise levels, similar to a refrigerator unit. There may be some outdoor fan noise when running, but indoor units are virtually silent.