The Nuts and Bolts of Heat Pumps

WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP?

Did you know that you already have a heat pump in your home? It’s your fridge!

While a fridge takes heat from the inside and pushes it out into the room, a heat pump collects heat from outside – from the air, ground or even water – and brings it into your home to keep it warm.  It can also work in reverse to provide cooling in summer.

Heat pumps are a clean and efficient alternative to gas boilers – and that makes them a key solution in tackling climate change!

WHY SWITCH TO A HEAT PUMP?

• Reduce your energy bills: The energy saving trust estimates that households switching from an old G rated boiler could save up to £295 a year.
• Year round comfort: Keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Reduce your carbon footprint: Heating makes up18% of UK greenhouse gas emissions.  Switching to a heat pump is a big step toward reducing your footprint.
• Long Lasting: Heat pumps typically last 15-20 years!    –  longer than a traditional boiler.
• Efficient:  Heat pumps generate 3 to 4 times more energy than they consume! Making them significantly more cost effective over time than traditional boilers.
• Low Maintenance:  Just a yearly check-up keeps them in top shape!

HOW MUCH DOES A HEAT PUMP COST?

The cost depends on your home and the type of heat pump – but average prices for an Air Source Heat Pump range from around £9000 – £14,000.  Ground Source systems cost more.

Below is a rough idea of heat pump installation costs based on property size:

BUT – there’s good news! grants and support can make heat pumps much more

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

• £7500 off the cost of an Air Source or Ground Source heat pump
• £5000 off the cost of a biomass boiler (find out more)

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

• Support for low income households to improve energy efficiency.  It can cover the installation of heat pumps among other energy saving measures – Find out more

Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG)

• Support for eligible households in Plymouth to install energy saving upgrades – this scheme has an aim to reduce fuel poverty and increase the warmth and efficiency of homes across the city –  Check if you are eligible here!

0% VAT

• Until March 2027, the UK government has reduced VAT to 0% on the installation of energy saving materials, including heat pumps – saving you hundreds!