Did you know that from 2025 all new homes in the UK will need to have air source heat pumps installed instead of a gas boiler?
This is part of the UK Government’s plan to be carbon neutral by 2050 and will help to significantly reduce emissions from new build homes.
What Are Air Source Heat Pumps?
Air source heat pumps are a renewable energy technology that can provide heating and hot water for your home.
They work by extracting heat from the air outside and using it to heat your home.
Heat pumps are highly efficient and can significantly lower your heating bills compared to gas boilers.
Related: Are There Government Grants for Air Source Heat Pumps?
Heating Systems In New Homes
Some of the most common renewable heating systems for new build homes include:
- Air source heat pumps.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Biomass boilers.
- Solar thermal panels.
Buying A House That Already Has An Air Source Heat Pump
Should I be nervous?
First things first, there’s really no need to be nervous about buying a house that already has an air source heat pump.
In fact, it can actually be a very wise decision for a number of reasons:
1. Heat pumps are highly efficient and can help to significantly lower your heating bills.
2. They are a renewable energy technology and will help to reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Heat pumps are low maintenance and have a long lifespan, so they should continue to provide heating and hot water for your home for many years to come.
4. If you decide to sell your home in the future, buyers may be willing to pay more for a property that already has an air source heat pump installed.
So, if you’re thinking about buying a new build property with an air source heat pump, don’t be nervous – it will be a very wise investment!
Related: Where Do Heat Pumps Work Best? (FULLY EXPLAINED)
Are they expensive to run?
No, air-source heat pumps are not expensive to run. In fact, they are one of the most cost-effective heating systems on the market.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, an air source heat pump could save you up to £375 a year on your heating bills compared to a gas boiler.
So, not only will you be helping the environment by using renewable energy technology, but you’ll also be saving money on your heating bills!
Is it worth me changing it to a gas boiler?
Definitely not! Not only would it be a false economy to change your air source heat pump to a gas boiler, but it would also be bad for the environment.
Air source heat pumps are much more efficient than gas boilers and produce lower carbon emissions.
So, if you’re thinking about changing your heating system, we would definitely recommend sticking with an air source heat pump!
Not only will this cost you additional money to change, you’ll also lose value when it comes time to finally sell your house.
How long do they last?
Heat pumps have a lifespan of around 25 years, so they should continue to provide heating and hot water for your home for many years to come.
However, they do require some maintenance and servicing over time to ensure that they are working efficiently.
We would recommend getting your heat pump serviced every year by a qualified engineer.
How do I maintain an air source heat pump?
Although heat pumps are low maintenance, they do require some servicing and maintenance to ensure that they are working efficiently.
We would recommend getting your heat pump serviced every year by a qualified engineer.
You should also make sure that the area around your heat pump is clear of any obstructions, such as vegetation or debris.
If you keep on top of the maintenance, your heat pump should continue to provide heating and hot water for your home for many years to come!
Are air source heat pumps just for heating?
No, air-source heat pumps can also be used to provide hot water for your home.
However, they are most commonly used for heating. This is because they are most efficient when used to heat large spaces, such as your living room or bedroom.
They are also pumping out cold air
Not only do heat pumps pump out warm air, but they also pump out cold air.
This means that they can be used in the summer months to cool your home down, as well as provide heating in the winter.
I’m Building A New Build – Should I Fit An Air Source Heat Pump?
Yes, 100%! We would definitely recommend installing an air source heat pump in your new build home.
Not only are they a renewable energy technology, but they are also highly efficient and can help to significantly lower your heating bills.
The UK government is going to ban the installation of new gas boilers from 2025 anyway, so it’s definitely worth making the switch to an air source heat pump now!
Can I get a grant to fit one in my new build?
Yes, The Green Homes Grant has closed to new applications from homeowners, but you can still apply for funding for upgrades such as heat pumps through your local council.
From 2021, all new homes will be required to reduce carbon emissions by 31%. Heat pumps are anticipated to play a significant role in supplying heat for houses that meet the Future Homes Standard.
What heating should I fit if I have an air source heat pump?
Where possible you should look to install underfloor heating as it works really well with heat pumps.
In Summary
If you’re building a new home, we would definitely recommend fitting an air source heat pump as your primary heating system.
Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they are also highly efficient and can help to lower your heating bills.
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