If your boiler is going to need replacing this year, then you need to seriously consider installing a heat pump to run your heating system. Most of us are familiar with the old-style gas boilers, but just because they’ve been around for decades, it doesn’t mean they’re the most suitable any more. Thanks to rising heating costs and concern about sustainability, most people want to do whatever they can to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills, and heat pumps are more effective than boilers when it comes to decarbonising your home.
Before making a decision about whether to invest in a heat pump or stick to the old-style gas boiler, it’s worth knowing a few facts about heat pumps and their installation.
It’ll cost less than you think
The first, and most important thing you need to know is that you can get a grant of up to £7,500 towards your air source heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Air source heat pumps have always been of interest to people who would like to live more sustainably, but until the BUS, the cost made their installation unaffordable for the majority – especially compared to the cost of a new boiler.
The BUS has reduced the price gap making heat pumps much more affordable and desirable. As a consequence, heat pump installation has never been so popular.
A heat pump will add value to your property
Properties with heat pumps have a higher energy efficiency rating (EPC). With a higher energy performance certificate, your home will be worth more. So the future value of your home can be offset against the cost of installation of a heat pump that’s guaranteed to make your home more energy efficient.
The technology has improved and offers greater savings on fuel bills
This is coupled with the improvements made in renewable technologies that have enhanced the quality of heat pumps which are now a lot quieter, which means they won’t disturb the neighbours. You can also use other green technologies alongside your heat pump – for example solar power and batteries. Even if your house doesn’t have solar panels, you can save money by charging a home battery storage unit overnight – when power is at its cheapest – then use the saved energy to power the heat pump during the day.
Even if your home isn’t well insulated, a heat pump is still an option
Many people believe that if they have a poorly insulated home, a heat pump won’t work. But that’s a myth. In the same way that if you have a gas boiler, if you have a poorly insulated home, you simply need to generate more heat in order to warm each room – so you need a larger boiler. Therefore a heat pump (or boiler) that works efficiently on a well insulated property will not be large enough to heat an identical property that isn’t insulated. Clearly it’s more efficient – and cheaper – to have an insulated home, so if you’re making an investment in a heat pump, it also makes sense to do as much as you can to minimise heat loss before, or at the same time as you install the heat pump.
You don’t necessarily need to replace your existing radiators (unless you want to!)
Occasionally you may need to invest in larger radiators with a heat pump, but most modern heating systems will work as well with heat pumps as they do with boilers, including underfloor heating. The older your heating system, the more likely it is there may be some preparatory work needed, for example replacing pipes, but for the most part, whether or not you replace your radiators will be an aesthetic matter rather than a practical one.
Most homes don’t need permission
In planning terms, the installation of heat pumps is what’s known as ‘permitted development’, which means most property owners don’t need planning permission in order to install one. Listed buildings, and properties in conservation areas or World Heritage Sites do have more restrictions on them, so always check the rules.
Heat pumps keep your house cool too
It’s a lesser-known fact that heat pumps can also help keep your house cooler. This means the hotter summers we’re been experiencing will be less uncomfortable without the need to invest in separate air conditioning.
Heat pumps must be installed by an MCS certified installer
By law, your new heat pump system must be carried out by an MCS certified installer. MCS is a consumer protection organisation, setting high quality standards for small-scale renewables in the UK. Certification is designed to reassure you that your installers have the high standards of knowledge and training required to install your new system to the highest standard. Use MCS’s search facility to find certified installers in your area – or just type ‘Lacey Heating Ltd’ in the search bar to reassure yourself of our credentials.
Heat pump installation takes 4-5 days
Before you get your heat pump installed, you need to be aware of how much disruption the process will cause. The heat pump installation process takes a lot longer than it does to replace a boiler, so the amount of time your home will be without heat is a huge consideration, especially if you’re planning to live in the house while the work is completed. It’s therefore better to schedule the installation in the spring or summer months if at all possible.
Air source heat pumps from Lacey Heating
Lacey Heating is an MCS certified heat pump installer covering Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. Our installation team also receives additional training from top heat pump suppliers – we are a Mitsubishi Business Partner which means the manufacturer is so confident in our installation, you get a longer guarantee time. And once you’ve had your air heat pump installed, we can continue to maintain and service it to the highest manufacturer standards.
Contact us to discuss your boiler replacement and get our advice about the best heat pump for your property. We will take care of the BUS grant for you. If heat pumps aren’t for you, or you want to keep your old boiler going for a while longer don’t worry, our heating engineers also deal with the installation and repair of gas and oil boilers. With nearly 200 five star Google reviews, you know you’ll be in safe hands.
