Gas boilers have been the way millions of people in the UK have been heating their homes for decades. However, with the current climate crisis and targets to reach net zero, heat pumps are slowly becoming the favourable way to heat homes.
With government grants available for Scottish homeowners to get a heat pump installed, now is the time to consider getting one if your current heating method is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Not sure if it is right for you? Find out what you need to know before getting a heat pump.
What is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are one of the most effective and cost efficient heating sources to date. They are a great way to not only reduce your energy bills, but also your carbon footprint.
They work by taking heat from the ground or the air that surrounds a building and increasing its temperature to heat it. However, they can also be reversed to remove heat from these buildings to keep them cool instead.
They are a great low carbon alternative to heating your home. Unlike gas boilers, they run on electricity, so can be powered by renewable energy from solar panels.
Is a Heat Pump Right for My Home?
Heat pumps are suitable for most homes, however, there are a few things you should know before getting one including:
What Type of Heat Pump Should I Go For?
There are two main types of heat pumps used in homes, air source and ground source heat pumps.
Air source heat pumps are the most common type of domestic heat pump in the UK. They are suitable for most types of homes and are relatively small and cheap to install compared to other types.
Other popular pumps include ground source heat pumps which are highly efficient but far pricier. They also require more space than an air source heat pump so may not be suitable for all homes.
However, if you live in an area that experiences extreme cold weather then this may be the better option for you.
Do I Need To Make Any Home Improvements Before Getting a Heat Pump?
For most people, especially those with newer homes, you shouldn’t need to make any other home improvements before getting a heat pump. Those with older homes may need to consider whether it will be worth it.
Older homes may not be suitable for a heat pump if they are insulated enough. Insulation is key for their efficiency so if you aren’t sure whether your home is insulated enough for one you should get an energy efficiency survey.
If your home isn’t insulated enough, you should consider upgrading your wall or loft insulation or upgrading your single glazed or old double glazed windows for new double glazed ones. This should improve your home’s efficiency.
Can a Heat Pump be Reversed to Cool My Home?
Yes! Heat pumps can be reversed to also cool your home. They work by extracting the warm air from your home to keep it cool.
They are a great alternative to installing air conditioning in homes that may be warm in the summer but cold in the winter. Check that the model you are looking at can be reversed to cool down your home.
Is a Heat Pump Fully Renewable?
No. While they are a low carbon way to heat your home it still uses electricity.
To make it fully renewable, you can also install solar panels. Combining a heat pump with solar panels will make it fully renewable.
Investing in solar panels with also benefit your home in other ways. They can help reduce your energy bills by cutting your reliance on the grid.
What Type of Funding is Available for Heat Pumps?
At Homeshield Scotland, we have been providing homeowners with ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
We have been successful in helping our customers through the process of applying for free government funding from Home Energy Scotland who are funded by the Scottish Government.
You could be eligible for up to £9,000 in funding to help towards the installation of clean heating systems including a heat pump.
Check your eligibility and read more about the funding here to start your journey to a warmer, cheaper and greener future today!
