Considering the use of renewable energy sources at your UK home? The use of heat pumps will be the best option as it is becoming popular in order to reduce carbon emissions.
Air source and ground source heat pumps are both efficient. Nevertheless, there are merits and demerits. It is important to know what the differences are when making the choice.
Importance of Developing the Heat Pump Technology in the UK
Heat pumps are used to transport heat. They are gaining popularity in the UK. You may wonder why they do work and why so many people like them.
The heat pump technology captures heat to your house by collecting it in a source (i.e. air or ground etc.). This makes your home warm. It is also able to heat your house when it is hot outside.
The UK Weather Conditions
The weather conditions in the UK during winter and summer seem suitable for heat pumps. They are a nice option in order to warm your house and save the planet. The government of the UK also assists by providing the incentive to utilise them.
Get your air source heat pump grant up to £7,500 today!
Understanding the principles of heat pumps can make you choose whether to install them in your house or not. Likewise, we are going to consider the two different types and their advantages.
The Functioning of Air Source Heat Pumps in the UK
Air source heat pumps extract the heat of the external air and carry it into your house. They are an environment-friendly means of heating. It is composed of two major components (outdoor and indoor units).
Outdoor Unit Component
An air pulling fan is present in the outdoor unit. It also possesses a coil which grabs heat of the air. This heat is then transferred to a refrigerant which is known as special fluid and which changes state.
Indoor Unit Component
An indoor heating unit contains a heat exchanger. It transfers the heat of the refrigerant to the heating mechanism of your house. This may be in the form of radiators, underfloor or even a hot water cylinder. It is essential in dispensing warmth through your house.
Note: An understanding of how these components contribute to each other explains why air source heat pumps would be suitable in heating your home.
The Ground Source Heat Pumps and Their Functionality
Ground source heat pumps get heat from under the earth. They apply a system of pipes, referred to as a ground loop, which is buried on the earth. This loop could be buried in the ground; or when there is little area then it could be drilled vertically.
A combination of water and antifreeze is taken around the ground loop. It consumes heat on the earth. This heat then gets to a home heat pump. The heat pump warms up the temperature to the warmth of heating.
Space Requirement
The area required by a ground source heat pump changes. It is conditional upon the size of your home and the source of heating requirements. The ground loop will require a large outdoor space. However, it can be vertically drilled in case of a lack of space.
Suitability of Various Property Types
Heat pumps based on ground sources are suitable in several houses. They are installed in the new buildings and in houses under renovation. But, there must be good insulation and plenty of outdoor space. Simply put, the ground source heat pumps are an economical and environment friendly mode of heating your house. They require more immenseness than air source heat pumps. Nevertheless, they provide heat that is environment-friendly.
Installation Requirements for Air Source Heat Pumps
An air source heat pump should be installed correctly in order to work efficiently. This is by considering a few key things which will ensure that it is a great job and it is also lasting.
Necessary Permits: First, you should get the required permits. They may vary, depending upon the location and nature of installation required.
Placing the Outdoor Unit
The location where the outdoor unit is placed would also have to be an easily accessible area. Buildings and plants should also not obscure it. Consider the proximity it has with other neighbours to not to bother them with noise.
Connection to Your Home Heating System
The air source heat pump should be connected to the heating system of your home. This should be planned and done in order to work efficiently. These steps will assist in making your air source heat pump to be efficient. It will provide you with a sure and eco-friendly method of heating your house. For more information, read our essential tips for air source heat pump installation in the UK.
Installation Requirement of Ground Source Heat Pumps
Installation of a ground source heat pump is an elaborate task.
- First, you need to decide whether your site is suitable or not.
- The subsequent process is drilling or trenching, whereby the ground loops are then drilled into the ground.
- Depending on the size of the land and the level of heat requirement, the size of the system varies.
- That depends on proper sizing of the system. You have to calculate the heat loss of your home.
- Upon which, select the most optimal ground loop arrangement.
- Once the ground loops are installed they are connected to the heating system of your home.
- This should be well planned in order to integrate smoothly.
Important: Installation of heat pumps that utilize ground source may be cumbersome and expensive. When properly done though, they provide effective and efficient heating in your house.
Comparing Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps
It may be difficult to decide which of the two is better, air source heat pumps or ground source. The only distinction is the difficulty of their installation.
Air source heat pumps are easier to put in. They should have an open place that is openly ventilated. It is just necessary to mount the outside unit, install the indoor one and interconnect it.
Ground source heat pumps are harder to install. The ground loops require ground drilling or excavation. This may be expensive in the short-term and interfere with your property.
Consider your premises and what you feel when you are disrupted during installation. Air source heat pumps are less invasive. But, ground source heat pumps might be more efficient and save money in the long run.
Note: It is rather advisable to discuss it with the professional and find out what suits you or you can check our guide to ground source heat pumps.
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps
- They are not as costly to set up like other systems. This is due to the fact that they do not require much digging. For a full breakdown of the pros and cons, check out our article on the advantages and disadvantages of air source heat pumps.
- The fact that it is easy to install is an appeal. You may put them anywhere, in cities or any country. They are also suitable in various kinds of houses, small or large.
- Their usage is also less intrusive and less noisy as compared to old heating. They are capable of warming your house and providing an available hot water. In addition, they are able to make solar panels cooperate in order to reduce bills and carbon.
Learn more about solar panels in our guide to how many solar panels you need.
The Benefits of Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Ground source heat pumps are also one of the best suitable heat pumps to use in heating of homes in the UK. They are more efficient than air source heating pumps which are excellent in colder climates.
- The heat on the earth is constant all year long and is the lever used by these pumps. This is to say that they provide you with a constant and reliable heat.
- Besides, they have the ability of being longer lasting than the air source pumps, which save you money in the long run.
- They also reduce your consumption of fossil fuels and reduce emission of carbon. This will be helpful to the planet and can help reduce your energy bills as well.
Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pump? It’s Your Decision
The decision between the sources of heat pumps, air source and ground source, is of great importance in heating your house in the UK. It depends on your needs of space, budget and heating requirements of the property.
An important Consideration
Consider the level of complexity of installation, their performance in the environment of the UK climate, and initial expenses. Air source heat pumps are less expensive to install and less expensive initially. However, their effectiveness decreases in extremely low temperatures.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provided by the UK government assists with the cost of heat pumps amongst the homeowners. It provides financial assistance and allows you to simply change the heating system to a more efficient one.
Decide today with help from Home Energy Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Air source heat pumps use air outside as a source of heat. Ground source heat pumps get heat from the ground.
Yes, they can make some noise. This is due to the fan that is there in the outdoor unit. However, most contemporary systems are less noisy. The sound can be reduced through the appropriate installation.
It will be dependent upon the size and plan of your garden. Ground source heat pumps need enough space for the ground loops. An installer should be contacted in order to determine whether your garden is the right one.
They would be less efficient in extremely cold weather. However, most of the contemporary systems have been designed to be useful even when cold. There are also models which have additional heating in case of extremely frosty weather.
Yes, there is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme by the UK government. It provides grants to the homeowners to assist them in installing some of the heat pumps. Check your eligibility now!
Most heat pumps could be used to do both. When it is warmer, they have the ability to change to cooling so as to cool your house.
