Content Writer : Carl Robinson
Source Article : https://www.airahome.com/en-gb/blog/air-source-heat-pump-running-costs
There are two costs to consider when you’re thinking about switching from an oil or gas boiler to a heat pump: the upfront investment and the ongoing running costs.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that sway the running costs of an air to water heat pump, including the heat demand of your property, the efficiency of the pump itself, the insulation level of your home, and the type and size of the heat pump you choose.
We’ll also provide a comparison with traditional boilers and reveal tips on how to maximise your heat pump savings by up to £500 a year.
When it comes to the nitty-gritty of heat pump economics, air source heat pump running costs vary based on some key factors. First, there’s the thermal appetite of your home, or heat demand – the hungrier it is, the harder your heat pump needs to work!
Then, efficiency steps into the spotlight; those with a higher Coefficient of Performance (CoP) are like energy magicians, turning less electricity into more heat for your buck.
Factors like proper insulation make sure precious warmth isn’t slipping away through the cracks. And lastly, size does matter – the bigger your heat pump (measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs)), the better it can handle chillier challenges. But size also impacts your electricity costs.
Heat demand is like your home’s thermal diet – the bigger and draftier your space or the higher the temperature you fancy, the more ‘food’ it needs. This translates to the energy it takes to maintain that cosy environment you love.
In the quest to calculate heat demand, factors like square footage, the number of rooms, and your preferred temperature all step into the equation. Bigger homes with lofty set temperatures and high hot water demands could also see a spike in annual heating costs.
Meet the CoP – the efficiency scorecard for your heat pump. If your air source heat pump achieves a CoP of 4 or more (the Aira Heat Pump boasts a CoP of 4.7!), it’s churning out four units of heat for every single unit of electricity consumed. That’s a stark contrast to traditional gas boilers, which are typically around four times less efficient. This higher efficiency means more warmth at a fraction of the energy costs, even when electricity prices are high.
Think of insulation as a warm hug for your house that keeps the cold at bay. Whether it’s cavity wall or loft insulation, a well-insulated property reduces heat loss, slashing your air source heat pump running costs as a result. With effective insulation, your annual heat demand can shrink, allowing you to revel in lower energy bills without sacrificing comfort.
The size of your heat pump depends on the size of your home and your heating needs. BTUs are the measure here, with higher figures indicative of greater power. Generally speaking, a bigger heat pump, while robust and ready for fiercer cold, will have higher upfront costs and increase the amount of kWh of electricity used on an ongoing basis. At Aira, we’ll recommend the perfect size air source heat pump for your home’s needs during our free home energy assessment.
There are a few variables to consider when weighing the air source heat pump costs against traditional gas boilers. While an air source heat pump is more efficient, due to the cost of electricity vs gas prices, it can cost more annually to heat your home and hot water than a gas boiler. But it’s essential to look at the bigger picture. Because when you do, the savings are clear to see.
First of all, because you won’t have a gas boiler anymore, you’ll save about £114 a year in gas standing charges, as you won’t need a gas connection.
Furthermore, because heat pumps don’t require regular maintenance, you avoid the annual service fees associated with boilers, which can amount to around £120 per year. Additionally, you won’t need to pay for boiler cover plans, which can cost up to £39 per month. In fact, with an Aira Heat Pump, you’re covered for 15 years with our Aira Comfort Guarantee.
Then, the quality of your heat pump installation and how you use your heat pump come into the equation. If installed well, and you set your target temperature and let the heat pump maintain it for you, you’ll save even more on your energy costs. And, with Aira Intelligence, your Aira Heat Pump will save you even more over time as it learns and auto-adjusts to your household’s habits.
Additionally, if you combine your heat pump with our Aira Zero heat pump tariff, you could see savings soar up to £500 on your yearly energy bills. Let’s break it down with a practical example:
| Energy system | Electricity for appliances | Electricity for heating |
Gas for heating
|
Total cost (p/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas boiler | £56 | N/A | £78 | £134 |
| Air source heat pump | £56 | £63 | N/A | £119 |
| Air source heat pump + Aira Zero | £43 | £49 | N/A | £92 |
*Costs are illustrative based on various assumptions stipulated in the info draw at the top of this page. Savings do not include the assumption that gas boiler cover can cost approximately £39 per month. An Aira Heat Pump is covered for the first 15 years with the Aira Comfort Guarantee.
Remember, those potential savings also come with the bonus of lower home heating carbon emissions, which are reduced to zero with the Aira Zero energy tariff.
Ultimately, though the upfront cost can be higher than a traditional heating system, and your home’s insulation (like loft insulation) might need improving, investing in an air source heat pump will lead to lower energy cost woes even if electricity prices fluctuate.
When it comes to reducing your energy bills while staying cosy, mastering your air source heat pump’s running costs is key! First off, wrap your home in a snug blanket of proper insulation and reduce that heat loss – this keeps the precious warmth where you want it, minimising how much your heat pump needs to work and saving you cash.
Your heat pump takes pretty good care of itself, but regular maintenance, like ensuring there’s no debris around the fan, can keep it running smoothly, slashing those running costs even further.
Then, there’s your thermostat or app controls. To keep your air source heat pump costs low it’s best to set your target temperature and how much hot water you need your system to prepare and then let it run in the background. Heat pump technologies are far more advanced than gas and oil boilers, and they’re designed to heat your home and hot water in the most efficient way possible.
Finally, there are clean energy heat pump tariffs, like Aira Zero. Powered by Octopus Energy, Britain’s largest supplier of renewable energy, our heat pump tariff allows Aira to adjust your system to heat your home and hot water when energy prices are lower and use stored heat and hot water during peak times when energy is more expensive. Reducing your energy costs without compromising comfort.
Still not convinced? Take a look at how air source heat pumps compare to gas boilers.