We’ve experienced a
spate of heatwaves
recently and while you may be basking in the warmer summer months right now, it’s never too soon to start thinking about what happens when the temperature
starts to drop.

Most households
depend on a gas heater
to supply heated water and maintain warmth in the radiators, yet a fresh option has been quickly becoming popular.

From 2023 to 2024, deployments of
heat pumps
increased by 63% in the United Kingdom, and it’s clear why. They have a much longer lifespan compared to conventional gas heaters, help reduce electricity costs, and are more environmentally friendly – also
government grants
are currently accessible to assist with the expenses involved in obtaining one.

The funding options can reduce the typical expense of purchasing and setting up a heat pump to £4,460, as reported by Octopus Energy, with families using a smart electricity plan, like the Cosy Octopus, saving approximately £496 annually on their heating costs.

But
how do they work
What expenses are associated with it, and does your home qualify?

What is the functioning mechanism of heat pumps?

Several kinds of heat pumps exist, yet they operate similarly by drawing in outdoor air and utilizing it to
heat the inside.
They run on electrical power.

Imagine a refrigerator that removes air to maintain a cold interior; heat pumps function in the reverse manner. They absorb heat from the air or soil, increase its temperature, and subsequently deliver it to your central heating system.

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The most commonly used kind of heat pump is the air-source model, which collects warmth from the surrounding air near your house. Additionally, there are ground-source heat pumps, which extract heat from beneath the surface.

Heat pumps do not require warm air—some models function effectively at temperatures as low as -20°C, with over 60% of households in Scandinavia equipped with one.

The most suitable heat pump for your house will vary based on factors such as the
size of your house
along with the garden, the property’s age and state, as well as your personal budget for covering the installation expenses.

What makes heat pumps more advantageous compared to gas furnaces?

There are
lots of benefits
benefiting from installing a heat pump, one of the key advantages is the reduction in expenses.

Energy prices have
risen significantly over the past several years
and although they have stabilized recently, they remain persistently elevated. Current average rates stand at approximately 6.33p per kWh, with the daily fixed fee set at 29.82p, causing concern for numerous individuals
could not maintain the heater running for extended periods
in the colder months.

This implies that rather than maintaining warmth in homes continuously, the heating system activates briefly during specific periods to
keep costs down.
By contrast, heat pumps deliver a steady supply of heating to houses, maintaining a consistent temperature all through the day.

According to a poll conducted by Octopus Energy, 90% of clients who have installed a heat pump reported staying warm throughout the winter, while 63% of those previously using a gas boiler mentioned their home felt more pleasant with the heat pump.

In addition to saving money, heat pumps are four times more effective than gas boilers, as stated by the government. For each unit of energy used in a heat pump, four units are produced, whereas a gas boiler generates less than one unit.

They’re also
great for the environment
since they operate using electricity instead of traditional fuel sources. Additionally, there is no air contamination, unlike gas furnaces that emit nitrous oxide, which may lead to breathing and heart-related issues as reported.
Energy and Environment Knowledge Unit.

How much do heat pumps cost?

The advantages of heat pumps are evident, yet one must also consider the expenses involved. They
aren’t the cheapest option
and several initial expenses should be taken into account.

Nevertheless, you might qualify for a £7,500 government boiler replacement program subsidy to
offset the costs
To qualify for the grant, you must be the homeowner, possess an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued within the past decade, and have sufficient area available for installing the pump.

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Following the grant, you should anticipate spending approximately £4,460 on a heat pump, which also covers expenses such as radiators, the hot water cylinder, and thermostat systems.

The kind of electricity pricing plan you have can influence your expenses, as a typical home with higher usage might save around £369 annually on their bills under the Octopus Energy Cosy rate.

With an average price tag of £3,700 for a gas boiler, as reported by the Energy Saving Trust, factoring in typical reductions on your electricity bill makes the costs relatively comparable.

It’s also important to keep in mind that heat pumps typically last for 20 years, whereas gas boilers usually last between 10 and 15 years.

Nevertheless, the sum you have to pay will vary depending on the
type of heat pump
you decide, and if additional insulation is needed, though you can easily obtain a rough estimate online.

Is it possible for me to obtain a heat pump?

If the concept of a heat pump appeals to you, there are several last steps to consider.

They may not function effectively in every home and perform optimally in highly insulated buildings, which is why you must provide an EPC certificate dated within the past decade to qualify for one.

You must also own your house and ensure there is sufficient room for the pump. If you opt for Octopus, an expert will assess this by measuring the spaces, radiators, and the area designated for your pump and tank.