FAQs

An air source heat pump (ASHP) can be an excellent choice for many homeowners, offering energy efficiency, reduced heating costs, and a smaller carbon footprint. However, determining if it’s the right fit for you depends on your property, climate, and energy needs.

1. Your Property’s Insulation

ASHPs work best in well-insulated homes. If your property retains heat effectively—thanks to good wall, roof, and floor insulation—an ASHP can maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. Homes with poor insulation may require upgrades to maximize efficiency.

2. Heating System Compatibility

Air source heat pumps deliver lower-temperature heat than traditional boilers. This means your home may need larger radiators or underfloor heating for effective warmth. If you already have these systems or are planning an upgrade, an ASHP is a great option.

3. Climate in Your Area

Living in a mild climate, like much of the UK, makes ASHPs especially effective. For colder regions, modern ASHPs designed for sub-zero temperatures can still perform efficiently, though a backup heating system might be recommended.

4. Space and Location

You’ll need outdoor space for the heat pump unit, ideally in a well-ventilated area. The system also requires indoor space for the heat exchanger and hot water cylinder.

5. Energy Goals and Budget

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills, and you’re eligible for incentives like the UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme, an ASHP is an excellent investment.

To find out if an ASHP is right for your home, contact Fern Renewables for a free consultation. Let us help you make the switch to sustainable, cost-effective heating!

The time required to install a heat pump varies depending on the type of system, property size, and any necessary preparatory work, but typically, air source heat pump (ASHP) installations take 2 to 5 days. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Initial Assessment and Preparatory Work

Before installation begins, a site survey is conducted to assess your property and determine the best placement for the indoor and outdoor units. Preparatory work, such as upgrading insulation, resizing radiators, or installing underfloor heating (if required), can add additional time but is vital for efficient operation. These steps may take a few days to a week, depending on the complexity.

2. Outdoor Unit Installation

The outdoor unit is positioned in a well-ventilated location, often mounted on a concrete base or wall bracket. Installing the unit typically takes 1 to 2 days, including setting up the necessary electrical and plumbing connections.

3. Indoor Unit Installation

The heat exchanger, hot water cylinder, and any additional equipment are installed indoors. This process can take another 1 to 2 days, depending on the system size and your home’s layout.

4. System Testing and Commissioning

After installation, the system is tested and commissioned to ensure it operates efficiently. This final step typically takes a few hours.

With minimal disruption, a professional team like Fern Renewables can have your ASHP up and running in under a week. Contact us today to learn more about our expert installation services!

How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost to Run?

The cost of running an air source heat pump (ASHP) depends on several factors, including the size of your property, its insulation, the heat pump’s efficiency, and electricity prices. Here’s a guide to help you estimate running costs:

1. Efficiency of the Heat Pump

Air source heat pumps typically have a coefficient of performance (COP) between 3 and 4. This means for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, the system produces 3 to 4 kWh of heat. A higher COP reduces running costs.

2. Energy Use and Costs

The average well-insulated UK home might use around 8,000 to 12,000 kWh of energy annually for heating and hot water. With an ASHP and a COP of 3, you’d need about 2,700 to 4,000 kWh of electricity to meet this demand.

Electricity Price Example:
At £0.30 per kWh (a typical UK rate), the running cost could range from £810 to £1,200 annually.

3. Impact of Insulation and Efficiency

Homes with excellent insulation require less energy to heat, significantly reducing running costs. Poorly insulated properties may use more electricity, raising expenses.

4. Government Incentives

Schemes like the UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme and cheaper electricity tariffs for renewable energy systems can help lower your overall costs.

5. Additional Savings

Combining an ASHP with solar panels can reduce your electricity usage from the grid, further lowering costs.

Contact Fern Renewables for a personalized assessment of how an ASHP can work for your home and budget. Let us help you save while going green!

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are innovative systems that provide efficient heating and cooling by extracting energy from the outside air—even in low temperatures. They work using the principles of refrigeration and heat transfer. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how they operate:

1. Heat Absorption

The outdoor unit of the heat pump contains a fan and a refrigerant-filled coil. The system draws in air from outside, and the refrigerant absorbs the heat energy from the air. Even in cold weather, the air contains some thermal energy.

2. Compression

The refrigerant, now warmed, is compressed by the system’s compressor. Compression significantly increases the temperature of the refrigerant, turning it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas.

3. Heat Transfer

The hot refrigerant flows through a heat exchanger, transferring its heat to your home’s heating system. This can be used to warm water for radiators, underfloor heating, or a hot water cylinder.

4. Cooling the Refrigerant

After transferring its heat, the refrigerant cools and returns to a liquid state. It then flows back to the outdoor unit to absorb more heat, repeating the cycle.

5. Cooling Capability

Some ASHPs are reversible, meaning they can work in reverse to provide cooling during the summer by extracting heat from your home and releasing it outside.

Energy Efficiency

For every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, ASHPs typically produce 3 to 4 kWh of heat, making them incredibly efficient compared to traditional systems.

Contact Fern Renewables to learn how an air source heat pump can transform your home’s heating and cooling system.

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are among the most efficient heating systems available, with efficiency rates significantly higher than traditional gas or electric boilers. Their efficiency is measured by their Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP):

1. Coefficient of Performance (COP)

The COP indicates how much heat an ASHP produces for each unit of electricity it consumes.

• Typical COP: Between 3 and 4, meaning an ASHP generates 3 to 4 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity used.

• This makes ASHPs 300–400% efficient, compared to modern gas boilers, which are about 90–95% efficient, or electric heaters at 100% efficiency.

2. Seasonal Efficiency (SCOP)

SCOP measures efficiency over an entire heating season, taking into account fluctuations in outdoor temperatures.

• Modern ASHPs typically achieve a SCOP of 2.5 to 4, depending on climate and system design.

• Cold-climate models maintain high efficiency even in temperatures as low as -15°C to -25°C.

3. Factors Affecting Efficiency

• Outdoor Temperatures: Efficiency decreases in extremely cold weather but remains effective with advanced technology.

• Insulation: Well-insulated homes retain heat better, improving system performance.

• System Design: Correct sizing, proper installation, and integration with low-temperature systems like underfloor heating enhance efficiency.

4. Renewable Energy Advantage

Paired with renewable electricity (e.g., solar panels), ASHPs are virtually carbon-neutral, offering a sustainable way to heat your home.

Contact Fern Renewables to learn how an ASHP can deliver high-efficiency heating for your property while reducing your carbon footprint.

While air source heat pumps (ASHPs) offer many benefits, such as energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and cost savings, they also come with some potential downsides. Understanding these can help you decide if an ASHP is the right choice for your home.

1. High Upfront Cost

• Installation Costs: ASHPs can cost between £5,000 and £15,000 to install, depending on the system and property requirements.

• Additional Upgrades: You may need to upgrade insulation, radiators, or install underfloor heating, adding to the overall expense.

2. Reduced Efficiency in Cold Climates

• ASHPs are less efficient in extremely cold temperatures, as extracting heat from frigid air becomes more challenging.

• A backup heating system (e.g., electric or gas) may be necessary in sub-zero climates, increasing complexity and costs.

3. Space Requirements

• Outdoor Unit: ASHPs require outdoor space for the unit, which needs to be well-ventilated and unobstructed.

• Indoor Components: Space is also needed for components like the hot water cylinder, which might be a challenge in smaller homes.

4. Noise Levels

• The outdoor unit emits a low humming noise during operation. While modern units are quieter, this could be an issue in noise-sensitive areas.

5. Lower Output Temperatures

• ASHPs produce heat at lower temperatures compared to traditional boilers, which might require larger radiators or underfloor heating for adequate warmth.

6. Electricity Dependency

• ASHPs rely on electricity, so running costs depend on electricity prices, which may fluctuate. However, pairing with solar panels can mitigate this.

Conclusion

Despite these drawbacks, the long-term benefits of ASHPs—energy savings, government incentives, and environmental impact—often outweigh the negatives. Contact Fern Renewables for a detailed assessment and expert advice to see if an ASHP is right for you.