When looking to switch to a clean heating system such as a heat pump, many people worry about its efficiency during the cold winter months.
However, with a heat pump, you don’t need to worry about staying warm all winter long while also keeping your energy bills low.
Read on to learn more about heat pumps and how they can heat your home during the winter.
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.
It is a type of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that can both heat and cool a space. Think of it as an air conditioner with a reverse valve that allows it to change whether it is heating or cooling that space.
Types of Heat Pumps Are There?
There are two main types of heat pumps used in homes in Scotland, air source and ground source heat pumps.
Air source heat pumps are the most common type in the UK. They absorb heat from the outside air and transfer it into the home. These pumps are also suitable for most types of homes as they are relatively small taking up minimal outside space. They are also the cheaper option for households.
Ground source heat pumps take heat from the ground. They are more efficient than air source heat pumps. These pumps need more space as pipes are fitted underground. They are also more expensive due to the groundwork required.
How Do They Work?
Heat Pumps work by taking heat from the ground or air surrounding a building and increasing its temperature to heat the home. If reversed, it absorbs the heat from your home and moves it outside cooling the inside space.
Why Are They the Popular Choice to Replace Gas Boilers?
There are many reasons why heat pumps are a popular choice to replace gas boilers.
Firstly, they are a highly efficient heating source. Heat pumps are more efficient than other heating systems producing around three times more energy than they take in. To put it in comparison, your typical modern gas boiler runs at around 90% efficiency. Heat pumps on the other hand run at around 300% efficiency.
They also have other benefits over gas boilers including a longer lifespan. Heat pumps can last around 20 and even longer. This is longer than a gas boiler which typically lasts around 10 to 25 years.
They are a low carbon way of heating your home as they rely on electricity rather than gas to run. So, if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint this is a good option.
How Do They Compare to Gas Boilers?
Heat pumps work differently from gas boilers. Gas boilers are designed to provide quick bursts of high heat to the home whereas heat pumps provide a steadier supply of lower heat.
This is why boilers typically work well in poorly insulated homes. They can keep them at a comfortable temperature even if they are losing heat quickly. However, this quick heat means higher energy bills.
Heat pumps on the other hand typically need a well insulated home to work their best. This is because they require your home to have lower levels of heat loss to create the same comfortable temperature.
So, while gas boilers are good at keeping you comfortable even if your home loses heat quickly, this means you will be spending more on your energy bills and producing more emissions. Heat pumps paired with a properly insulated home will keep your home warm, save you money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Can Heat Pumps Heat Your Home During the Winter?
Yes! Heat pumps work during the winter. Modern heat pump technology allows them to extract heat from the air outside, even at low temperatures. While extreme cold temperatures may affect their performance slightly, they can still provide effective heating in regions with cold winters.
Ground source heat pumps are less affected by cold temperatures compared to air source heat pumps as the ground temperature is less stable than the air. However, ground source heat pumps may not be necessary even in Scotland’s cold climate.
Air source heat pumps such as the R290 from HISA have been tested down to -25°C. This is far lower than the average temperature in the colder months of 0°C.
So you can be sure a heat pump will keep your home warm all winter long even in Scotland.
Looking For a Heat Pump?
At Homeshield Scotland, we have been providing homeowners with ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
We have been helping our customers through the process of applying for free government funding to help towards the installation of a clean heating system such as a heat pump.
You could be eligible for up to £9,000 in funding and up to £7,500 in interest free loans.
Check your eligibility here and get started on your journey to a warmer, cheaper and greener future today!
