Many households are looking at ways to make their homes more energy efficient and this includes the way they heat their homes. While there are many heat sources to choose from, heat pumps are becoming a popular option to go for.
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular with more and more households adopting them. However, there are still some myths that are putting people off getting one.
Read on to learn more about some of the common myths about heat pumps.
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 reduce not only your energy bills but also your carbon footprint.
They work by taking heat from the ground or the air that surrounds by building and increasing its temperature to heat it. However, they can also be reversed to remove heat from a building to keep them cool instead.
What Types of Heat Pumps Are There?
There are two main types of heat pumps used in homes, air source and ground source.
Air source is the most common type of domestic heat pump in Scotland. They are suitable for most homes and are relatively small and cheap to install compared to other types.
Ground source pumps on the other hand are more pricey and difficult to install. They require more space as pipes need to be installed below the ground so they may not be suitable for all homes.
That being said, they are more efficient and may be a better option for those living in areas that experience extreme cold weather.
Why Are Heat Pumps a Great Alternative to Gas Boilers?
Heat pumps are a great alternative to gas boilers. Unlike gas boilers, they run on electricity. They can even be made fully renewable as they can be powered by renewable energy from solar panels.
As well as this, they are also far more efficient. Heat pumps are more efficient than other heating systems producing around three times more energy than they take in.
To put that 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. They can last around 20 years which is longer than a gas boiler which typically lasts around 10 to 15 years.
Common Myths About Heat Pumps
If you have been looking into getting a heat pump here are some of the common myths you may have come across:
They Don’t Heat the Home as well as Gas Heating
Many people worry that heat pumps won’t provide the same warmth as other heating sources such as gas boilers. However, that is not the case.
If your home is thermally efficient then a heat pump should have no problem heating your home. If it isn’t, then a heat pump may not be a good idea until you improve your home’s thermal efficiency by adding insulation, installing double glazing or draughtproofing your home.
Heat pumps work differently from gas boilers providing a different kind of heat. Gas boilers release high heat in short bursts which keeps even poorly insulated homes at a comfortable temperature. However, this means higher energy bills.
Heat pumps on the other hand release a steady supply of warmth to the home. This means thermally inefficient homes may not be able to retain a comfortable temperature.
Both are great at heating your home as long as your home is thermally efficient.
They are Noisy
Another common myth about heat pumps is that they make a lot of noise. However, this is not the case.
Heat pumps are relatively quiet, typically producing a low hum. It produces the same level of noise as that of a boiler.
It can be noisier during the winter when it is working harder. However, remember your heat pump will be outside so it shouldn’t bother you from the inside.
They Don’t Work in Cold Climates
Despite heat pumps being a popular heating device in Norway one of the world’s coldest countries, many still believe they don’t work in cold climates.
Modern heat pumps continue to perform below 0 °C and can work to temperatures as low as -20 °C.
For the average Scottish winter which has an average temperature of 0 degrees then you shouldn’t need to worry about whether your heat pump will perform well enough for your needs.
This will also depend on the heat pump you go for and the quality of heat pump you go for.
They Are Expensive
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 through Home Energy Scotland who are funded by the Scottish Government.
You could be eligible for up to £9,000 towards the installation of a clean heating system such as an air source heat pump.
Check your eligibility today and read more about the funding to start your journey to a warmer, cheaper and greener future today!
