There is one massive factor to consider when purchasing a heat pump, and that is its price. With more households in the UK beginning to invest in sustainable heating technology, heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular.
The price of a heat pump can be tricky to figure out, as many elements can affect running and installation costs. This article will outline heat pump pricing for air and ground source heat pumps, so you can make well-informed purchasing decisions that align with your budget.
Factors Impacting The Overall Cost Of Your Heat Pump
There are two main heat pumps used domestically throughout the UK. Air and ground source heat pump systems. These vary in price, as they require different installation processes. Air source heat pumps are typically cheaper, while ground source heat pumps are more expensive.
However, you need to fully understand the factors that can impact the overall price of your heat pump to avoid being met with some unexpected costs. To avoid any nasty surprises, we will list some of the primary considerations you should take into account.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are the cheaper option on the market, transferring heat from the air outdoors to provide heating for your home. Various types of air source heat pumps are available, including air-to-air and air-to-water systems. The kind you buy depends on the existing heating system within your home.
Here are some of the main pricing factors to consider for air source heat pumps:
- Running Costs
The running costs of your air source heat pump will initially seem relatively high. Since heat pumps run on electricity, you will see an increase in your electricity bills. However, you must consider the rising cost of gas vs. electricity when purchasing your heat pump. The gas price is expected to increase much faster than electricity, making your investment worth it in the long term.
Additionally, heat pumps are much safer and more reliable than gas boilers. You must service your gas boiler regularly to ensure it functions properly and prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Heat pumps, however, have a long lifespan of around 15-20 years and only require professional servicing around every 4 years.
Make sure to weigh these running costs before purchasing your heat pump, and consider whether your budget allows for long-term investments.
- The Size Of Your House
The size of your house can vastly affect the efficiency levels of your air source heat pump. Generally, those with large houses should avoid purchasing air-to-air heat pumps as the system will struggle to increase the temperature of a large room.
While air-to-water systems are suitable for most types of homes, the size of your house can still impact the price of your unit. Larger homes will naturally require bigger heating systems which cost more, while smaller homes like flats will only require small heating systems, which cost less.
By talking to your installer, you can find out the cost of your air source heat pump that fits your house size.
- Your House Insulation
Insulation is an essential factor in running your heat pump efficiently. Heat pumps require a low flow temperature to run properly, and in poorly insulated properties, they are forced to run at higher flow temperatures. The heat pump will have higher running costs in properties with little to no insulation.
Before installing your heat pump, ensure that your house is adequately insulated to help you save more money on energy bills and electricity. If your home does not have insulation, factor in the cost of acquiring the proper insulation.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps are the most expensive types to install but are also one of the most efficient heat pumps to run. Their high price comes from the groundwork required to install the system underground.
- Poor Installation
Choosing the right installer to implement your heating system is just as important as selecting the right heat pump. Poor installation can lead to numerous costly problems down the line and potentially prevent your system from running efficiently.
- Your Heating Requirements
If your home’s heating requirements exceed the heat pump’s temperature output, your system will not run efficiently. To reach higher temperatures, your heat pump will use more electricity, costing you more to meet the requirements of your household.
Check the model specifications of your heat pump and measure your heating requirements before investing in your ground source heating system.
- Your Available Outdoor Space
You can choose from two types of ground source heat pumps, depending on the outdoor space you have available. Horizontal systems are installed in large plots of land and are cheaper. Vertical systems are ideal for those with limited outdoor space; however, they require a series of deep holes in your garden, making installation fees considerably higher.
Find Heat Pump Prices For Your Home
With so many influencing factors to consider, working out the price of your heat pump can be confusing. The best way to determine your upfront costs is by receiving quotes from multiple installers to find the best deal. Of course, you must also factor in the long-term savings each system can provide when making your decision.
You can visit this article to find more ground source and air source heat pump pricing details: https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/the-running-costs-of-heat-pumps.
This article was written by GreenMatch.
