Air Source heat pumps are a fantastic renewable energy solution that can help you slash your energy bills, reduce your carbon emissions, and massively increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Many homes across Scotland can be powered entirely through air source heat pumps, but in some situations a hybrid system combines a heat pump with a traditional fossil fuel boiler to achieve maximum efficiency.
With so many energy options available it can be difficult to know exactly which heating system is best suited to your needs.
For this reason, Greener Energy Group has put together this simple guide to air source heat pumps and hybrid heat pumps to give you all the information you could need.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are one of the most popular renewable heating systems available in the UK, using the natural heat found in the outside air and converting it into usable energy that can help fuel your home heating and hot water system.
An air source heat pump works in a similar manner to a refrigerator except in reverse.
First, the fan unit will blow outside air over pipers containing a liquid refrigerant, converting it into a gas which is then compressed to raise the temperature even higher.
This gas is then moved into a heat exchanger, warming the surrounding water or air that is then circulated throughout your home into radiators, underfloor heating, or into a water tank for future use.
Air Source Heat Pump Benefits
There are many benefits to installing an air source heat pump on your property.
These include:
Saving Money
Oil and gas prices have soared in recent months and finding an alternative renewable energy source has never made more financial sense.
Installing a heat pump either alone or as part of a hybrid system, you will significantly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and protect yourself financially for the future.
Research suggests that a hybrid heat pump could save the average UK homeowner as much as 50% on their annual bills.
Government initiatives
By installing a renewable heat pump, you will qualify for several government grants and initiatives.
These include the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) that encourages people to move away from fossil fuels by offering quarterly payments for up to 7 years after the installation of renewable heating technology based upon the amount of energy you produce.
Reduce your carbon footprint
If you are considering a heat pump you are clearly conscious of reducing your carbon emissions and helping to save the planet.
Whilst air source heat pumps do require some amount of electricity to operate and are therefore not entirely emission free, but they are much more energy efficient, converting 1 unit of electric energy into 3 or 4 units of heat, making them a very impressive 300-400% efficient, compared to the 100% of electric systems and maximum 95% of gas combi boilers.
Hybrid Heating Systems
In Scotland, there are many older large buildings that cannot be further insulated and have extensive heat requirements that cannot be fulfilled fully by a heat pump alone.
In these situations, or because the location of your property is not optimal for maximum air pump performance, a hybrid heating system may be the perfect choice for you.
A hybrid heating system combines all the benefits of a hybrid heat pump with the efficiency of your existing fossil fuelled boiler to ensure you have stable and reliable heat all year round.
For the majority of the year, the heating and hot water for your home will be provided solely by your air source heat pump, with your boiler only kicking in to help when temperature drops during the winter months and demand is higher.
Which system is best?
If possible, it is always recommended that you power your homes heating system entirely using an air-source heat pump to maximise energy bill savings and help to save the environment simultaneously.
As mentioned, the hybrid heating Glasgow system was designed to allow those whose home is not yet suited to full renewable heating to still benefit from all the advantages of a heat pump without having to compromise their comfort.
If you are unsure about what heating system is most suitable for your home, or whether it is possible to install a heat pump on your property at all, take Greener Energy Group’s completely free HOME SUITABILITY SURVEY today or contact our expert team.
Contact Greener Energy Group
Greener energy Group are Scotland’s leading supplier of renewable energy heating solutions with over 30 years’ experience in the industry.
All our expert technicians are fully trained in both air source heat pump and hybrid system installation, meaning that once we have completed a home survey and identified the ideal solution for your needs, the system will be installed in more time at all, with very limited disruption to everyday life.
To start your journey towards cleaner energy, lower bills, and an ultra efficient home heating system call us today on 03335 77 66 99 or email us at info@greenerenergygroup.co.uk.
