A heat pump is often considered an eco-friendlier alternative to gas or oil heaters as they use a much cleaner source of energy. They are also highly cost-efficient, helping you save a ton on heating bills while keeping your house warm all year round.
On an average, an air source heat pump can cost anywhere between £4000 to £8000, while the installation charges can range from £1000 to £2000. That said, the exact installation and running costs will vary from household to household, so it is wiser to speak to an expert who can help you get an exact quote based on the energy consumption in your house.
Continue reading to find out more about the numerous factors affecting the Air Source Heat Pump Installation Cost so that you can make an informed purchase decision.
Basics of an air source heat pump
Air source heat pumps pull heat from the surrounding natural sources like air, soil, and water, and transfer that into your home. It is similar to how a refrigerator works, only in the reverse direction. Air source heat pump units look a lot like air conditioning units but they do not generate heat, making them much more economical than expensive heating solutions.
During summers, certain heat pumps can draw the heat out of the warm indoor air, thereby functioning as an AC. The size of the air heat pump required for a house will depend significantly on the dimensions of your house. The larger the house, the bigger the unit will need to be to provide enough heat.
Factors affecting heat pump costs
As discussed earlier, the final cost of installing and running an air source heat pump varies widely based on the size of the unit, the type of heat pump, and the space in your house. Heat pumps accompany hefty installation labour charges, which can range from £1000 to £2000 depending on the size and type of heat pump.
Some of the most common factors affecting the all-inclusive expense of a heat pump include the following:
- Coefficient of performance: CoP is a measure of the efficiency of the heat pump, which itself is influenced by several factors like location and climate of the region, type of heat pump unit (ground source or air source), etc.
- Size of the heat pump: Similar to an HVAC system, the size of the heat pump will need to be matched to the area of the living space in the house (commonly referred to as tonnage). A professional might also consider the ambient climate to determine the size of the heat pump.
- Insulation of the house: While installing an air source heat pump, you will need to ensure that your house has adequate insulation (cellulose, fibreglass, spray foam, etc.) so that the heat transferred by the air pump does not escape the house.
In the UK, installing an air source heat pump may qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which financially supports customers who have made the switch to renewable energy sources. Grants like these can help you offset the upfront investment of Air Source Heat Pump Installation Costs.
