The advantages & disadvantages of air source heat pumps

If you’re considering installing an air source heat pump on your property, it’s best to weigh up the pros and cons of heat pumps. Luckily, we’ve compiled a helpful list of the potential benefits and drawbacks of these new energy efficient heating systems so you can see if they’re suitable for your home.

• Air source heat pumps are highly efficient and can cut your emissions by up to 70% while lasting for up to 20 years.

• Air source heat pumps require a big upfront investment averaging around £11,000, but you'll get helpful government grants to lower the cost.

• Not every home type is suitable, and they'll lose some efficiency when the weather drops below freezing temperatures

What are the advantages of an air source heat pump?

Environmentally conscious

Air source heat pumps run on electricity rather than burning fuel, making them more energy efficient and environmentally conscious. According to reports from the Energy Saving Trust and the government, the average air source heat pump owner could cut their emissions by around 70% per year.

Incredibly efficient

Traditional gas boilers have to burn fuel to generate heat, and even A-rated boilers lose about 10% of that energy for a 90% efficiency rating.

With air source heat pumps, for every unit of electricity you put in, you'll get three times as much heat back for a 300% efficiency rating. This can potentially save you a lot of money on your energy bills in the long term, depending on your tariffs, home insulation and what heating system you’re replacing.

Long life

Air source heat pumps have a long lifespan, with most lasting up to 20 years with the right maintenance and servicing. This means you’ll get to enjoy your energy-efficient heating system for longer than a traditional boiler would last.

Minimal maintenance

While air source heat pumps will need professional servicing (about as often as a regular boiler), they generally require very little maintenance on your part. It’s worth checking for obstructions like leaves or twigs and cleaning the coils and fans every once in a while to keep it in good shape.

Can be paired with solar panels

Pairing a heat pump and solar panels is a smart way to lower your energy bills even further and create a completely green energy source that’s independent from the grid. Your panels can power your heat pump directly, and if you add a solar battery, you can store any extra energy to use whenever you need it.

Minimal noise

A modern air source heat pump can actually be quieter than an old gas or oil boiler, especially as they stay outside. Typically, these kinds of heat pumps produce between 40 and 60 decibels of sound from one metre away. Of course, the exact heat pump noise level depends on the model you choose and how it’s installed.

Can provide heating and cooling

To provide cooling, it essentially operates in reverse, extracting warm air from indoors and releasing it outside, much like a refrigerator. Air source heat pump cooling can also be used alongside existing air conditioners, creating an energy efficient hybrid system for both heating and cooling.

Works in cold weather

Air source heat pumps can extract heat from the air in temperatures as low as -20°C, which is colder than UK winters usually get, so it works all year round.

Government grants

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £7,500 towards an air source heat pump, taking a big chunk out of the installation cost and making it easier to switch to an energy-efficient heating system.

What are the disadvantages of an air source heat pump?

Upfront cost

While government grants can help cover some of the installation costs, the upfront sum is still a significant investment, with the average air source heat pump installation costing around £11,000.

This will depend on the size of your property, whether you live in a new build or an existing house and how much work is needed to adapt your existing heating system for an air source heat pump.

Not suitable for every property

Your property might not be well suited to an air source heat pump. Installing them in flats for example can be tricky, although not impossible.

Lower efficiency below 0°C

While air source heat pumps still work up to temperatures of -20°C, they are less efficient. If the outside temperature drops to below 0°C the efficiency rating can drop from 300% to 200%, which is still highly efficient.

Hopefully you’ve now know a bit more about the advantages and disadvantages of air source heat pumps. If you’re interested, and want to learn the financial details, take a look at our guide on how much an air source heat pump costs.

Usually, no, you won’t need planning permission because fitting a heat pump is often classed as a 'permitted development' in the UK. But there are a few exceptions you should keep in mind. For example, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, you may need to get approval, so it's always worth checking with your local planning department.

The main unit of the air source heat pump is a single, compact monoblock positioned outside your house. The exact size will vary depending on the model but the unit will be roughly the size of two wheelie bins standing side by side.

There’s ground source heat pumps, which use thermal energy from underground to heat your home. There’s also water source heat pumps, which take heat from a local water source. You can even get a hybrid heat pump system, which involves a combination of a traditional gas, oil or LPG boiler with a heat pump.