ASHP’s capture the solar energy that has warmed the air and absorbs it, at a low temperature, into a fluid. Passing through a compressor, the temperature of the fluid is then increased. Finally, the higher temperature heat is then transferred to the heating and hot water circuits of the house. Air-to-water heat pumps are one of the main types available and feeds heat into your wet central heating system. These work more efficiently at a lower temperature so a distribution system that delivers heat over a larger surface area is preferred. This means that they’re ideal for underfloor heating or radiators.

This depends on which heating system you have. If you are eligible, we apply for the voucher and manage it from start to finish.

It really depends on which system you are comparing it to. If you are comparing a heat pump to a new gas boiler, there won’t be much difference in the running costs, but if you have an old inefficient boiler, there will be more savings. On our quote, we will calculate your yearly usage.

Unless the radiators have already been oversized, they will probably have to be replaced by larger ones to ensure a higher SCoP from the heat pump.

You should get an engineer to service your heat pump according to the manufacturer’s advice, usually once a year. This is like a gas or oil boiler. UK Alternative Energy offer this service to all our customers.

To determine the size of heat pump you will need, our adviser will carry out a heat loss calculation on your home based on the information they collect during their survey. This calculation will work out the amount of space within your home that needs heating as well as calculating the amount of heat that is being lost from your home. The outcome of this calculation will determine the heat output required from your heat source.

Generally, the noise from the heat pump is about the same as a running fridge, or the same as the noise from a condensing flue from a boiler.

Most air source heat pumps can continue to function effectively even in temperatures well below freezing. However, their efficiency may decrease as the outside temperature drops. This is why it is important to design and size the heat pump correctly.