When switching from a regular boiler to a heat pump, the main consideration is the upfront cost.
Although this somewhat steep pricing has been scaled down thanks to the government’s grant scheme, it’s important to keep the running costs in mind, and how they can differ between heat pump models or homes.
Your Home
Let’s face it – a snug little bungalow doesn’t have the same heat demands as a lofty-ceilinged country manor. Hyperbole aside, even semi-detached houses can have an array of differences between each other to consider, from room size to insulation, or even your average hot water usage.
Efficiency
Allow us to introduce the coefficient of performance, or CoP, the measurement of a heat pump’s efficiency. Don’t worry, we’ll keep the science simple. If you have a CoP of 4, for example, this means that each unit of electricity the pump consumes is producing 4 units of heat to compensate. Gas boilers operate with a quarter of the efficiency on average, meaning that even with a low-end heat pump, chances are they’re still outperforming your boiler.
Size and Type
This factor goes hand in hand with your home’s size, with larger homes requiring appropriately larger heat pumps. Of course, larger typically means more expensive, with a higher BTU (British thermal unit) measurement requiring more money to power.
Likewise, the type of heat pump may affect pricing, although installers will usually discuss differences and advise you on the best choice for your home before pushing a contract your way. For air source heat pumps Gloucester, for example, you can find expert advice and pricing online, such as here: https://gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/gloucester.
Insulation
Insulation is the snug blanket that keeps all your heat well contained. Better insulation allows for reduced heating costs, as the heat your boiler or heat pump produces is less likely to dissipate. The insulation blanket works both ways, preventing the outside cold from sneaking through as easily. As well as insulation foams and panels, double-glazed windows can work as an effective heat barrier for your home.
