Answer: There are two main factors that impact the running costs of an air source heat pump: heat demand and efficiency of the heat pump system. Based on these factors and the type of property being heated, the annual running costs will be significantly less than fossil fuel running costs.

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An air source heat pump is a type of renewable energy technology that sources heat from the outside air to power heating and hot water inside a property. Think of it as a refrigerator in reverse. There are several benefits to installing this type of renewable heating system, but the easy installation and the low running costs are two factors that homeowners closely consider.

Which factors affect the cost of running Air Source Heat Pumps?

Installation is not the only cost involved with air source heat pumps. You must take into account the monthly and annual cost of operating this type of heating system. We can’t guarantee a fixed and definite cost, as it will vary from one property to another. Learn about these factors if you want to maximise your savings without compromising on ability to keep your home warm.

These two factors affecting the cost of running an air source heat pump are highly interrelated:

  1. Heat demand: This varies from one property to another, and refers to the amount of heating power required for keeping a property at the optimal temperature.
  2. Air source heat pump efficiency: This refers to the ASHP’s ability to effectively heat a property using as little electricity as possible. It is also referred to as COP or Coefficient of Performance.

On top of the two factors listed above, the cost of electricity should also be considered when installing air source heat pumps. These systems use a small amount of electricity to work. The cost per unit of electricity can impact the annual cost of this heat system.

Your Heat Pump FAQs Answered – Free Guide

Heat Demand

The heat demand is the first and most obvious factor that could affect the cost of running an air source heat pump. What is required to heat the property? How many rooms are there, and what is the desired optimal temperature? The more energy you need, the bigger your heat pump, and the higher the cost of running the system due to increased use of electricity over time.

Air Source Heat Pump Efficiency (COP)

The efficiency of air source heat pumps is another factor that could affect the cost of running an air source heat pump. This factor is far more complex than heat demand, in terms of affecting the overall cost of your heating system. Several other factors can affect the efficiency. Awareness of these factors will enable you to make changes to significantly reduce running costs.

The type of heat distribution can have a direct impact on the system’s overall efficiency. A good example of this is when your air source heat pumps are installed with an underfloor heating system. It will reduce the amount of work that the ASHPs need to do to generate the desired indoor temperature.

The building’s insulation is another factor. You need to invest in proper insulation for your property. Otherwise, it will increase the heat demand and will require more electricity to generate heat. The more heat or warmth you can preserve, the lower the running cost of heat pumps because the less intense it needs to work.

Finally, where you place your air source heat pumps can also affect efficiency. Choose an area that is free from blockages and ideally exposed to sunlight, so it is more efficient to generate heated air.

In-depth look at air source heat pump running costs

COP is one thing that you need to master when evaluating the running cost of air source heat pumps. It provides ratings based on the amount of heat generated from air source heat pumps for every kilowatt of electricity input. The lower the COP is, the better because it means you are using less electricity to generate the amount of heat you need.

Here is an example:

For every 1 kWh of electricity, an air source heat pump can produce 3kWh of heat. The average annual demand for most homes in the UK is at 12,000 kWh.

12,000 kWh (heat demand) / 3kW (heat production per unit of electricity) = 4,000 kWh of electricity  

At 4,000 kWh of electricity priced at £0.13 a unit, it will cost you around £520 in annual heating costs.

How to save on ASHP running costs

There are many incentives initiated by the government to promote renewable heating systems in the UK. You can qualify for these when installing renewable heating technology, like air source heat pumps. Take advantage of the RHI scheme to offset the cost of installation and ongoing running costs.

You can also follow these tips to boost the efficiency of an air source heat pump:

  • Install double or triple glazing on windows. This prevents heat loss
  • Install cavity wall insulation. This prevents heat from escaping through the walls
  • Install loft insulation. This prevents heat loss through the roof of the home.
  • Always keep windows closed to avoid drafts.
  • Switch to a cheaper electricity  supplier or install a solar PV system.
  • Install larger radiators
  • Install underfloor heating
  • Perform annual heating system check. Do this throughout the 15+ year life expectancy of the air source heat pump. This ensures the heating system is running efficiently

Have you taken advantage of the Renewable Heat Incentive? What other steps have you taken to reduce the cost of running air source heat pumps?

IMS Heat Pumps

We are experts in heat pump installations in the UK, and we’ll handle the whole project from start to finish. Speak to one of our advisors about your air source heat pump installation today.