Heat pumps are a relatively new technology in Britain. However, they have been used in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe for a long time. You will also find the heat pumps growing popular these days in countries with renewable electricity.
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Heat Pumps Services across the UK
Future of Heating
The best part of heat pumps in Portsmouth and their functioning is that you don’t need a lot of electricity. These devices can have a 200 to 600% efficiency rate because the heat produced is way more than the energy absorbed.
This energy consumed is used to run the parts of the heat pump– fan, compressor, and of course, the circulating pumps to take the heat and transfer it to the hot water system. Moreover, advances in recent years have transformed the market value of heat pumps into a great alternative to fossil fuels.
Not just that, you can even earn some extra pounds while you’re at it as per the Renewable Heat Incentive in the UK. Why?
Well, the government aims to promote heat pumps as much as possible since these work in consignment with the UK government’s 2050 Net-zero targets. As such, the UK government has planned to offer £5,000 to aid 90,000 households in installing heat pumps and similar low-carbon heating systems in the coming three years. Through these steps, their main aim is to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuel heating.
So, invest in these true energy-saving heat pumps in Portsmouth! Fill out the contact form today and receive the best quotes. 
What Are the Three Major Types of Heat Pumps?
There are three significant subtypes of heat pump systems – ground source heat pumps, air-source heat pumps, and water source heat pumps. Let us discuss each type to further your understanding of each.
Air Source Heat Pump
Air source heat pump work great in moderate climates like the UK. You will usually find an air source heat pump on the side of the building, where it takes the air from the outside and transfers it through compression and two conductive copper tubing-made coils.
Whenever there is a requirement for any heating, the liquid refrigerant in the other coil takes the heat from the air and vaporisers, passing it into the inner coil. In air-to-air heat pumps, this gas turns into liquid form and produces all the warmth you need for the household heating system.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Ground source or geothermal heat pumps are instrumental in extracting heat from sources other than the outside air. These heat pumps take up the natural heat in the ground and use them to run their system. Moreover, these heat pumps work with multiple heat pipes laid in the ground.
However, geothermal heat pumps would be more efficient than air-source heat pumps. A simple reason behind this is that the ground temperatures are much more fixed than the air. The only negative with ground source heat pumps is that they would be much more expensive than the other options.
Water Source Heat Pump
A water source heat pump works just like its name– it extracts heat from the lakes, rivers, ponds, springs, boreholes, or wells to heat your home or office. This sourced heat is increased in temperature through electricity and is then sent to taps, geysers, and the underfloor heating in your home.
So, it is an excellent option to replace your original home gas boiler with these pumps, given their effectiveness and low power consumption. As such, more and more people are edging towards the use of a water source heat pump. 
What Is the Cost of These Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are the perfect way to enable heating systems in your house at the best running cost and the lowest energy consumption. Moreover, they are highly eco-friendly, so you also save the environment while you are at it!
The average pricing for an air source heat pump in Portsmouth would vary between £5,000 and £8,000 (excluding the installation costs). While this is not a cheap investment, it will surely give you many long-term benefits.
Additionally, our suppliers-provided heat pump systems are brought to you at a much lower price than market values. So, contact us today to get a free quote!
Government Schemes for Heat Pump Installation in the UK
You can also go through some solid government schemes in the country which help or appreciate installing heat pumps in the households. The most popular one was the Renewable Heat Incentive which was divided into the following:
- Domestic renewable heat incentive– open to social landlords, private landlords, self-builders, and of course, homeowners
- Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive– open to organisations, enterprises, social businesses, and the public sector
These incentives ensured that the tariff prices for the heat generated by these pumps for 7 years post application are fixed. In the case of a non-domestic RHI scheme, the advantages would have varied a lot, so it is best to do your independent research and figure out the positives.
Since the closure of RHI in March 2022, a new grant by the name of Clean Heat Grant has begun in April 2022. It has been renamed Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a direct installation grant.
Additionally, if you live in Scotland, you can be a part of other area-specific grants like the Warmer Homes Fund and the Home Energy Scotland Loan. 
The Positives and Negatives of Using Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are no doubt the future of heating. With the increasing government attention to this form of heat generation, sooner or later, heat pumps will be a non-negotiable part of our lives in Portsmouth.
Now that it is clear that heat pumps are here to stay let’s look more analytically into the pros and cons of using those pumps in your home and offices.
Pros
The most significant benefit of a heat pump is that it is highly energy-efficient when you compare it with a furnace operated through gas. Since electricity rates are much cheaper than natural gas, your overall costs will be less.
Additionally, the heating and cooling supplied through this electricity are much more than it uses. These pumps are also safer means for you and your loved ones since they reduce the harmful effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. You will also be safe from fatal situations like that of a gas leak.
Another great advantage of heat pumps is that they evenly distribute the heat in the space, reducing the cold spots in your home. Moreover, heat pumps can provide you with both heating and cooling at the same time.
Cons
Although heat pump benefits are many, like any good thing, it also comes with a few negatives. For instance, buying heat pumps in an area where the temperatures fall below zero might not be the best decision.
Since there will be no heat outside, extra electricity will be used to bring heat inside the home- leading to higher running costs.
During this cold weather, the ineffectiveness of heat pumps may prompt you to buy an additional heat source to ensure your home is warm. To add to that, the overall installation cost and purchase of a heat pump are much more than that of a gas or oil-burning furnace.
Along with higher installation costs, the life cycle of that these heat pumps is shorter than that of other systems too. 
Factors to Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a Heat Pump
If you are still reading, we are pretty sure you are genuinely interested in buying heat pumps, and they would readily suit your home. So, let us quickly consider the factors as you make this purchase.
Warranty Periods of Heat Pumps
Generally, you will find heat pump systems with a 2 to 3-year-long warranty, and you can even purchase an extended warranty! Quality Assured National Warranties provide users with varied kinds of protections. You can also find many installers and producers who provide different auxiliary warranties.
Planning permissions for heat pumps
Heat pumps usually fall under the favourable renewable energy category, so planning permissions are not necessarily required. Although, in some cases, you would have to ask for permissions such as:
Permissions for GSHPs
You would have to touch base with the local council to ensure that you have met all the requirements before installing a GHSP, specifically if you reside in a listed building or conservation area.
Permissions for ASHPs
The rules for ASHPs will vary in England, Scotland and Wales. Kindly check their local council pages to gain more information.
Permissions for WSHPs
You wouldn’t require permission for closed-loop WSHPs unless you live in some conservation area.
On the other hand, open-loop systems change the natural temperature of the water and the thermal plumes, which then affect the hydrochemistry and bacterial levels of the water body. So, per different systems, specific licenses from the Environment Authority would be needed to divert the groundwater.
Maintenance of Heat Pumps
Most heat pumps usually last for 15 years and more, depending on the maintenance of the device. These pumps can work for 50 years if you ensure proper check-ups and maintenance.
In terms of maintenance, here’s what you can do. Make it an annual thing to personally go through the pump and check the details and specifications yourself. Thereafter, you can contact professionals to check in after more extended periods like 3 to 5 years.
You will so have to give special attention to the heat pump in winters by defrosting it manually.
Post-check-up, you should request the professional to send in a written note of the state of the heat pump and its conditions for future use. Overall, the maintenance requirements are pretty low, with the primary checking happening just before you start using the device.
Get the Best Heat Pump Supplier In the UK at Your Doorstep
Are you convinced that heat pumps are one of the best decisions you could make for your home in Portsmouth?
If yes, here comes the good part! We, as a leading heat pump supplier, are determined to help you on the path to getting the best quality and the best-priced heat pump installed in Portsmouth.
Have any questions to ask?
Connect with us at the earliest to clear all your doubts and begin your journey toward the best heat pumps! You will not regret it.
FAQs
What's best ground source or air source heat pump? ›
Answer: A ground source heat pump is typically more efficient than an air source heat pump, and it has better RHI payback. However, a ground source heat pump is more expensive to buy and install at the outset. Horizontal ground source heat pumps are cheaper than vertical ground source heat pumps.
Who can install an air source heat pump? ›Since the lifespan of an air source heat pump spans over two decades, it is best to invest in proper installation that will not cause problems over the years. This is where it becomes important to have a licensed electrician and installer do this for your home.
Are ground source heat pumps more expensive than air source heat pumps? ›Because geothermal heat pumps have a major underground component, initial costs for a geothermal system can be significantly higher than for an air source system. A quality ground source heat pump in a large home could cost up to $45,000—or more (5).
How do I get a free air source heat pump? ›The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme is valid for heat pumps that are commissioned from April 1st 2022. To be eligible for the grant, a valid, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) from the last 10 years, with no recommendations for cavity wall or loft insulation is required.
What are the disadvantages of ground source heat pumps? ›- Expensive to install. Installing a ground source heat pump requires a large upfront payment. ...
- May incur costs beyond the initial installation. ...
- Disruptive installation. ...
- Not suited to small gardens.
- Lower Heat Supply than Boilers. ...
- Extra Spending to Install Underfloor Heating. ...
- Your Home Must Be Well-Insulated Already. ...
- Lower Efficiency Below 0°C. ...
- Lower Savings Compared to Low Price Mains Gas. ...
- ASHPs Can Be Noisy.
You'll require a heat pump specialist for installing an air source heat pump, as it requires a fundamental understanding of low temperature heating systems, vapour compression cycle principles, weather compensation controls and the behaviour characteristics of the heat pump controls is required to specify the system ...
Are air source heat pumps expensive to install? ›Is an Air Source Heat Pump More Expensive Than a Gas Boiler? Yes, the cost of a heat pump and the installation is more expensive as compared with installing a gas boiler. (This is the case for installation in both new and existing homes.)
Do I qualify for an air source heat pump? ›If your home has NEVER had a central heating system fitted before, homeowners and private tenants can apply for a grant to install an air source heat pump. This part of ECO4 is referred to as the 'First Time Central Heating Grants Scheme'.
What is the geothermal tax credit for 2023? ›Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, the federal tax credit for residential geothermal system installations was increased from 26 to 30 percent, effective January 1, 2023. The 30 percent tax credit runs through 2032 and then gradually reduces until expiring in 2034.
Is there a tax credit for geothermal heat pumps? ›
The Energy Credit
In August 2022, the 30% tax credit for geothermal heat pump installations was extended through 2032 and can be retroactively applied to installations “placed in service” on January 1, 2022 or later.
Heat pumps last around 20 years and the ground collectors are expected to last for 70 years so little needs replacing. If something does go wrong, for example a leak of the refrigerant, you would require an engineer with F Gas certification.
Can I get a grant for a ground source heat pump? ›Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is arguably the most well-known ground source heat pump grant, which launched in April 2022 and will run for three years. Around 90,000 homes will be able to benefit as long as the total heat pump system capacity is below 45kW.
- Best overall: Samsung EHS Monobloc.
- Most efficient: Hitachi Yutaki.
- Most powerful: Vaillant flexoTHERM 400V + aroCOLLECT.
- Best for cold climates: Daikin Altherma.
- Best for small homes: Nibe F2040.
- Best for combining other sources: Calorex.
- Best for scalability: Danfoss.
An air source heat pump does require a fair amount of electricity to run and so you may need to upgrade the main electricity supply fuse. For a dwelling with single phase supply the fuse generally could be 60A or 100A.
Do ground source heat pumps work in winter? ›Ground source heat pumps will continue to work as normal in the winter. The temperature of the ground is considerably warmer meaning that the frost and cold weather will not affect its efficiency.
Why is my ground source heat pump so expensive to run? ›So if you feel you're paying too much in running costs, first check your heat pump settings. It could be as simple as needing to switch them to a more economic setting. If that's not helping, get someone in to monitor the electricity usage, and take a look at the efficiency of the heat pump.
Do ground source heat pumps use a lot of electricity? ›The running cost of a ground source heat pump will be around 3.4p/kWh, while a gas boiler is around 6p/kWh (as it will vary with different suppliers and assuming 90% efficiency) and an air source heat pump will be around 5p/kWh. How much you actually save will obviously vary with how much heat the house needs.
At what air temperature Do heat pumps become ineffective? ›Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.
How noisy are air source heat pumps? ›Air source heat pumps operate at around 40 decibels and can get to 60 decibels if they are working very hard. This is about the same level as an air conditioning unit or a babbling brook outside your home and, if you live near a road, this is quieter than light traffic noise.
Are air source heat pumps warm in winter? ›
Air source heat pumps continue to function when it gets cold outside, and in some cases all the way down to -25°C. They absorb the warmth that is generated when atoms and molecules move quickly through the air, and that warmth still exists even when the temperature drops below freezing.
How much land is required for a ground source heat pump? ›Answer: A ground source heat pump needs more space than an air source heat pump. A typical horizontal system requires around 700 square metres. A vertical system needs enough space for the drilling rig to access the site, but boreholes are only around 20 centimetres wide.
Do you need a hot water tank with an air source heat pump? ›A hot water tank is used to provide instant hot water for the home. As air source heat pumps work at lower temperatures, they are best suited to underfloor heating or low-temperature radiators. This is not to say these are necessary for an air source heat pump to work, but they will aid its efficiency.
What is the average cost to install a heat pump? ›The cost of installing a heat pump ranges from $4,000 to $7,500 with the national average around $5,500. At the low end, your installation costs could run around $2,500, while on the higher end your costs could range up to $10,000.
What is the most expensive part of a heat pump? ›Replacing the compressor or its coils is one of the most time-consuming and expensive HVAC repairs. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 to install a new compressor.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather? ›Are heat pumps efficient in cold weather? Yes! The latest research shows that heat pumps are up to three times more efficient in winter temperatures as traditional gas, heating oil, or electric systems.
Does it cost more to heat or cool a house with a heat pump? ›Does a Heat Pump Use More Electricity for Heating or Cooling? Heat pumps use less energy in cooling mode – by about five times, in fact.
What homes are not suitable for heat pumps? ›No underfloor heating or large radiators
This means that if you have heat pumps, you'll also have an underfloor heating system or larger radiators. So, if you have a property with limited space, heat pumps might not be a viable option for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Environmentally friendly | Expensive running costs |
| Low maintenance | Expensive upfront cost |
| Efficient models | Not suitable for all properties |
| Eligible for various grants | Relies on electricity, which isn't always green |
the heat pump must be the only one at the property. the unit must be 100 meters from any other dwelling.
How many years would it take for the geothermal system to pay for itself? ›
A geothermal system is a very worthwhile long-term investment for homeowners who currently heat their homes on fuel oil or propane because the system typically pays for itself in 3-10 years.
Is geothermal tax credit refundable? ›Since the Geothermal Tax Credit is non-refundable, you would not receive a refund if your credit exceeds your tax bill. Fortunately, this incentive allows the homeowner to utilize their credit balance over multiple years.
How long does a geothermal system last? ›The outdoor parts of a geothermal HVAC system have a life expectancy of 50 years. This includes the pipes buried below the soil. For the indoor components, the average lifespan is 25 years.
What is a disadvantage of geothermal heat pumps? ›Con: Geothermal heat pumps still use electricity
Other HVAC solutions also use electricity, so this isn't all that unique, but a geothermal system does use more electricity. However, geothermal can be powered by solar or wind energy, making it even more sustainable and cost-effective.
As stated by the U.S. Department of Energy, investing in a geothermal heat pump can mean a 25% to 50% decrease in energy consumed compared to traditional systems that use air. In addition, your geothermal system can be as much as 300% to 600% more efficient, making this a great HVAC investment long term.
Does geothermal heat pump increase home value? ›Studies show that for every $1 decrease in annual utility bills, a home's value increases by $20. So, for the average American homeowner, a Hydron Module geothermal unit can increase the value of their home by $28,840 in the current market.
Can a ground source heat pump freeze the ground? ›Myth #3 – Collector Pipes Kill Plants Through Ground Freezing. It's true that the liquid in the horizontal collector pipes reach 0°C and in winter, it might go beyond that. Nonetheless, a ground source heat pump offered by JL Philips ensures that it doesn't freeze the ground, thereby ensuring your plants are protected.
How long does it take to install a ground source heat pump? ›How long will an install take? Timescales can vary depending on the size of your ground source heat pump and property. Typical after a survey, most installations are completed within 2 – 3 working days.
How often do ground source heat pumps need servicing? ›Geo Green Power recommend an annual service for air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps to ensure that they run efficiently. Heat pumps rarely require maintenance outside of this annual health check and you can expect a well-maintained system to run effectively for at least 20 – 30 years.
Is a water source heat pump better than a ground source heat pump? ›Water source heat pumps are often more efficient than ground and air source devices. This is because heat transfers better in water, while water temperatures are generally more stable throughout the year (between 7 and 12 degrees on average), which is higher than the average air and ground temperature in winter.
Which is the better heat pump a geothermal air source or water source heat pump? ›
The takeaway: In most cities, air source heat pumps are a better choice. However, if you're upgrading from a conventional HVAC system to an air source or ground source heat pump—regardless of which technology you choose—you'll be using a lot less energy.
Which type of heat pump is the best? ›- Goodman. Goodman is a well-known brand in the HVAC industry and provides great energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions for homes large and small. ...
- Carrier. ...
- Ruud. ...
- Trane. ...
- Rheem. ...
- Lennox. ...
- Bryant. ...
- American Standard.
Energy Efficiency
Both geothermal and air-source heat pumps are extremely efficient. The difference between them is that geothermal uses water instead of air. Because of that, geothermal system do not have to move as much air to heat and cool and runs at 300% – 600% efficiency even in the coldest of temperatures.