Heating your home uses a lot of energy. In the UK, heating makes up most household bills. Many people want cheaper and greener ways to heat homes. An air source heat pump grant is one option. But how much energy can it save? Let us look at this in simple terms.
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump, or ASHP, takes heat from the air outside. It works a bit like a fridge in reverse. Instead of keeping food cold, it warms your home. It can also provide hot water for taps and showers. It runs on electricity but delivers more heat energy than it uses. This makes it efficient.
Why efficiency matters
A standard boiler burns gas to make heat. It gives out less heat than the energy in the gas. An air source heat pump is different. For every unit of electricity, it gives three or more units of heat. This ratio is called the coefficient of performance. The higher the number, the more efficient it is. This means you use less energy overall.
How much energy can you save?
The answer depends on many things. It depends on your home, the size of the system, and how you use heating. A well-insulated house will save more energy than a draughty one. If you set your thermostat lower, you save even more. In general, an air source heat pump can cut heating energy by half or more. Some homes save 60 per cent compared to old electric heaters.
Compared with gas boilers
Gas is cheaper than electricity per unit in the UK. This makes some people worry about running costs. But the higher efficiency of a heat pump balances things out. A boiler gives out less heat for the energy it burns. A heat pump can give out three times as much. So even with higher electricity prices, savings are still possible.
Factors that affect savings
Your home plays a big role in the savings. If your house is not insulated, the pump must work harder. This lowers efficiency and raises bills. Radiators also matter. Older radiators may not spread the heat well at lower water temperatures. Modern radiators or underfloor heating help a lot. Using smart controls can also cut wasted heat.
Seasonal changes
Air source heat pumps work in all seasons. In winter, the outside air is colder. The pump must work harder to collect heat. The efficiency drops, but the system still produces heat. In spring and autumn, efficiency rises again. Across a year, savings balance out. A good system design takes all seasons into account.
Example savings in the UK
Take a typical three-bed semi-detached home. It may use 15,000 kilowatt hours of gas each year for heating. With a heat pump, that could fall to 5,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.
Even with higher electricity prices, the energy use is lower. That means lower carbon emissions, too. Some homes may save £200 a year. Some may save £400 or more. The exact figure depends on usage and tariffs.
Carbon savings
Energy use is not only about money. Many people care about the climate. An air source heat pump produces fewer carbon emissions than a gas boiler.
The UK electricity grid is getting greener each year. More wind and solar power means less fossil fuel use. So, as the grid improves, heat pumps save even more carbon. Over ten years, one system can cut many tonnes of carbon.
Government support
The UK government wants more homes to use heat pumps, which is why Air Source Heat Pump Grants are available to help with costs.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives up to £7,500 towards the price. This makes it easier for families to switch. With this support, the payback time is shorter. It also means you start saving energy sooner.
Long-term savings
A heat pump can last 15 to 20 years with good care. During that time, the energy savings add up. Even if bills are not always lower, you still save carbon. You also protect yourself from gas price rises in the future. As the UK moves away from gas, electricity will be the stable choice.
Things to check before installing
Before getting a heat pump, check your home. Look at insulation, windows, and draughts. Upgrading these makes the pump work better. Check your radiators too. A heat loss survey can tell you what changes are needed. This ensures the pump is sized right. A well-designed system will save the most energy.
Everyday use tips
How you use the system affects savings, too. Set a steady temperature instead of switching on and off. Let the pump run at lower power for longer. Do not block radiators or vents. Use smart timers to heat rooms when needed. Small changes in use can increase savings.
Final thoughts
An air source heat pump is not magic. It will not save the same amount in every home. But it is far more efficient than gas or electric heating. With the right set-up, you can cut bills and carbon. Government heat pump grants make it easier to start. Over time, the savings are clear. If you want to lower energy use, an air source heat pump is worth a look.
