Air sourced heat pumps are becoming more affordable to install and the demand is increasing according to the latest figures released by the government.

Their figures show that in February there was a 75% increase in applications compared to the same month in 2023 and it marks the fourth month that there have been more than 2,000 applications since grants for air source and ground source heat pumps increased to £7,500.

Up to the end of February, there have been a total of 35,741 applications with the scheme paying out close to £127 million in vouchers to customers.

Sustained increase and interest

Heat pumps capture heat from air, ground or water which is then passed through a heat exchanger. This is then absorbed by the refrigerant gas, raising the temperature, after which it is moved to a compressor, where pressure is applied to create a higher temperature. From here, it passes through another heat exchanger, where energy is transferred to the water that flows through your radiators or underfloor heating and to the water stored in your hot water cylinder.

Charlotte Lee, CEO of the Heat Pump Association said: “It’s great to see the sustained increase and interest in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme since the grant uplift in October 2023, alongside the publication of a government guide for potential heat pump owners which will help to increase the awareness of heat pumps, from a trusted source.
“Heat pumps provide a very efficient, effective solution to decarbonising home heating and enhance the UK’s energy security, and it is wonderful to see interest and awareness from consumers increasing.”

As cost-effective as possible for homeowners

The government is also trying to make it as cost-effective as possible for homeowners to install heat pumps. It is doing this by offering grants of £7,500 towards the cost as well as making changes to Boiler Upgrade Scheme criteria. This means that families no longer have to install cavity wall or loft insulation to use the scheme, giving them greater choice on how they improve their homes and potentially reducing the costs associated with installing a heat pump.

Joanna O’Loan, Knowledge Manager at Energy Saving Trust, says: “Air source heat pumps are the most commonly installed in the UK. Including VAT, labour costs and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, you could expect to pay around £6,500 to £11,500 depending on the work required.”

Older homes and cold weather

The UK has a lot of old homes and according to Bean Beanland, Director for Growth at the Heat Pump Federation, the challenge here is minimising heat loss, through insulation where possible.
Heat can also be generated in weather that is below freezing as Katy King, Deputy Director, Sustainable Future Mission at Nesta, elaborates: “Research shows that heat pumps are more than twice as efficient as fossil fuel heating in cold temperatures, and they also outperform oil and gas at temperatures approaching -30°C.”

Heating water

A big issue for households used to heating their water through the boiler is whether it can provide enough domestic hot water. The answer to this is yes, states Richard Halsey, Innovation Director for Growth at Energy Systems Catapult: “A heat pump heats the water in much the same way as a gas boiler. On the Electrification of Heat Demonstration Project, we found that heat pumps can operate efficiently at moderate and high flow temperatures. As with any heating system, optimising system design can drive efficiency and reduce energy bills. As part of system optimisation, some radiators may need to be changed to larger ones. A good designer will help consumers to maximise efficiency, and reduce disruption and costs.”

Is your home suitable for a heat pump?

Zoe Guijarro, Principal Policy Manager for Net Zero Homes at Citizens Advice, elaborates: “Start by finding out if your home is suitable for a heat pump or if it would benefit from some energy efficiency work first to make sure your heat pump works as efficiently as possible. You’ll also need to be sure you have enough space to have a heat pump and water cylinder installed.”

Once you have decided to go ahead, it is advisable to understand the costs involved and if you might qualify for any grants to help with the costs of installation. First, check what support is available, and contact reputable suppliers or installers for a quote.