19 September 2024
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The National Audit Office published a report in March this year that states: Low heat pump uptake is slowing progress on decarbonising home heating.
Apart from the perceived cost implications, the report found there are low levels of awareness among households about heat pumps and the steps required to decarbonise their homes. In Scotland a ban on installing gas boilers in new homes and non-domestic buildings came into effect at the start of April this year. In England and Wales the ban on installing gas boilers in new builds comes into force from 2025, so people must have an understanding of the options available.
With that in mind, heat pump manufacturer Daikin UK has shared the following info to help inform consumers and dispel common myths about heat pumps.
Myth #1: They’re expensive
A heat pump is typically three or four times as efficient as a gas boiler, which means you don’t have to buy so much energy. And that means lower energy bills for your home in the long term.
Heating bills quickly add up. When you install a heat pump, you could save up to £545 per year compared with an oil boiler and up to £172 compared with a gas boiler, simply by being more energy efficient. Over a lifetime, your heat pump could save you up to £8383 compared with an oil boiler and £2,851 compared to a gas boiler.
It’s true that a heat pump is initially more expensive to install than a standard boiler; however government funding will help to offset the costs. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives you £7,500 off cost and installation, making your heat pump an even more economical choice.
Myth #2: They’re only suitable for new homes
Heat pumps are suitable for virtually any property. They’re ideal for homes of all shapes and sizes, whether new build or older. While it can be easier to plan a heat pump installation into a new build, there’s absolutely no reason why they can’t be installed in older houses or renovation projects.
The amount of work needed to install a heat pump will depend on a number of factors such as your existing insulation and heating system. Your installer will be able to tell you what modifications need to be made.
At Daikin, we recommend air source heat pumps for many UK homes. Our innovative design means they’re simple to install, with no expensive groundwork, and in most cases no planning permission required.
Myth #3: They’re large and unsightly
The outdoor unit for a heat pump isn’t as big as most people believe. The installer will find a discreet place to place it. It’s worth noting that, if you choose a monobloc heat pump (the all-in-one solution), other than a hot water tank, you won’t need an indoor unit at all.
Daikin’s latest models have been redesigned specifically for home environments, with unobtrusive styling that will blend into any setting and can even provide bespoke vinyl wraps (to match your brickwork, for example) to help the unit merge into the background completely.
The Altherma 3 Low Capacity Monobloc is Daikin’s most compact and stylish design yet. Designed specifically for smaller homes, it’s an all-in-one outdoor unit which is compact enough that the outdoor unit will even fit under a window.
Myth #4: They can only be used for heating
Despite the name, heat pumps can also be used to cool your home. Some heat pumps, if combined with convector units, can also be used for cooling. These heat pumps can cool by reversing the process of transferring heat from one place to another.
A heat pump is an all-in-one year-round home comfort solution that keeps you warm in winter, and cool in summer. It provides heating, cooling and hot water management with just one energy-efficient unit.
But remember, not all heat pumps have the capability of cooling. So if this is a specification you’re looking for, consult your installer first to make sure you choose the right model.
Myth #5: They’re noisy
While it’s normal for heat pumps to make some noise, they are much quieter than most people think.
For example, a Daikin outdoor unit is usually no louder than 60 decibels, just like an electric toothbrush or a normal conversation. Indoor units are even quieter, making a gentle whirring noise which measures 30 decibels at most. For context, that’s quieter than a refrigerator and as soft as a whisper.
Heat pumps are not permitted to produce more than 65-70 decibels, depending on their power - that’s the same noise level as a dishwasher. And, for extra peace of mind, all heat pumps must have a label stating their sound level.
Myth #6: They need loads of maintenance
A heat pump won’t need any more maintenance than your boiler. Your heat pump should be serviced every year, just as you might expect with a boiler. This will ensure it’s running efficiently and it will help to extend its life.
They’re safer too - because heat pumps don’t use flammable gasses, they are fundamentally much safer than a gas boiler. They don’t require annual safety checks to the same extent and your servicing will be focused on maintaining maximum efficiency.
And the good news is that a well-designed heat pump installation is likely to outlast a gas boiler. The typical lifespan of a heat pump is between 15 and 20 years, so you can sit back and relax, knowing that you’ll be saving money, and reducing your carbon footprint, for decades to come.
Myth #7: They can’t cope with cold winters
An air source heat pump will take the heat energy from outside air, even on a cold day, and concentrates it into usable heat for your home, warming radiators or underfloor heating systems. Keeping your home cosy and warm, whatever the weather.
Daikin heat pumps continue to function perfectly when it gets cold outside, coping with temperatures down to -25°C.
For more info and advice on heat pumps visit Daikin.co.uk or to see the technology for yourself, find your nearest Daikin Sustainable Home Centre and speak to an in-store expert.
