Perhaps you already own or are considering investing in air source heat pumps. In which case, the overarching question people want to know is, ‘how much electricity does an air source heat pump use?’.
The electricity consumption largely depends on your home’s size, the local climate, and the pump’s efficiency. Typically, you can expect usage ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 kWh annually for a moderate-sized UK home.
But, if you’re looking for a more specific value, you’re going to need to consider your unique circumstances. Let’s break air source heat pumps, and what you need to know.
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a device that transfers heat from outside to inside a building. It’s fundamentally a system that uses the principle of heat transfer to provide both heating and cooling to your home.
Unlike traditional boilers that generate heat, ASHPs move heat that already exists in the air, even when temperatures are low. This, of course, then relies on electricity to run.
It uses two main components: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit captures ambient air, using a refrigerant fluid to absorb the thermal energy.
The refrigerant is transferred indoors, and it releases its heat to warm up your home.
How much is an air source heat pump?
So, how much are they, and do the electricity costs make up for using one over other traditional heating systems?
Typically, the initial cost for purchasing and installing an air source heat pump in the UK ranges from £4,000 to £8,000, but this can vary depending on what system you go for and local prices.
How much electricity do they use?
The amount air source heat pumps used mostly depends on how large your home is, the pump’s efficiency, and your local climate.
Annually, a moderately sized detached home will use about 4,000 to 10,000 kWh of electricity annually. On a daily basis, expect to use about 6-10 kWh. The range is broad, but it really does depend on household needs and temperatures that control the pump’s workload.
A heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its Coefficient of Performance (CoP). This is the ratio of heat output to the electrical energy input. On average, modern units in the UK have a CoP ranging from 2.5 to 4.
This means for every kWh of electricity used, the pump produces approximately 2.5 to 4 kWh of heat. When you’re crunching the numbers, remember that while the upfront cost might seem significant, the operational costs over time are typically better.
Are air source heat pump costs worth it?
It largely depends on your long-term financial perspective. By looking at electricity costs and installation considerations, you can often gauge a good estimate as to whether it is worth the investment in your circumstances.
It can seem pricey compared to other heating systems, but typically the energy bills evens it out over time. And with rising energy prices, there is no better time to make the switch than now.
It is also worth mentioning that there were government incentives like the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI); however, this has since stopped. But there may be other incentives out there, controlled by your local government, so always check before you invest.
