The Top 9 Myths About Heat Pumps Debunked Read an interesting article on theecoexperts.co.uk about heat pump myths, so thought a good idea to share. Myth #1: “Heat pumps are too noisy. In fact, the Energy Saving Trust...

[UK Sentinel]

Read an interesting article on theecoexperts.co.uk about heat pump myths, so thought a good idea to share.

Myth #1: “Heat pumps are too noisy.

In fact, the Energy Saving Trust estimates that heat pumps make about as much noise as a refrigerator.

 

Myth #2: “Heat pumps aren’t suitable for most homes.”

Despite this myth doing the rounds, heat pumps can actually be installed in most types of properties – from detached houses to high-rise flats, and modern homes to old farmhouses.

 

Myth #3: “Heat pumps aren’t efficient during cold winters.”

heat pumps will be affected by cold conditions, typically performing at around 20% less efficiency. But this still makes them at least 2.4 times more efficient than gas boilers during the winter.

 

Myth #4: “The upfront cost of heat pumps is too expensive.”

Upfront cost of installing a heat pump can be pretty steep. The typical cost of an air source heat pump is around £10,000, while the typical cost of a ground source heat pump starts at around £13,000 currently.

 

Myth #5: Heat pumps only work with underfloor heating.

it’s important to remember that since heat pumps take longer to warm up homes compared to traditional boilers, they need a larger surface area to work with in order to reach the same temperature level. This means that heat pumps work more effectively if they’re connected to an underfloor heating system – but they also work well with radiators.

 

Myth #6: “Heat pumps take up a lot of space”.

Although heat pumps have a lot of external components – like outdoor units, pipes, and underground loops (only for ground source) – they don’t actually take up that much space. Of course, radiators need to be larger for a heat pump to be effective, but you can avoid this issue by investing in an underfloor heating system.

 

Myth #7: “Heat pumps are expensive to run”.

Given the fluctuations in the Gas market,  heat pumps are amazingly efficient. They’re three times as efficient as a gas boiler, so for every unit of energy you put in, you get three units of heat out of a heat pump.

 

Myth #8: “Heat pumps need to stay on all the time”.

If heat pumps are used in a house with barely any insulation, or old insulation that needs replacing, the building won’t be able to lock in the heat – which is why they might have to stay on all day for some people.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, warm a house gradually, meaning it takes longer to heat the building. This means that if the home isn’t well insulated, then the gradual heat increase won’t be very effective

 

Myth #9: “Heat pumps are high maintenance”.

In contrast to this claim, generally, heat pumps are a low-maintenance bit of kit. In fact, the most important part of looking after your heat pump is to keep it clean and make sure the airflow isn’t being obstructed.

You also only have to get your heat pump serviced every few years – although, this will depend on the warranty conditions on your system.

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