Top Five Heat Pump Myths Debunked

air source heat pump with question marks surrounding

 

Heat Pumps are the ace up the sleeve in plans for the UK to reach net zero by 2050. Initial take-up has been slower than anticipated but with a ban on gas boilers in new build homes from 2035, the government target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 could still be in reach.

The blame for the slow roll-out can be attributed to many different factors, lack of incentive, expensive, coupled with impressive and intensive lobbying by the gas industry. The spread of misinformation trying to quell the rollout has been rife in the media.

With many myths making the rounds on the internet, it’s important to set the facts straight and get the truth out there!

Here are the top five heat pumps myths that we’ve debunked:

 

MYTH: It’s too cold for Heat Pumps to work in winter

 

In the vast space filled with heat pump myths, one of the big ones; claiming that heat pumps do not work in cold climates/winter, is easy to disprove.

The leaders in heat pump usage across Europe are actually in Sweden and Norway, countries that typically reach -5 degrees in winter on average.

One in four people own heat pumps in Scandinavia, despite calls that the cold would render them useless. In the UK, the average winter temperature is between 2-7 degrees.

Further testing has shown that heat pumps can continue to work effectively in temperatures as low as -25 degrees!

 

MYTH: Heat Pumps are noisy

 

It’s understandable to be concerned about noise levels when installing any new appliance, whether worry over disturbing the neighbours or interrupting personal peace and quiet, it’s not something that is ideal.

Heat pumps do emit some noise, usually about the same as the standard fridge or dishwasher. It’s good to know that when installing a new heat pump, there is volume legislation to comply with and this sits at 42 decibels, around the same level of noise as a library – gas boilers which sit inside the home reach levels of 60 decibels.

Fischer’s unique Heat Pump boasts having a hot water side of the system completely independent of the heating side. Resulting in the ability to switch off the external heat pump unit in summer, and just rely on the hot water unit inside the property, which operates independently as an Aquafficient Eco +, proving further quiet for those summer garden months.

MYTH: Heat pumps aren’t suitable for most homes

This myth is one of the big ones. The bulk of misinformation has been around suitability and false claims heat pumps will leave consumers worse off.

This isn’t true.

The first major survey of heat pump users found 81% of households were as satisfied or more satisfied compared with their previous heating systems, including gas boilers and oil systems. Two-thirds were satisfied without energy efficiency upgrades.

With every enquiry, Fischer will offer a free heating survey, advising and ensuring that the correct products are installed in the home.

 

MYTH: Heat Pumps don’t work if my home isn’t well-insulated

While it’s true that if your home is highly insulated, a heat pump will perform to a higher standard, this is no different to any form of heating, the less heat that can escape the more efficiently the home will be heated.

According to a recent survey, satisfaction levels of those in Victorian or older properties, usually those with less insulation were at 83%, which appears to contradict concerns that heat pumps are only effective in modern buildings or those that have undergone extensive energy efficiency upgrades.

Fischer’s offers a hybrid heating solution, combining unique heat pumps in a package with HeatCore radiators and an electric water heating system to provide total comfort and control over your heating in the home.

 

 

MYTH: Heat Pumps are too expensive

Air Source Heat Pumps do have an upfront cost that causes question marks to fly on whether or not to install one. The initial outlay can reach up to £10,000

As with new technology, these prices will dip in time and it’s important to note any upfront cost.

Remember to be aware of the various government schemes or company offers that are increasingly commonplace such as the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which is running until 2028 and offers £7,5000 off the cost of an Air Source Heat Pump.

Whether it’s an Air Source Heat Pump, HeatCore Radiator or Electric Boiler, making the switch to an electric heating solution is the best way to #PowerToZero and provide a cleaner, better more secure future for everyone!

 

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