Heat Pumps FAQs
What is an air source heat pump (ASHP)?
An ASHP is a low-carbon heating system that extracts heat from the outside air (even in cold weather) and uses it to heat your home and hot water.
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How efficient are heat pumps?
Very efficient — they typically produce 3–4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used to run the heat pump. That’s up to 400% efficient, compared to gas boilers which are usually around 90%.
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Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Yes! Modern heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in temperatures as low as -15°C.
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Are heat pumps noisy?
Not at all. Most heat pumps are very quiet — comparable to a fridge or a quiet fan outside.
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How much space do I need for an ASHP?
You’ll need some outdoor space for the unit, with approx. 1.5m in front of it for airflow, and room inside for a hot water cylinder. We can help you assess the space during a free site survey.
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Can I use a heat pump with my existing radiators?
Sometimes, yes — but often, larger radiators or underfloor heating may be needed for maximum efficiency. We’ll check this as part of the heat loss assessment.
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Are there any government grants or funding available?
Yes — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in the UK offer a grant of £7,500 towards the cost of an ASHP installation.
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How long does a ASHP installation take?
With proper maintenance, a heat pump can last 15-20 years or more.
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How long do heat pumps last?
With proper maintenance, a heat pump can last 15–20 years or more.
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Do heat pumps need a lot of maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is needed on an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP). An annual service is recommended, similar to a boiler check, to keep the system running efficiently We have a dedicated service and maintenance team so we are well placed to keep your ASHP running without any issues.
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Which is more efficient: an air source heat pump (ASHP) or a ground source heat pump (GSHP)?
Both Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) are highly efficient renewable heating systems, but GSHPs typically offer higher efficiency, especially in colder weather. This is because ground temperatures remain more stable throughout the year, whereas air temperatures fluctuate.
That said, ASHPs are more cost-effective to install, require less disruption, and often make more sense in retrofit or space-constrained settings. GSHPs tend to perform slightly better over the long term, but they come with higher upfront costs due to the groundworks involved.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your property type, available space, and budget — and we’re happy to advise on what’s right for you.
Get in contact in whichever way suits you and we will be happy to help and support you to find a solution thats suits your budget.
How much land do I need for a ground source heat pump (GSHP)?
It depends on the type of ground collector system:
Horizontal Loops (Trenched):
For a horizontal system, you typically need 2–3 times the heated floor area of your home in outdoor space. The loops are buried in trenches around 1–2 metres deep and spaced a metre apart. For example, a 150 m² home might require around 300–450 m² of clear land. The ground should ideally be soft and accessible for machinery.
Vertical Boreholes:
If outdoor space is limited, vertical boreholes are a great alternative. These go deep underground — usually 60–150 metres per borehole. A typical system may need 1–3 boreholes, depending on heat demand and ground conditions. Each borehole only requires around a few square metres of surface space, making it ideal for smaller plots.
We’ll always carry out a heat loss calculation and ground assessment to recommend the most suitable option for your property.
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What water source is required for a water source heat pump (WSHP)?
A water source heat pump (WSHP) requires access to a reliable body of water such as a lake, river, stream, or even a large pond. The water must be close enough to the property to allow for efficient heat exchange, and it should have a consistent flow and depth to maintain performance throughout the year.
We’ll always assess the suitability of a water source during a site survey — taking into account flow rates, temperature, and environmental permissions.
If you have a water source on or near your land, a WSHP could be an incredibly efficient and low-maintenance option.
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