What is a Heat Pump?

And why now is the best time to get one.

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are the future of home heating; clean, quiet, efficient, effective. It’s why homeowners are switching to them like never before. But how do they work, and what does it take to get one installed?

The Benefits of Heat Pumps

  • Energy Efficient

    Heat pumps absorb energy from the air around your home and transfer it to you home using only a small amount of electricity. Overall, this process is highly efficient and uses 75% less energy than a gas boiler*, meaning lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

  • Government Incentives

    The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a grant provided by the British government to incentivise people to make the eco-friendly switch from a fossil fuel or oil boiler to a low-carbon heat pump. Customers in England and Wales can get £7,500 off a heat pump with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme*.

  • Slash Carbon Emissions

    By using a little bit of electricity to harness the the energy that is naturally occurring in fresh air, it means you don’t have to burn gas in your home. For a typical home, this means saving a whopping 2.2 tonnes of carbon per year*. It also means no poisonous fumes or risk of explosion!

  • Year-Round Comfort

    Heat pumps are a versatile solution for year-round comfort and operate in even the coldest climates - it’s why over 60% of Norwegian buildings use them*. They also operate best when keeping your home at a constant temperature, meaning no more arguments over when to turn the heating on!

  • 75% Less Energy - Based on a semi-detached 3 bedroom home with no loft or cavity wall insulation using 20,000 kWh gas annually for heating and hot water. Comparing a 90% efficient gas boiler with a 400% efficient Heat Pump.

    2.9 Tonnes of Carbon - a semi-detached home with an old, G-rated gas boiler would save around 2,900kg of carbon dioxide emissions a year by switching to an air source heat pump – the same as flying from Cardiff to Vancouver and back. Source: Energy Savings Trust

    60% of Norwegian Buildings - Source: International Energy Agency - The Future of Heat Pumps

    BUS Eligibility Criteria

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is part of a central heating system that harnesses energy from the outdoor air and uses it to efficiently heat water. Just like a boiler, this heated water then circulates through your home's existing network of radiators or underfloor heating to keep your living spaces at a stable, comfortable temperature.

Heat pumps use 75% less energy than a gas boiler (great for your bills) and can be powered with clean, green electricity (great for the planet).

Why is today the best time to upgrade to a heat pump?

To incentivise the transition to low-carbon technologies, the Government is offering support to homeowners who are looking to make the switch to a heat pump in the form of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). This £7,500 grant is available to most homeowners* in England & Wales, but act fast - it’s not expected to remain this generous for long!

Is my home heat pump ready?

Contrary to much of what you read in the news, most UK homes are already set up for heat pumps. About 15 million are ready to switch with only minor upgrades. For example, if your radiators are old or small, you might need to get newer ones for the best results (and lowest bills).

Fornax includes any necessary upgrades as standard, so you never have to worry about staying cosy year round.

What does getting a heat pump actually involve?

Replacing your existing boiler with a heat pump unit, which will be situated outside. This pumps hot water to a water cylinder (for your showers, washing up etc.) and radiators (to keep your home cosy).

It’s important to have your system designed by an expert, and there are occasionally additional steps (such as getting planning permission) - however at Fornax we take care of these, so you don’t have to!