Frequently Asked Questions

You’re stepping into the future, not the unknown.

Heat pumps have been around for over half a century and are used to reliably and efficiently heat tens of millions of homes around the world.

We’ve gathered the most requested answers here, just for you. Of course, if you would rather talk to someone, our expert team are always on hand.

  • An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is an eco-friendly heating system that harnesses heat from the outside air and transfers it into your home to provide warmth. It operates similarly to a reverse refrigerator, extracting outdoor heat to heat your indoor space. ASHPs are a sustainable and efficient choice for home heating. In fact, they are typically more than 4x as energy-efficient as a modern gas boiler.

  • Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) work by utilising a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it inside your home.

    1. Heat Absorption: The ASHP unit contains a refrigerant that evaporates at low temperatures. When outdoor air passes over an evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, causing it to evaporate into a gas.

    2. Compression: The refrigerant is then compressed, which increases its temperature and pressure, transforming it into a hot, high-pressure gas.

    3. Heat Release: This hot gas is then passed through a coil located inside a water tank. Here, it releases the absorbed heat, warming the water for use in taps or radiators.

    4. Repeating the Cycle: The refrigerant returns to its liquid state and the cycle starts anew, continuously extracting heat from the outdoor air to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.

    This process is extremely energy efficient, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating systems. For more information and some cool infographics, check out this newspaper article

  • Millions of people in the freezing climates of Scandinavia rely on heat pumps to keep their homes warm and cozy. In fact, a survey of 670 individuals across Europe, including the UK, who had heat pumps installed revealed that a remarkable 81% experienced a superior level of comfort compared to their previous heating systems.

    However, it's crucial to emphasize that, like any heating equipment, the effectiveness of a heat pump depends on proper design, installation, and maintenance. When these factors are handled correctly, a heat pump is a reliable and efficient way to ensure your home stays comfortably warm, even in the chilliest of weather.

  • Heat pumps work in existing buildings and buildings with or without insulation. The age of the building doesn't matter either - heat pumps work well in old buildings too (as shown in a recent report covering efficiency factors by UK Government / Energy Catapult), the system just needs to be designed accordingly.

    Of course, insulation reduces the heating requirements of the home and so a more insulated property with a heat pump, all else being equal, will have lower fuel bills.

    Do note, however, that in order to receive the BUS Grant (the government's subsidy) a home does need to have a certain level of insulation and so, if you don't have this already, it's worth getting a quote for it. The guidance for the subsidy is here.

  • No, heat pumps are generally quiet. The outdoor unit produces a low-level humming sound, similar to a refrigerator. Modern models are designed with noise reduction features, making them unobtrusive and suitable for residential areas. Indoor units are even quieter, often comparable to background white noise. Overall, heat pumps provide comfortable heating without significant noise concerns.

  • Running costs for an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) can vary based on factors like your property's size, insulation, and local electricity prices. Here's what to consider:

    1. Unit Efficiency: ASHPs are highly efficient by design, and produce more heat energy than the electricity they consume. High-end units are typcially more efficient than budget models. Look for a high Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) rating, which indicates efficiency.

    2. Electricity Prices: Heat Pumps operate off of electricity, so the more competitive you electricity tariff, the lower your running costs will be. If you have your own solar electricity panels, your heating could even be free!

    3. A Well-Designed System: A properly designed and installed ASHP system operates more efficiently, reducing running costs. Ensure your system is tailored to your home's heating needs.

    4. Insulation: Good insulation minimises heat loss, reducing the workload on the ASHP and lowering running costs. Consider improving insulation if needed.

    5. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep the ASHP performing optimally. Budget for annual servicing to maintain efficiency (or get a Foranx subscription, so you don’t have to!).

    Over time, it is expected that renewable energy sources should reduce electricity costs relative to natural gas, meaning that the running costs of a quality ASHP systems should continue to fall relative to gas systems.

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With our hassle-free all-inclusive service, we take care of everything, so you can get back to feeling right at home.

FAQ’s (Continued)

  • Fornax’s Heat Pump Plan involves the installation of a heat pump system in your home, including necessary components like water cylinders and radiators, followed by annual servicing and performance guarantees.

    You pay for this service through manageable monthly payments over a long-term contract, helping to make your transition to a modern, environmentally friendly heating system hassle-free.

  • Fornax Energy is an appointed representative of Product Partnerships Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    Our Heat Pump Plan consists of two financial products: an unregulated 0% interest 12-month credit agreement (covering the purchase of parts of the heating system) and a regulated consumer hire agreement (covering the hire of the rest of the heating system).

    See here for important regulatory disclosures.

  • The cost of installing an Air Source Heat Pump can vary depending on factors such as your property's size, existing heating infrastructure, and specific requirements.

    Government figures state the typical installation cost for an air source heat pump system, before applying government subsidies, was approximately £12,905 for homeowners in England and Wales. Where applicable, subsidies such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help to reduce this figure.

    It's important to note that individual quotes may differ based on unique circumstances and installation needs.

  • Our installers are carefully selected independent plumbing and heating engineers local to your area. Here's what you should know about them:

    1. Experience: Our installers have extensive experience in designing and installing heat pump systems. They are skilled professionals with a proven track record.

    2. MCS Certification: They are registered with MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), which sets industry standards for heat pump installations in the UK. This certification ensures quality and compliance with regulations.

    3. Insurance and Qualifications: Our installers hold appropriate insurance and qualifications, giving you peace of mind during the installation process.

    4. Customer Feedback: We review their prior work and gather feedback from their customers to ensure they provide exceptional service and satisfaction.

    5. Independence: Our installer partners value their independence as local businesses. They collaborate with us to offer you flexible payment options, such as monthly subscriptions, making heat pump installations more accessible.

    Our network of installers is committed to delivering high-quality work and ensuring your heating system operates efficiently. We've vetted them to guarantee you a seamless and reliable installation experience.