How Much Can I Save on Energy Bills with an Air Source Heat Pump?
As energy prices continue to rise, finding efficient and cost-effective heating solutions is more important than ever. For homeowners in the UK considering a switch to sustainable heating, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are an increasingly popular option. There are a number of excellent reasons to install an air source heat pump, which offers benefits such as reducing your carbon footprint, increasing your property value, and – perhaps most importantly – lowering your energy bills by up to £1,400 per year. In this blog, we’ll look into why an ASHP can save you money, and just how much you can save on energy costs by installing one. We’ll also introduce Adlår’s dual heat pump system, an innovative variant on the standard ASHP that helps to further boost your long-term savings thanks to its maximised efficiency.
How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Save Money?
An air source heat pump operates by extracting ambient heat from the outdoor air and converting it into indoor heating. Since warmth is present in all air that has a higher temperature than absolute zero ( which is -273.15°C), this process can work even in freezing conditions. Most ASHPs can still effectively warm your home when the temperature outside goes as low as -10°C. In the UK, where the average winter temperature is between 2°C and 7°C, this should be plenty sufficient for most homeowners. However, for those in colder climates, some models are designed to work when temperatures fall to -25°C! Unlike traditional heating systems, which burn fossil fuels with less than 100% efficiency, ASHPs only use a small amount of electricity to operate and are usually between 300 – 400% efficient. This means that for each kWh of electricity consumed, an ASHP can generate 3 – 4 kWh of heat. The result? Substantial savings on heating bills, especially for households switching from electric, oil, or LPG systems. This efficiency can reduce your annual heating costs by anywhere from £280 to £1,400 depending on several factors.Factors That Influence Savings
While switching to an air source heat pump can significantly reduce your heating costs, the amount you save largely depends on factors such as:- Home Insulation – Proper insulation is essential for maximising ASHP efficiency, as it minimises heat loss and reduces the amount of work the pump needs to do.
- Heating Usage Patterns – The more you rely on heating, the greater the potential savings, as ASHPs are most efficient during high-use periods.
- Energy Prices – Changes in energy costs can impact your annual savings, with ASHPs offering greater benefits in times of high electricity and fuel prices.
- Home Size – Larger homes typically require more heat, so they stand to save more from an efficient heating source like an ASHP.
- Current Heating System – type of heating system you are replacing
- Local Climate – since their efficiency is influenced by outdoor temperatures, most ASHPs operate best in climates where temperatures remain above -10°C year-round.
- The Efficiency of Your New ASHP – air source heat pumps with a higher Coefficient of Performance (COP) are more efficient, and therefore offer better savings.
Estimated Annual Savings with an ASHP
With the variation caused by different impacting factors in mind, according to our rough calculations, here’s a breakdown of potential savings when switching to an air source heat pump:- From Electric Heating – Switching from electric heating to an ASHP can lead to annual savings of £500 to £1,200, due to the high cost of electricity relative to the pump’s efficient operation.
- From Oil Heating – Households with oil heating could save between £280 and £900 each year with an ASHP, as oil prices fluctuate throughout the year and are typically higher during winter.
- From Gas Heating – While gas is currently a relatively affordable option, ASHPs still offer savings ranging from £290 to £600, especially for households with very high energy needs.
- From LPG Heating – Households relying on LPG may save £650 to £1,400 annually, as LPG is generally more costly than natural gas and oil, making the savings potential greater on average.
