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Are air source heat pumps any good?

With most unfamiliar technolgies, you'll hear unreliable stories and opinions second-hand. We're here to put your mind at ease by debunking some of those common myths.

Do heat pumps work? Dispelling the myths

If you're considering an air source heat pump, but are still apprehensive, we can dispell a few common myths to reassure you on their reliability and performance.

Do air source heat pumps work in cold weather?

Heat pumps provide heat using the outside air in the same way air conditioning can provide heat in your car when it's cold. They'll pull heat from the air in temperatures as low as -27°C.

There's actually more heat pumps in colder European countries than anywhere else in the world. Here in the UK, the climate is actually quite warm in comparison, and perfectly adequate for a heat pump.

Read more about how a heat pump works

Why are air source heat pumps so expensive? They're not

If you have an old inefficient gas boiler, electric storage heater, or an oil or coal fired system - as these are all quite expensive to run - you should see savings.

Some homes that have very low energy bills at the moment, or newer gas boilers, may not see any savings or changes to energy bills initially, but we'll review your existing heating bill when we complete your survey.

As part of assessing if both you and your property are suitable for a heat pump, we'll calculate how your bill may change and what savings you could expect. All this happens before you decide whether or not to have an air source heat pump installed.

Are air source heat pumps noisy?

Any noise that the unit makes can be minimised by the use of rubber dampers. The sound won’t be constant, as the pump only runs when extra heat or hot water is needed. The noise created is at a similar level to what you might hear from an extractor fan, around 50-60dB.

Do heat pumps work? Our guide to air source heat pumps

Watch the video to learn more about air source heat pumps and how they work to heat your home.

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Air source heat pumps don't provide hot water.

Air source heat pump systems use a hot water cylinder to heat water. Your home's water is heated and stored in a cylinder for when you need it.

The cylinder is insulated so once the water is heated it'll stay hot for several hours, so you should always have hot water for washing dishes and running a bath.

We'd recommend the hot water tank to meet your needs, so you'll always have enough hot water for your home.

I won't save money switching to an air source heat pump.

When compared to traditional heating systems, air source heat pumps are not only more eco-friendly, but can soon pay for themselves in the long run.

  • If you're currently using electric storage heaters to heat your home

    If you have old storage heaters, an air source heat pump could save you money and space.

    • You could save up to £1,100 on your annual fuel bill when you replace your old electric storage heaters, and up to £840 if you replace new electric storage heaters with a new air source heat pump.1
  • If you currently use an old oil or gas boiler to heat your home

    Air source heat pumps are a much more sustainable alternative to gas and oil.

    • If you have an old gas boiler (G-rated) You could save up to £340 on your annual fuel bill.2  
    • If you have an old oil boiler (G-rated) You could save up to £510 on your annual fuel bill.3
    • If you have an old LPG boiler (G-rated) You could save up to £510 on your annual fuel bill.4

Do air source heat pumps need servicing?

As per manufacturer guidance and our advice, you’ll need to service your heat pump annually through a qualified heat pump engineer. 

Do air source heat pumps cost a lot of money to run

Air source heat pumps run on electricity. So, typically for every 1 kWh of electricity, an air source heat pump can produce as much as 4kWh of heat annually. The average running costs will vary from one property to another.

Other factors impacting air source heat pump running costs

  • Heat pump design - You could save money on running costs providing a well-designed system is installed. Our energy experts will discuss your required comfort levels to ensure your heat pump design meets your requirements
  • Electricity tariff - heat pumps use electricity, so finding a low-cost electricity tariff can help keep your running costs low.
  • Insulated home – air source heat pump running costs can increase if a property isn’t well insulated.
  • System operation- Our installers will ensure the system is set up to maximise efficiency and meet you comfort requirements. Meaning little input will be required

More about air source heat pumps from E.ON

If you choose to get an air source heat pump from us, you can be confident that you're receiving a product tailored to your requirements, ensuring you get the perfect comfort levels your home needs.

Payment options

You can either pay in full, or spread the cost of your air source heat pump system with up to two years 0% APR interest free credit. We're a credit broker not a lender.7

Read more about finance options
Access to a £7,500 grant

You can get financial help with upfront costs thanks to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7,500.8

Find out about grant eligibility
Installing air source heat pumps across the UK
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A brand you can trust

We're a Which? Trusted Trader, and we cover the installation of the renewable energy products we install in your home through HIES (The Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme.)

Extra protection

We're a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited heat pump installer, and all air source heat pumps come with a seven year manufacturer's warranty.

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