The experts from Mitsubishi Electric explain how heat pumps work and why they are an environmentally friendly way to heat your home
As a homeowner, you are probably one of many people wondering how to reduce the environmental impact of your home heating. However, the path to decarbonisation isn’t always easy to navigate. In fact, a recent study from Mitsubishi Electric and Ipsos found that 34% of Britons don’t know the most environmentally friendly way to heat their homes.
It’s important to understand all the options available to improve your home’s energy efficiency, including one of the most fastest growing solutions – the air-source heat pump. As a renewable heating alternative to gas that is capable of providing more than three times the energy it consumes, knowing about this efficient technology is essential.
Getting the basics right
When looking to reduce your carbon footprint, ensuring you get the basics right is critical. Being aware of the measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient is key to being a savvy, eco-conscious consumer.
Measures such as loft insulation can shave a significant amount of money off your energy bills – with the Energy Saving Trust finding that loft insulation can save households as much as £415 a year – and save huge amounts of carbon dioxide. For context, one household’s loft insulation can save up to 1000kg of CO2 emissions a year!
Once you have these energy-saving measures down, it might be time to consider installing an air-source heat pump.
Why should I take action now?
Opting for a heat pump is one of the most effective ways to increase your household energy efficiency. You may find yourself unsure about the right time to start thinking about installation. However, in a world where prices and emissions are constantly rising – there’s no better time than the present – particularly with the availability of government grants.
There are several benefits that air-source heat pumps can provide, and two of the most prominent are decarbonising home heating and adding additional value to your property.
Heating is currently more detrimental to the environment than you might think – contributing to a third of the UK’s carbon emissions – but heat pumps offer a sustainable solution. Figures from the Energy Saving Trust show that switching from an old (G rated) gas boiler to an air-source heat pump could save around 2,900kg of CO2 emissions a year – which is equivalent to driving approximately 7,434 miles in a petrol powered car.
As we all become more aware of these sustainability benefits, more house buyers will seek energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes – and be willing to pay extra to live in them. Therefore, having a heat pump already installed can significantly increase your property’s marketability if you choose to sell. Whether you are selling now or further down the line, having a heat pump sets your house apart as a forward-thinking, sustainable choice in a competitive market.
Decarbonising heating is a particularly important target for the government – with a goal of 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028 – and heat pumps can help keep you on track with regulation now and in the future.
Having a heat pump will also benefit the next generation if you choose to pass your house down, as it future proofs the home from tightening environmental regulations around energy use.
Where do I start?
So, you’ve decided an air-source heat pump is right for you – but where do you begin, and who do you talk to? A great place to start is the Energy Saving Trust, an organisation that provides independent advice on making greener and more efficient energy choices for your home. The Energy Saving Trust lays out the key facts around installation, long-term benefits, and maintenance – but another route to take can be talking directly to heat pump manufacturers.
Going directly to the manufacturer, such as Mitsubishi Electric, who manufactures the award winning Ecodan heat pump, ensures detailed advice about specific products, giving you more insight into exactly what needs to be fitted into your home. Manufacturers can also recommend tried and trusted accredited installers that will ensure your home is fitted with the upmost safety and care.
Trusted manufacturers and installers can also help to understand your specific needs. Every house will have different requirements for installation, for example, some homes may already have suitable radiators that don’t need to be replaced. Knowing what’s right for your home is extremely important.
What financial help can I get?
After gathering critical advice and information from manufacturers, the next step in your heat pump journey might be to seek financial support to cover installation costs. Schemes are available to alleviate the financial burden.
The two main schemes currently running in the UK are the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), and the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan. Understanding the financial support available to help you install an air-source heat pump is essential to securing a good upfront cost.
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers homeowners a £7,500 grant (from 23rd October) towards an air source heat pump. This scheme is open to people in England and Wales, and more information can be found here.
- Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan gives homeowners up to £15,000 to install an air-source heat pump (£7,500 in grant and £7,500 in interest-free loan). This is only open to homeowners in Scotland, and more information can be found here.
Time for change
The environmental and financial benefits of heat pumps are clear, and the UK is beginning to get onboard – from government initiatives to consumer demand. However, there is still misinformation around their installation. Trusted advice and information can be hard to find – but working with the right manufacturer can turn this around to offer a seamless, safe installation.
If you’re ready to start your air-source heat pump journey, make sure to visit the Mitsubishi Electric website for reliable advice that will help you transition to a greener and more efficient way of heating.
