As a novice to the ins and outs of electrified heat, I have been surprised by the recent boom in news stories about heat pumps. So, I wanted to explore further into the pros and cons of these heat-creating machines.

First things first, let’s clarify what they are. Heat pumps harvest heat energy from the ground (GSHP) or air (ASHP), and either use it immediately as space heating or store it in a medium for later use as domestic hot water or space heating. This is exciting as you get more power out than what you put in.

The UK Government hopes to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028, offering each household a £5,000 grant towards the cost. The heat pump’s intention is to reduce your energy bills. Worldwide, the International Energy Agency predicts that heat pumps could slash carbon emissions by 500 million tonnes by the year 2030.

So, what’s not to like?

First, there is a perception that living in a cold country heat pumps won’t work as well as they do in hotter climates. Next, there are some individuals who complain about the noise pollution it produces. Finally, it could be less efficient than other alternatives if users don’t consider the insulation that is already in place within a building.  It isn’t as simple as installing it and expecting it to be a better option. These reasons may explain why only around 50,000 heat pumps were installed in 2021.

So, do you think the UK should be doing more to push this technology into homes or are there better alternatives?

If you are interested in electrified heat or heat pumps, our Guide to Implementing Electrified Heat in Domestic Properties may be of value to you. The guide is available in both printed and e-book formats.

To find out more please visit: https://shop.theiet.org/guide-to-implementing-electrified-heat-in-domestic-properties