Debunking the top myths about air source heat pumps

Looking to make your home heating more environmentally friendly? Air source heat pumps could be the answer you're looking for. These efficient systems are becoming increasingly popular as a low-carbon heating solution. However, despite their benefits, there are still many myths surrounding them that might be holding some people back from making the switch. In this blog, we'll set the record straight and debunk some of the most common misconceptions about heat pumps.

But first, we must ask: What is a heat pump?

When surveyed, a quarter of us admitted that we're unsure of what heat pumps are or how they work. It’s simple, really: an air source heat pump works by absorbing heat from the environment, even when temperatures are well below freezing. It extracts heat from the air around us and transfers that heat to the inside of your home, keeping you warm and comfortable. If you want to learn more about how heat pumps work, visit our air source heat pump guide.

1. Are air source heat pumps noisy?

Myth: Heat pumps are loud and disruptive.

Fact: Heat pumps operate quietly - roughly the same volume as a fridge.

Nearly a third of people believe that heat pumps generate excessive noise, but this isn't the case. Heat pumps are designed to be as quiet as possible, and their noise levels are comparable to those of a fridge. The impact of this low-level noise is then reduced further when you remember that heat pumps are installed outside your home. If you've heard of a noisy heat pump, don't blame the tech; chances are, it hasn't been installed properly.

2. Are heat pumps expensive?

Myth: Heat pumps are too expensive.

Fact: Though the initial cost can be high, heat pumps offer long-term energy savings, making them a worthwhile investment.

There are government heat pump grants that can make the initial cost much more manageable. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) of up to £7,500 is a game-changer that brings down the cost of getting a heat pump. After the government grant, the cost of a heat pump can range from £3,999⁽¹⁾ to over £10,000 (£3,999 price assumes reuse of a suitable existing hot water cylinder. Homes requiring a new cylinder will have an additional cost).

If you live in Scotland, you could take advantage of the Home Energy Scotland grants, which offer up to £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump. This increases to £9,000 for those in remote regions who are eligible for a rural uplift. Additionally, if you live in Scotland, you have the option to apply for an interest-free loan, covering a maximum of £7,500 for the remaining costs of a heat pump installation. This means that households in Scotland can get financial support of up to £15,000 for purchasing and installing a heat pump.

While heat pumps do have a higher upfront cost than traditional heating systems, they can save you money in the long run. Heat pumps are more energy efficient than conventional systems, which means you'll lower your carbon footprint, and you may save money on your energy bills. According to Energy Saving Trust, replacing an old (G-rated) gas boiler with an air-source heat pump could currently save you up to £290⁽²⁾. Visit our air source heat pump cost guide to learn more.

At EDF, we're doing everything we can to make heat pumps a more affordable option for our customers, and that's why we're offering a range of air source heat pump tariffs that all come with twice-daily discounts on energy. 

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3. Do heat pumps work in winter?

Myth: Heat pumps are not effective in winter.

Fact: Air source heat pumps are built to work efficiently even in freezing temperatures, as low as -25°C, and are commonly used in colder countries like Norway and Finland.

Air source heat pumps are designed to handle all types of weather, even the cold. As the outside temperatures drop, the heat pump efficiency will gradually reduce; however, they're still capable of working well when temperatures are as low as -25°C! If you're concerned about winter performance, keep in mind that air source heat pumps are very popular in Scandinavian countries, which have much harsher winters than the UK. In Norway, for example, one in three people owns a heat pump.

4. Can heat pumps only be installed in new builds?

Myth: Heat pumps can't be installed in older properties.

Fact: Heat pumps can be installed in both old and new properties, as long as the home is properly insulated.

23% of people believe that heat pumps can only be installed in new homes. In reality, heat pumps aren't exclusive to new builds; they can work in older properties too, as long as they're well insulated. Heat pumps offer a great solution for upgrading older or outdated heating systems in your home.

Unless you live in a listed building or conservation area, your home probably won't require planning permission to install a heat pump. If in doubt, always check with your local planning authority for accurate guidance. Want to learn more about heat pump installations? Check out our air source heat pump installation guide.

5. Do heat pumps work with existing radiators and underfloor heating?

Myth: Heat pumps aren’t compatible with existing radiators or underfloor heating.

Fact: Heat pumps can work with both existing radiators and underfloor heating. However, some older radiators may need to be upgraded.

Air source heat pumps work perfectly well with radiators. Many homes with radiators are already suitable for the installation of a heat pump, although some homes may require a few radiators to be upgraded to a larger size. Heat pumps work better with a large surface area. This means heat pumps also work well if they’re connected to an underfloor heating system.

Furthermore, if you don't want to change your radiators, you could opt to install a high temperature heat pump. High temperature heat pumps are designed for older and/or smaller radiators as they use higher water temperatures.

6. Do radiators get hot with a heat pump?

Myth: Radiators don't get hot enough with a heat pump, and rooms won't be warm enough.

Fact: While radiators may not feel as hot to touch, heat pumps deliver steady, even warmth throughout your home.

Before your heat pump is installed, our expert installers will go through a full survey of your property. They'll design a heating system that will keep your rooms at your preferred temperature and comfort level. The surface temperature of your radiators may feel cooler than you're used to, but don't worry, your rooms will feel just as warm.
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7. Do air source heat pumps require planning permission?

Myth: You need planning permission for heat pumps.

Fact: Most air source heat pump installations don’t need planning permission unless the property is listed or in a conservation area.

Air source heat pumps typically fall under 'permitted development right', so in most cases, homeowners can install them without planning permission, provided they meet the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Planning Standards (MCS).

However, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, we recommend speaking to your local planning office. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Heat pumps aren't considered to be a permitted development if they're installed within the boundaries of a listed building

• In conservation areas or World Heritage Sites, heat pumps cannot be installed on walls or roofs too close to a highway.

   

8. Are air source heat pumps sustainable?

Myth: Heat pumps rely on fossil fuels, so they’re not a sustainable option.

Fact: Heat pumps run on electricity and can be powered by renewables, making them a low-carbon heating option.

If your home currently uses fossil fuels like gas, oil or LPG for heating, switching to a heat pump means you'll no longer rely on these fuels. Heat pumps don't burn fossil fuels; instead, they use electricity, allowing for a more sustainable heating solution.

While heat pumps are a more sustainable option compared to traditional gas boilers, their dependence on electricity means they can't be completely carbon-neutral. However, with an increasing share of the electricity in the UK generated from renewable sources, heat pumps become a more environmentally friendly choice than gas boilers. If you pair your heat pump with solar panels, you can heat your home using the renewable energy you produce. This option isn't available with gas boilers, further demonstrating that heat pumps are the way forward.

According to EDF Heat Pumps MD Clayton Browne, “You should install a heat pump because it's the right thing to do for our environment and because you would be future-proofing your home by decarbonising your heating system.”

9. Can air source heat pumps provide hot water?

Myth: Heat pumps can't heat water.

Fact: Heat pumps can heat water using a hot water cylinder!

Whether a heat pump can heat water depends on the type of heat pump you install. An air source heat pump also known as an 'air-to-water heat pump' can heat water.

However, unlike a combi boiler, an air source heat pump doesn't supply hot water on demand. You'll need a way of storing hot water for when you need it, like a hot water cylinder. The heat pump works by transferring heat from the outside air to the water in the cylinder.

If you don't have room for a hot water cylinder, you could opt for a hybrid system that combines a heat pump for heating with a boiler that provides hot water on demand.

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10. Can solar panels run an air source heat pump?

Myth: Heat pumps can't be powered by solar energy.

Fact: Yes, heat pumps can be powered by solar panels, especially when paired with battery storage. However, this depends on your energy use and system size.

This isn't true! It's entirely possible to power an air source heat pump with solar panels. Since solar panels generate electricity, they can supply the energy needed for the heat pump, which runs on electricity. However, this will vary based on how much electricity you use and the number of solar panels and batteries installed.

To make the most of this setup at night, you'll need battery storage. Without it, you'll be relying on electricity from the grid to heat your home after the sun goes down.

11. Can you use heat pumps for cooling?

Myth: Heat pumps only provide heating.

Fact: Some heat pumps can provide cooling as well as heating.

Some heat pumps do offer cooling; these are known as 'air to air' heat pumps. Air-to-air heat pumps are great for providing both heating and cooling. They work by taking heat from the outside air and using a fan system to distribute it indoors.

However, not all heat pumps are able to cool, so it's important to check with your chosen manufacturer or installer to find a heat pump model that suits your needs.

While the heat pumps we install can be used for cooling, there are some things to consider:

• They won't work with underfloor heating or traditional radiators due to condensation. This means you'd need to replace them with fan units and insulate all your pipework in your house to prevent condensation
• You won't be eligible for the £7,500 government grant, as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme doesn’t cover air-to-air heat pumps

• An air-to-air heat pump isn't really necessary in the UK because of our climate. Many UK homes are built to retain warmth rather than cool down, making air conditioning less of a necessity.

   

12. Are air source heat pumps as good as gas boilers?

Myth: Gas boilers run better than heat pumps.

Fact: Heat pumps are more energy efficient than gas boilers and provide consistent, low carbon heating.

In the UK, gas boilers have long been a popular choice for home heating. They're fast and powerful, but they come with some downsides. For one, they consume a lot of fuel, which means their efficiency is capped at 100% - that's the best they can do. On the other hand, air source heat pumps stand out as one of the most efficient heating systems available. For every kilowatt of energy they use, they can produce three times as much heat. This makes them a sustainable, low-carbon option that can help you save energy. 

According to Energy Saving Trust, an A-rated boiler loses around 10% of its fuel energy - meaning some of what you pay for is lost! Gas boilers tend to heat up quickly, which can lead to wasted energy. In contrast, air source heat pumps learn from weather conditions and your home's usage patterns. They provide steady, gradual heating, which not only keeps your home comfortable but also uses energy more efficiently.

13. How long do air source heat pumps last?

Myth: Heat pumps don't last as long as boilers.

Fact: Heat pumps usually last up to 20 years, compared to 15 years for gas boilers.

There's a common misconception that air source heat pumps have a shorter lifespan than boilers. In reality, air source heat pumps can last up to 20 years, while the average boiler typically lasts around 15 years. However, it's important to understand that these are averages, and the actual lifespan of a heat pump (and a boiler) can vary based on various factors such as:

• The quality of the installation
• Regular service and maintenance
• How you use your system and the environment it's in

Sustainability isn't just a trend; it's a fundamental shift that's here to stay and evolve. By switching to a heat pump, you can save cash and carbon - potentially lowering your energy bills by £290⁽²⁾!

Now that we've cleared up these myths about air source heat pumps, why not take the next step and explore your options with a personalised estimate?

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