Is My Off-Grid Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?

As we all strive for a greener future, it's essential to address the environmental impact of heating our homes, which accounts for a significant 14% of the UK's carbon emissions. This challenge becomes even more critical for homes off the mains gas grid, often older, less energy-efficient, and demanding more heat. The government's ambitious plan to phase out traditional boilers and encourage eco-friendly alternatives is well underway. Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homeowners are eligible for £5,000 grants to invest in heat pumps and other low carbon heating systems. By 2028, the government aims to install a staggering 600,000 heat pumps annually.

Here, our experts at Northern Energy share answers to some common questions surrounding heat pumps, so you can determine whether they are the best environmental solution for your home.

What is a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps, particularly air source heat pumps, are pivotal in the nation's journey toward achieving net-zero emissions. But before considering this transition, it's crucial to understand that heat pumps require specific conditions for optimal performance. These systems resemble outdoor air conditioning units, operating on a refrigeration principle. They extract heat from the outdoor air, amplify it with a compressor, and then distribute it indoors to heat radiators or underfloor systems. Any excess heat is stored in a hot water cylinder, ready for use in showers, baths, and taps. While the pump and compressor run on electricity, efficient installation in the right conditions ensures they consume less energy than the heat they generate.

Is Your Home Adequately Insulated for a Heat Pump?

To make heat pumps efficient, your home must have proper insulation. Heat pumps operate at lower temperatures compared to traditional heating systems, so draughty homes can slow down the heating process. Unfortunately, the UK's housing stock is among the least energy-efficient in Europe, and significant upgrades may be necessary for many homes to become suitable for heat pumps.

Around 25 million homes lack adequate insulation, and improving insulation in older off-grid properties can be challenging and costly. For instance, homes heated with oil often have solid walls, which are difficult and expensive to insulate. Solid wall insulation costs can range from £5,000 to £11,000 and may affect a home's appearance.

Do You Have the Right Radiators to use with a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps require low-temperature radiators or underfloor heating because they operate at lower temperatures. Unlike boilers that rapidly heat spaces, heat pumps are designed to run continuously, maintaining a consistent ambient temperature. Boilers can heat radiator water up to 75°C, whereas heat pumps are most efficient when circulating hot water at temperatures between 35°C and 45°C. If your home lacks compatible radiators, you may need to factor this into the installation costs.

Do You Have Adequate Space for a Heat Pump?

Not all homes are suitable for air source heat pump installations, but they can be a good choice for well-insulated new-builds, although not always for older properties. You do need outdoor space to accommodate the unit, and this may not be feasible in flats or terraced houses with limited outdoor areas. For efficient heat extraction from the air, the unit must be situated where there is ample airflow and accessibility for maintenance. Additionally, some heat pump models can be noisy during operation, so consider the impact on your surroundings. You'll also need indoor space for a hot water cylinder, which can be challenging in smaller properties.

How much does it cost to install a Heat Pump?

The installation cost of an air source heat pump can range from £7,000 to £19,000, depending on the system's complexity and size. Given the substantial investment, the government is offering £5,000 grants to 90,000 homes in England and Wales as part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Additionally, you may need to budget for home upgrades such as insulation, double glazing, larger radiators, or underfloor heating to achieve optimal performance, all of which can prove costly.

The Pros and Cons of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

ASHPs are the most used type of heat pump, but like any technology, they come with their advantages and disadvantages:

Benefits of an Air Source Heat Pump:

• Safer option as they don't involve combustion
• Ideal for well-insulated homes with underfloor heating
• Reduce carbon emissions and efficiently convert energy to heat
• Require less maintenance compared to traditional boilers
• Can function as an air conditioner in the summer

Disadvantages of an Air Source Heat Pump:

• High installation costs
• Performance drops when used with standard-sized radiators
• Efficiency decreases in very cold weather
• Reports of issues with return on investment, noise levels, and maintenance costs
• Less control and responsiveness compared to conventional boilers

Exploring Alternative Options

While heat pumps are an eco-friendly choice for off-grid heating, other alternatives might better suit your needs, especially if you don’t have the existing insulation or space to allow the installation:

• Renewable Gasses: If you currently use standard LPG, consider upgrading to BioLPG or rDME, renewable gasses that are coming soon. Both work in your existing LPG system, delivering the same performance while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
• HVO Heating Oil: HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is another option coming soon for those using domestic heating oil. It can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, and it's compatible with existing oil-fired central heating systems, eliminating the need for costly retrofits.
• Carbon Offsetting: While waiting for these alternative options, many providers offer carbon offsetting for Oil and LPG customers, including us! This means you can reduce your carbon footprint without additional costs, as the service automatically offsets every delivery.

Northern Energy, off-grid energy experts

Determining whether a heat pump is suitable for your off-grid home involves careful consideration of insulation, radiators, space, and installation costs. While heat pumps offer a greener option, alternatives like LPG and Bio-LPG may better fit your needs. These choices can help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For further information on how you can improve the environmental impact of heating our homes, contact our energy experts or request a quote today.