Air Source Heat Pump: Efficient heating from the air
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are an energy-efficient way to heat your home and provide hot water. They work by extracting heat from the outside air and using it to warm your home, even in colder temperatures. With support from the ECO4 scheme, many households can have air source heat pumps installed at little or no upfront cost, making it easier to transition to a low-carbon heating solution.
Why should you have an air source heat pump?
Air source heat pumps are highly efficient and can significantly reduce your reliance on gas or oil boilers. They are environmentally friendly, producing lower carbon emissions compared to traditional heating systems. Installing an ASHP can help future-proof your home against rising energy costs and improve your property’s energy efficiency rating. They work well in homes with good insulation, so combining them with measures such as loft, cavity wall, or underfloor insulation maximises savings and comfort.
The pros of having an air source heat pump
Air source heat pumps offer a range of benefits. They can lower your energy bills by using renewable energy from the air to heat your home. ASHPs provide a consistent source of heating and hot water throughout the year and reduce your household’s carbon footprint. They also work well with underfloor heating and smart controls, improving overall comfort and efficiency. Additionally, installing an ASHP can increase your property’s energy efficiency rating, which may enhance its value.
The cons of not having an air source heat pump
Without an air source heat pump, your home relies more heavily on traditional heating systems, which can be less efficient and more costly to run. This leads to higher energy bills and greater carbon emissions. Older boilers may need replacing sooner due to increased demand, and you miss out on potential government support for low-carbon heating solutions. Not upgrading your heating system also means missing the opportunity to combine it with insulation improvements for maximum efficiency.
What schemes cover Air source heat pumps?
Air source heat pumps are covered under the ECO4 scheme. ECO4 focuses on helping households most at risk of fuel poverty, offering free or subsidised low-carbon heating solutions to make the transition more affordable. The Great British Insulation Scheme does not cover air source heat pumps.
What’s Included in the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO4 scheme offers a wide range of fully funded or heavily subsidised energy-saving measures, all designed to improve your home’s efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Depending on your property and circumstances, you may be eligible for:
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
- Room-in-roof insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- Internal or external wall insulation (for solid wall properties)
- First-time central heating systems
- Boiler upgrades or replacements
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar panels
- Smart heating controls
Every home is different, so the improvements you receive will depend on a survey of your property and what’s most suitable to bring it up to a better energy efficiency rating.
How do I know if I qualify?
To qualify for the ECO4 scheme, your household usually needs to meet certain criteria. The scheme is mainly aimed at homes with low energy efficiency and people on lower incomes or receiving specific benefits.
You might be eligible if:
- Your home has a low EPC rating (typically E or below for homeowners)
- You receive qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, or Child Benefit (depending on your income and household size)
- You live in privately owned rental with an EPC rating of E, F, or G
- You are referred through a local authority or GP under the LA Flex rules, even if you do not claim benefits
Ready to find out? Get in touch today, have a chat and we can help answer any questions you may have.
