How Effective are Air Source Heat Pumps in the UK?
Green energy is becoming increasingly popular in the UK with renewable energy now accounting for over half of all electricity generated. However, about 90% of our household energy consumption is still carbon-sourced.
The majority of this is taken up by our central heating which is currently predominately powered by gas or another form of fossil fuel. The heating sector generates about 37% of total UK carbon emissions. Now is the time for action if the country is to hit its net-zero by 2050 target.
How does an Air Source Heat Pump work?
Air Source Heat Pumps take heat from the outside air and distribute it throughout the house through underfloor heating, radiators, and convectors, among other things. An Air Source Heat Pump can be compared to a refrigerator in reverse. An Air Source Heat Pump extracts heat from the outside air and uses it within the building, whereas a refrigerator absorbs heat from inside air and vents it outside.
Do Air Source Heat Pumps work in the UK?
The market for Heat Pumps gained traction initially in Norway and other parts of Scandinavia as a domestic solution to home heating due to their low cost and efficiency in low temperatures and have just overtaken gas boilers as the number one domestic heating system in Germany. These are countries with harsher winters than the UK and so if they can provide warm, cosy homes and function properly throughout winter, there is no reason why there would be any issues in the UK.
