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Heat pump faq's
Northampton, Milton Keynes & Nationwide

A heat pump is basically a home refrigerator functioning in reverse. Like a sponge, the system's refrigerant absorbs the low-grade warmth from outdoor air. From this, a compressor included within the system extracts the warmth from the refrigerant leading to an increase in temperature in the process. This heated water is then utilised in your radiators around your house. Contact us now as we provide to Northampton, Milton Keynes, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford and more despite being based in Northampton.

What differences are there between heat pumps & fossil fuel systems?

The heat pump appliances are not overly different to more traditional ones. This is in that they continue to use the plumbing, radiator and under-floor systems. By replacing the boiler with a single hydro box, we allow the heat pump to take in the heat from outdoor air and send it around the house, rather than the traditional fossil fuel based method.

Can an old boiler be removed and replaced with a new heat pump?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. We carry out a survey to ensure that all power supplies, equipment sightings and central heating are suitable for the task.

Are reverse cycle air source heat pumps now considered as renewable?

Yes our systems are now classed as a renewable technology.

Air Source Heat Pump
Kettering & Wellingborough

Regardless of how low the temperatures are, heat pumps have refrigerant gas allowing for absorbing of any heat available. Utilising a pump, we compress the heat from the refrigerant and create water. The more we compress, the hotter the water available.

How reliable is the heat pump?

With the power the air source heat pump intakes being free due to it being all around, it has a simple job of just pumping it from the outside to your home. Taking approximately just 300 Watts of power to intake 1000 Watts, it is an efficient system. Therefore, with simple maths, every 1kW of energy used equates to 3kW to 5kW of warmth transferred to your house. Fossil fuels on the other hand create far less warmth output, only approximately 0.85kW per kW used. This then promotes our heat pump system as an eco-friendly system, reducing your CO2 emissions.

How easy is it to work?

As with many electrical items available today, there are many options available. However, in the vast majority of cases, once the system is set up, there is rarely a need for it to be adjusted. Other than that, the general running of the system is simple. A thermostat and normal radiators control the temperature, just as with a traditional system. Any other system adjustments are made during maintenance.

The normal life expectancy of the air source heat pump is usually 15 years if properly maintained.

Why choose our heat pumps?
Bedford & surrounding areas

How do maintenance costs differ between conventional systems and the air source heat pumps?

Maintenance scheduling for the air source heat pump is slightly more complex that a traditional gas system. Around £250 + VAT is the average annual service fee for an average 3 bed house plus 2 call out visits. By contrast, with the same agreement, gas systems would cost £156 a year.

Efficiency Costs?

Despite the maintenance costs being higher, the running costs considerably favour the heat pump system.

In a 3 bed house of approximately 1000 square feet, an average bill for heating and water would come out at around £1000. By comparison, it would be only £800 with a heat pump, with an LPG it would be £1200 and with an oil system, it would be £1500.

How do costings compare between a gas boiler and the heat pump system?

On average, installed costs of an air source heat pump are between 50 and 100% higher than a gas system. LPG and oil systems are typically around the same cost as the heat pump system.

How do the seasons affect the efficiency of the air source heat pump?

Usually, manufacturers give energy figures for systems based on one nominal atmospheric set of temperatures. Typically an outdoor temperature of 6 degrees and an indoor temperature of 20 degrees is quoted. By law they are required to produce these figures as part of EN14511. This gives a good overall indication of the efficiency you can expect over a year.