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With energy prices and global warming being a major concern for households and businesses across the UK, alternatives to traditional gas boilers will be critical to our future. Air Source Heat Pumps are getting plenty of attention, but along with the ever-growing interest, comes plenty of confusion.
Can a heat pump really keep your home warm during a freezing British winter? Are they noisy? And are they cheaper to run?
Unitherm are constantly working on getting the correct narrative out into the UK marketplace, separating fact from fiction and tackling some of the biggest myths surrounding air source heat pumps in the UK.
Myth #1 “Will an Air Source Heat Pump Keep My Home Warm in Winter?”
This is the most common question Unitherm are asked, and thankfully, it’s one of the easiest to answer : )
Modern air source heat pumps are specifically designed to work in cold climates, including the UK. In fact, countries with far harsher winters than Britain, such as Norway, Sweden and Finland, have been using heat pumps successfully for years, confirming the fact that they are absolutely fit for the UK.
How Does an ASHP Work in Cold Weather?
Air source heat pumps extract heat energy from the outside air, even when temperatures drop below freezing. Rather than generating heat by burning fuel, they transfer existing heat into your home efficiently.
Most modern systems continue operating effectively at temperatures as low as -15°C or even lower.
The Key Is Correct Design
Unitherm have the knowledge and experience to ascertain a correctly sized air source heat pump, we professionally train installers to fit air source heat pumps that are the correct size and are fitted properly, when the process all comes together an installed heat pump can comfortably heat a UK home throughout winter.
Contributing factors Unitherm take into account when preparing a project are: -
- Your home’s insulation
- Radiator sizing
- Property heat loss
- System design and installation quality
If a home has poor insulation or an incorrectly designed system, performance can suffer, but the same is true of traditional heating systems too. It won't be Air Source Heat Pump’s fault it will most likely be down to the initial design not being accurate enough.
The Reality
When installed correctly, an air source heat pump can keep your home consistently warm during a British winter, often providing a more even and comfortable temperature than a gas boiler.
Myth #2: “Air Source Heat Pumps Are Noisy”
Many people imagine a heat pump sounding like industrial machinery humming away outside their home. In reality, modern systems are much quieter than most consumers expect.
So How Loud Are They?
Most modern air source heat pumps operate at around 40–60 decibels, depending on the model and operating conditions.
To put that into perspective:
- A quiet library is around 40 dB
- Normal conversation is around 60 dB
- A typical gas boiler also produces operational noise indoors
Homeowners feedback says the outdoor unit sounds no different to a modern fridge.
Strict UK Standards
Heat pumps installed under permitted development rules in the UK must comply with strict noise regulations. Unitherm trained installers have been taught to carefully consider placement to minimise any disturbance to homeowners or neighbours.
The Reality
Modern air source heat pumps are quiet, and for most households, noise is rarely an issue after installation.
Myth #3: “Heat Pumps Are Expensive to Run”
This concern is more understandable than the other two, especially because electricity prices now in the UK are currently higher than gas prices per unit. The UK government have backed the installation and running of renewable energy heating products, they have put forwards cash incentives to get installers trained and vouchers for homeowners to reimburse the change from gas to renewable energy. The FHS legislation of making all new build properties to have renewable air source products fitted is a key driver for the UK to eventually help with making electric the go to fuel for everybody.
However, comparing fuel prices alone doesn’t tell the full story.
Heat Pumps Are Highly Efficient
Gas boilers typically operate at around 85–95% efficiency.
Air source heat pumps can achieve efficiencies of 300–400%, meaning for every 1kW of electricity used, they can produce 3–4kW of heat.
That efficiency dramatically changes the cost equation.
In well-insulated homes, many homeowners see comparable or lower heating bills compared to older gas or oil systems.
Smart Tariffs Can Help
UK energy suppliers are now starting to offer heat pump-friendly tariffs with cheaper off-peak electricity rates, helping reduce running costs further.
The Reality
Heat pumps are not automatically expensive to run. In many UK homes, especially efficient properties, Air Source Heat Pumps can provide lower long-term heating costs while reducing carbon emissions.
Myth #4: “You Need Underfloor Heating for a Heat Pump”
While underfloor heating works extremely well with heat pumps, it is not essential.
Many UK homes successfully use air source heat pumps with radiators. In some cases, larger or upgraded radiators may be recommended because heat pumps operate most efficiently at lower flow temperatures than traditional boilers.
A Unitherm trained installer will assess your existing system and advise whether any radiator upgrades are necessary.
Myth #5: “Heat Pumps Only Work in New Builds”
Another common misunderstanding is that heat pumps are only suitable for brand-new homes.
While newer, well-insulated properties are ideal candidates, many existing UK homes — including older properties — can still benefit from an air source heat pump.
The most important factor is usually insulation and overall system design rather than the age of the property itself.
Conclusion
Air source heat pumps are no longer a new technology. As the UK moves toward cleaner heating solutions, they have become a practical option for thousands of UK households.
The reality is that many concerns surrounding heat pumps are based on outdated information, misconceptions, poor designs and sub-standard installations.
Modern systems are:
- Capable of heating homes during British winters
- Much quieter than many people expect
- Highly energy efficient, without using fossil fuel
- Suitable for a wide range of UK properties if designed correctly
- Lower carbon emissions which will be critical to our planet in the long term
If you’re considering switching to a heat pump, the best next step is to speak with a either Unitherm directly or a Unitherm trained installer who can assess your home properly and provide professional, tailored advice.
Renewable, air source technology has come a long way, and for many property owners, it may be far more practical than they first realise.