Pros and cons of air source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps have gained popularity in recent years as a renewable energy alternative for heating and cooling homes. They work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. However, like any technology, they have their pros and cons.

Pros of air source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps offer numerous benefits for heating and cooling homes. Some of its advantages include:

High energy efficiency

Air source heat pump systems provide an efficient way to heat and cool residential or commercial properties. This is due to their superior energy efficiency, which helps maximise energy savings in the long run.

Compared to more conventional technologies like oil and gas, air source heat pumps can help you reduce your fuel consumption significantly over time. As a result, you won't have to expend nearly as much energy to operate the system. This can lead to improved environmental impact and lower utility bills.

May save you money on energy bills

Air source heat pumps provide a cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption and save on utility bills. By providing heating and cooling with a single system, ASHPs reduce the energy used to power both heating and cooling systems.
This allows homeowners to take full advantage of the natural energy sources available in their area. Meaning they no longer need to rely solely on traditional heating systems such as gas boilers.

The amount of money you’ll save depends on several factors. This includes where you live, the existing type of system, and heating costs in your area.

Heating and cooling system all-in-one

This all-in-one system is designed to transfer heat from the outside air to provide both cooling and heating.

In warmer months, the system extracts heat from inside your home and expels it outdoors. During the winter months, it does the opposite – drawing in heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors.

Improved living qualities

Air source heat pumps operate relatively quietly compared to the noise generated by common home appliances, such as dishwashers or air conditioners.
In short, air source heat pumps provide quieter operation than other heating and cooling systems such as furnaces or central air conditioning systems. In addition to providing peace of mind for owners who don’t want to be disturbed by loud machines buzzing away all day and night.

Long Lifespan

With proper maintenance and servicing, ASHPs can last up to 20 years or more. This is considerably longer than other traditional heat sources, such as water heater tanks, which typically last 5 to 10 years. Additionally, ASHPs require relatively little energy compared to alternatives like electric furnaces, making them extremely economical in the long run.

Cons of air source heat pumps

There are also a few disadvantages of air source heat pumps:

High upfront costs

Although air source heat pumps offer considerable long-term energy savings, they require a greater initial investment. This includes the cost of the system itself, as well as installation and maintenance fees.

Installing an air source heat pump can be costly. More importantly, you should hire a professional to complete the installation process.

Depending on your location, you may need to purchase additional insulation and weatherproofing materials for optimal functioning of the system. As a result, many homeowners may find it difficult to afford an ASHP upfront.

Higher electric bills

While air source heat pumps can be a great option for many property owners looking to reduce their heating bills this isn't the case for everyone. Since electricity prices vary from area to area, some areas may see significantly higher utility bills with air source heat pumps even if they're using less energy.

Furthermore, air source heat pumps require electricity to run. This can lead to an increase in your electric bills than if you were using a gas-powered system.

Prone to power outages

Air source heat pumps are susceptible to power outages, as they need electricity to run. That means when the power goes out, so does your heating and cooling system.

This is especially detrimental during extreme weather conditions when you need the temperature of your home controlled. Power outages cause inconvenience and discomfort to your home, but they can also be damaging to the system.

If the heat pump has not cooled down in time due to an outage, it could overheat and be damaged from the strain.

If you have any other questions or concerns about air source heat pumps, please don't hesitate to contact us!