What type of heat pump should I choose?

Heat pumps are an increasingly popular form of home climate control. Offering a more efficient and sustainable solution than traditional fossil fuel boilers. But when it comes to choosing a heat pump for your home, which system is best?

Types of heat pumps

There are three main types of heat pumps available to choose from:

Air-source heat pumps (ASHP) extract heat from outside using a unit similar in look to an external air conditioning kit. It then runs it through a heat exchanger before delivering the warm air into your home.

Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) use either trench-based pipes or boreholes to extract heat from below the surface. This is done through the use of earth loops, which tap into the geothermal energy present in the ground.

Water source heat pumps (WSHP) extract energy from bodies of water like rivers and lakes. Even with this, they can still be quite effective against low temperatures. However, they’re less common than the other two options for UK homes due to their limited availability.

Is a heat pump suitable for my home?

Every home is different, meaning that a heat pump system may or may not be suitable for your home. This depends on several factors, including the size of your home, garden, and the amount of energy you need.

ASHPs are most suitable for smaller homes in urban areas with proper insulation.
GSHPs are more suitable for bigger homes with a large surrounding area, as they require more space to install.
Water heat pumps are the least suitable of all. This is due to their limited availability and high installation cost.

Also consider additional features, such as energy efficiency ratings and noise levels. HPs are commonly more efficient than traditional boilers, but some can be noisier than others.

How to choose the right type of heat pump

A few factors should be considered when choosing the right type of system for your home.

Assess the size of your home and garden, as well as your energy requirements.
Consider the efficiency ratings for each type and look into noise levels to make sure it won’t disrupt your home.
Consider the cost of installation as well as running costs. This could make a big difference in terms of value for money.
Where you want to position the system. Each type needs to be installed in a certain way, so make sure you have the space available.
Research the manufacturers. Our partners include LG, Panasonic, and Valliant.
Speak to a qualified heating engineer like Unitherm. We can offer professional advice and help you make the best choice for your home.

How can I calculate the size of the heat pump I need?

Calculating the size of the heat pump you need is important to ensure you have a system that meets your needs. Consider the size of your home, amount of energy required, and the efficiency rating for an accurate estimate.

Unitherm offers comprehensive MCS design & sign off services. We can handle the proposed placement of your heat pump, hot water cylinders, and heat emitters (such as underfloor heating or radiators).

We'll handle the design and layout of your system, and heat loss calculations to ensure your system meets MCS regulations.

How disruptive is installing a heat pump?

As with any kind of home installation, you may experience some disruption whilst the system is being installed. This could include digging up large areas of your garden to install ground system. As well as drilling holes in walls and ceilings for air-source or water-source systems.

Despite this, any disruption should be minimal. Most installation teams will work quickly to ensure everything is done as soon as possible.

Unitherm: your one stop shop for renewable heating

Unitherm has been promoting renewable heating products since 2004. We specialise in air to air heat pumps, underfloor heating, and plumbing accessories.

As specialists in renewable heating systems, we also provide full MCS Design & sign off certificates for a stress-free installation process.

Our skilled team of engineers and consultants are here to provide you with the best advice. If you have any requirements or questions, don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.