The pros and cons of a heat pump
Are heat pumps worth the investment? We take a look at the benefits and the disadvantages of adding a heat pump to your home.
The world is moving towards eliminating fossil fuel systems, and heat pumps are becoming a popular alternative as a result. We all lead different lives and there are many types of heat pump to suit everyone’s needs. Before making any major investment, like a heat pump, for your home, it’s good to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages.
Versatility and flexibility
Financial and environmental reasons aside, heat pumps are a versatile solution for any home. They offer heating, hot water and cooling for detached houses, terraced houses or apartments, meeting all your home comfort needs whenever you need it. In addition, most heat pumps can be managed via an app, so no matter where you are, you’re always in control.
Reduced environmental impact
A major factor in the shift towards heat pumps is the need for low-impact alternatives to fossil fuel systems.
Heat pumps primarily operate by consuming renewable energy. They use less electricity and produce no local emissions - and in some cases, no emissions at all, depending on the electricity sources.
The use of renewable sources such as air, ground and water means heat pumps provide heating and hot water much more sustainably than traditional systems.
Reduced maintenance and service
Heat pumps have a robust design and few moving parts. This means they require very little maintenance, service and repairs, especially compared to the maintenance required for a traditional boiler. Heat pumps only require a general maintenance check once a year.
Return on investment
Consider the lower energy costs, governmental subsidies and lower maintenance requirements. It’s clear that heat pumps offer a much bigger return on investment than heating systems running on fossil fuels. What’s more, installing a heat pump can often increase a property’s value, giving you a greater return if you decide to sell your home.
The disadvantages of heat pumps
One of the significant challenges of a heat pump is the initial cost of purchase and installation. The price varies depending on where you live and the type of heat pump you choose. While many countries offer subsidies to help balance the upfront costs, heat pumps can require a substantial initial investment, more than a gas system. The eventual return depends on the prices of electricity and gas or oil, which vary from country to country.
The initial investment is compensated with a very low running cost, as 75 % of the operation runs on renewable energy, which is free. This makes it an attractive heating system when you consider the product’s total life span.
Installing a heat pump can be tricky. Before installing a heat pump, your installer needs to understand elements such as the current movement of heat or the level of insulation in your home, the local geology if you’re considering a ground-source heat pump, and your unique heating and cooling needs.
Research and planning
One of our installers will help you through the decision-making process after your initial research, to help you make the best choice.
Check the insulation level of your home and consider prioritising insulation works if necessary.
A heat pump installation requires more planning than installing a fossil fuel boiler. It’s important to define the right size of unit, to ensure your heating works efficiently and economically. A detailed, accurate heat loss calculation will help define the required size, taking into account the type of emitters in the house. A Daikin installer will do this for you. You can also perform a preliminary assessment yourself via our Solution Recommender.
