Why Air Source Heat Pumps are the Future of Home Heating
As the UK continues to embrace greener technologies, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are becoming a popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners. These systems offer an energy-efficient, cost-effective alternative to traditional gas or oil boilers, and with new financial incentives in place, it’s never been easier to make the switch.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government initiative aimed at helping homeowners and businesses reduce their carbon emissions by making the transition to renewable heating systems more affordable. BUS provides upfront capital grants to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers in both homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales.
On Thursday 21 September 2023, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced increased grant values under BUS to encourage even more property owners to make the switch. Acting on behalf of homeowners, certified installers can now apply for:
- £7,500 off the cost and installation of an Air Source Heat Pump
- £7,500 off the cost and installation of a Ground or Water Source Heat Pump
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of a Biomass Boiler
This substantial financial support helps to reduce the upfront costs of installation, making renewable heating more accessible to everyone.
How Does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Work?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to make the process as simple as possible for property owners. It is an installer-led process, meaning your chosen certified installer will handle most of the work on your behalf. Here’s how the process works:
- Installer Application: Your installer will apply for the BUS grant for you.
- Liaising with Ofgem: The installer will communicate with Ofgem (the scheme’s administrator) to ensure your application progresses smoothly.
- Installation and Claim: Once the installation is complete, the installer will notify Ofgem and claim the grant, which will be deducted from your final bill.
The grant value is applied upfront, ensuring you benefit from the discount immediately without having to wait for reimbursement.
Choosing the Right Installer
For a heating system to be eligible under the BUS, it must be installed by an installer certified by the Microgeneration Certification Service (MCS). This certification ensures that the system meets high standards for performance and safety.
We recommend obtaining quotes from multiple installers to ensure you get the best deal. You can easily find MCS-certified installers on the MCS website.
Giving Your Consent
Once your installer submits the application, you will be contacted to confirm that:
- You’ve consented to the installer applying on your behalf.
- You meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
If we do not receive your confirmation within 14 calendar days, the application may be rejected. Remember, providing consent simply confirms that the application is being made in good faith. You’re not committed to working with a specific installer unless you agree to do so under a separate contract.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for a BUS-funded installation, a property must:
- Be located in England or Wales.
- Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued in the last 10 years.
- In retrofits, replace an existing fossil fuel or electric heating system.
The scheme does not cover social housing or new builds unless they are self-builds that meet certain criteria, such as being primarily built using the labour or resources of the first owner.
The Advantages of Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps are a smart investment, offering numerous benefits to homeowners looking to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Energy Efficiency and Lower Bills
ASHPs can generate 3 to 4 times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume. This efficiency can significantly lower your energy bills, especially when replacing less efficient fossil fuel or electric heating systems.
2. Reduced Carbon Emissions
Unlike gas boilers, heat pumps don’t rely on burning fossil fuels. This means they produce far fewer carbon emissions, helping to combat climate change and making your home more sustainable.
3. Year-Round Comfort
In addition to heating your home in the winter, some ASHP models can also provide cooling in the summer. This makes them a versatile option for maintaining a comfortable home year-round.
4. Low Maintenance
Once installed, ASHPs require minimal maintenance. They are built to last, with a typical lifespan of up to 20 years, which is longer than most gas boilers.
5. Increased Property Value
Investing in renewable technologies like ASHPs can increase your home’s appeal and value, especially as the UK moves toward stricter carbon reduction targets and incentives for green homes grow.
6. Eligibility for Additional Incentives
Beyond the BUS, homeowners may also qualify for other financial incentives, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which offers ongoing payments based on the amount of renewable heat your system generates.
How does it work?
|
1. The heat pump - The heat pump is situated to the left of the picture and sits outside your house, extracting energy from the outside air. 2. The internal heating system - This is the water system that circulates through your existing pipes to heat your home. The orange line represents hot water as it flows through your home, delivering warmth to radiators and any underfloor heating. Once the water cools down, indicated by the blue line, it returns to the outdoor unit to be reheated, completing the cycle. 3. The water tank - this stores the heated water, offering a constant supply for household appliances such as your shower or taps. This can be put anywhere in your home but is normally stored in a ground floor cupboard, garage or it can be situated in your loft. |
|
Ready to Make the Switch?
With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offering generous financial support, now is the perfect time to make the transition to an Air Source Heat Pump. By choosing this eco-friendly, cost-effective heating solution, you’ll be investing in the future of your home and the planet.
Get started by finding an MCS-certified installer today and take advantage of the £7,500 grant to make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable.