Heat Pump FAQ

Do heat pumps really work?
Heat pumps are able to harness latent heat from either the ground or in the air and powered by electricity convert it to provide domestic heating. It’s a very efficient, reliable and clean process of heating a property from a renewable heat source.

Will a heat pump cause my electricity bills to go up?
Your electricity bill will increase slightly as the heat pump compressor requires electricity to power it. However, your energy bills overall will go down as although heat pumps use electricity they are extremely efficient and are achieving CoP ratings of up to 1:4. This means for every £1 worth of electricity a heat pump will provide up to £4 worth of heat.

How much will a heat pump cost and what is the pay back period?
Cost is dependent on the type of heat pump most suitable for your property. Air source heat pumps are significantly cheaper to install than ground source heat pumps, but ground source heat pumps are more energy efficient so the initial outlay is recouped quicker. There is also the feeder tariff for Heat Pump technologies which is due to come into force from April 2011.

Will a heat pump work with my existing radiators?
Heat pumps can be integrated into the existing heating system currently in the property. However, we recommend radiators are oversized by between 20-30% or fitting LST radiators. Better still, we recommend the heat pump is installed alongside underfloor heating due to the low water temperatures underfloor heating requires.

Are the refrigerants used in heat pumps dangerous to the environment?
All manufacturers of heat pumps have to use refrigerant gases which are zero ozone depleting and with low global warming potential. It is also important to use a professional installer, such as Green Choice Heating, to make sure your heat pump is installed to with a reduced risk of leakage.

Do I need planning permission for a ground source heat pump?
Planning permission laws have been relaxed in recent years and as a result it is unlikely to require planning permission for a ground source heat pump. However, there are still strict laws covering listed buildings and conservation areas. We recommend you always contact your local authority planning department to check their policy regarding the installation of a ground source heat pump prior to commencing work.