*In collaboration with Viessmann
Over the past few years, we’ve all become a little more aware of rising energy costs. If you’re heating a small cottage in the countryside or a family home like ours here in Cornwall, finding ways to reduce energy bills has never been more important. That’s one of the reasons we decided to install an air source heat pump, and I can honestly say it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our home!
If you’ve ever wondered what air source heat pumps are and how they can help with your bills, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned from using one myself, along with a few things I wish I’d known earlier.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump?
Let’s start with the basics, air source heat pumps are a renewable heating system. They extract heat from the outside air (even when it’s cold!) and transfer it inside to heat your home and hot water. Think of it like a fridge in reverse! It uses a small amount of electricity to move heat rather than generate it, making it a highly efficient option.
Why We Chose to Install One
A few years ago, we were looking to future-proof our home while keeping running costs down. Living in the countryside means we’re not on mains gas, so traditional heating options like oil or LPG weren’t ideal. After doing a bit of research and speaking to others in our small village who had made the switch, we decided to go for it.
Since installing our heat pump, we’ve seen a noticeable difference in our monthly energy bills, especially during the colder months when heating is on more often. Plus, we feel much better knowing we’re doing something positive for the environment by relying less on fossil fuels.
The Cost Savings We’ve Seen
Every household is different, and savings will vary depending on your previous heating setup and the size of your home. But for us, moving from an old electric system to a modern air source heat pump reduced our heating bills by around 30% in the first year. That might not sound like a huge figure at first glance, but over time it really adds up.
One of the biggest advantages is the consistency. Because the heat pump is so efficient, it keeps the house at a stable temperature without the constant fluctuations (and extra costs) we used to get with electric radiators.
Things to Consider
While I’m a big fan of our heat pump, I’ll be honest, installation can be a bit of an upfront investment. It’s worth looking into available government grants or funding schemes (there are often incentives for renewable energy systems). We were fortunate to take advantage of a scheme at the time, which helped offset the initial cost.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home may need to be well-insulated to get the full benefits. Heat pumps work best in homes that don’t lose warmth easily, so it might be worth checking your windows, loft insulation, and draft-proofing beforehand.
Low Maintenance and Easy to Use
One of my favourite things about having an air source heat pump is how low-maintenance it is. We have it serviced once a year before winter, and other than that, it pretty much looks after itself. There’s no running to the oil tank or worrying about gas levels. It’s just simple, consistent heat that works in the background.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you’re considering ways to reduce your energy bills, especially if you live in a rural area or off the gas grid, an air source heat pump is well worth exploring. The savings, the environmental benefits, and the peace of mind all add up.
Have you tried a heat pump, or are you thinking about making the switch? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!