A question we get asked a lot is – do heat pumps work in winter? But, did you know that the most heat pumps installed have been in Nordic countries which also happen to be some of the coldest countries in the world?
The heat produced by heat pumps far exceeds the amount of electricity that goes in. In fact, a heat pump can generate the heat equivalent of three to four times the amount of electricity you put into it.
It is for this exact reason that heat pumps are so popular in countries such as Norway, Finland and Sweden.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) considers the technology as instrumental in combatting climate change as electric vehicles, since heating solutions generate some four billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, representing eight per cent of global emissions.
Do heat pumps work in winter and cold climates?
The fact that Nordic countries such as Norway, known for their harsh winters have embraced the use of Air Source Heat Pumps disproves the often-held assumption that the technology does not work when the temperature plummets.
Caroline Haglund Stignor, a researcher at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden explains “There are a lot of false myths out there about heat pumps. Some oil and gas producing countries such as Russia, some people, some sectors, some businesses don’t want to see this transition. Yes, heat pumps work in cold climates. Yes, heat pumps work in old buildings.”
How do heat pumps work?
Heat Pumps extract heat from the air outside – which exists even in cold weather – and injects it indoors. Earlier models did not include defrosting or variable speed compressors, which nowadays enables them to run more efficiently in a wider range of temperatures.
The efficiency of heat pumps does decline in cold weather, although they are still more efficient and greener than other options, experts say.
Heat pumps produce three to five kWh of thermal energy for every kWh of electricity used. This makes heat pumps instrumental for energy efficiency and a key aspect in the fight against climate change.
Find out more about heat pumps.
Do you want to receive a £7,500 grant to upgrade to a heat pump?
Under the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme you can receive a £7,500 grant to upgrade your heating system to an Air Source Heat Pump system.
To be eligible for the grant you must:
- own the property you’re applying for (including if it’s a business, a second home, or a property you rent out to tenants)
- be replacing fossil fuel heating systems (such as oil, gas or electric)
Properties you cannot get a grant for
You cannot get a grant for:
- most new build properties
- social housing
- a property that’s already been given government funding or support for a heat pump or biomass boiler
You’re still eligible if you’ve already had funding to make your property more energy efficient, for example by insulating your home through the ECO Scheme.
How do I apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7,500 grant?
So, how can you get started with an Air Source Heat Pump system through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme? The first step is to check your eligibility by giving us a call on 01422 414850.
It’s the quickest way to check your eligibility. However, you can also fill out a form on our website if you prefer.
Our experienced team will guide you through the process of claiming your free funding, right through to completion of the work.
Act now and take advantage of the free grant available through Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Contact us today!