Air source heat pump: Myths
Think heat pumps are too expensive, require too much upkeep and only work in new-build homes? You’re not alone.
But a lot of what you hear are simply myths. So, let’s separate fact from fiction.
Myth: You have to leave your heating on 24/7
Not quite.
Unlike a traditional boiler, which can quickly heat a room and switch off, heat pumps are designed to provide a lower, more consistent level of heat. Rather than waiting until your home feels cold before turning the heating up, an air source heat pump can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
Keeping the temperature steady can help your heat pump to work more efficiently, as it doesn’t have to work as hard to bring your home back up to temperature.
You don’t have to heat an empty house all day. An air source heat pump has settings that can be adjusted around your routine, to suit when you’re home, when you’re out and asleep.
So, while you don’t have to have your heating running 24/7, keeping things steady and using your settings to work around your lifestyle can be a great way to get the most from your heat pump.
Myth: Heat Pumps are only suitable for new homes
Another common misconception.
Air source heat pumps can work really well in all sorts of homes, including older and more traditional properties. You don’t need to live in a brand-new house to benefit from one.
Older homes can sometimes lose heat more quickly than newer, more energy-efficient homes, but that doesn’t mean a heat pump isn’t suitable. A proper installation using a heat loss survey helps make sure the heat pump is sized correctly for your home.
So, if you live in an older home, don’t write off a heat pump just yet. With the right design and installation, they can be a great way to heat all kinds of properties, from modern new builds to much-loved older homes.
Myth: Heat pumps are noisy
One of the biggest myths about heat pumps is that they are loud. You might imagine them to sound like a noisy fan, but in reality, they’re much quieter than you might think.
The outdoor unit of a typical air source heat pump produces a gentle hum while it’s running, which blends into the background, a bit like the quiet hum of a fridge. You may notice it working a little harder and becoming slightly louder during particularly cold weather, but it should still be relatively quiet.
Air source heat pumps are designed to be quiet, efficient and fit comfortably into modern everyday life.
Myth: Heat pumps are too expensive to maintain
Not necessarily.
An air source heat pump needs little care to keep it running as it should, but that doesn’t mean maintaining one has to be expensive.
Heat pumps need relatively little maintenance to keep them running as they should. Like any heating system, regular servicing can help make sure everything is working properly and spot any small issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.
With a bit of regular care and a yearly service, looking after a heat pump doesn’t have to break the bank, and it can help keep your system running efficiently for longer.
Myth: Heat pumps don’t work in the cold weather
Heat pumps are actually designed to work in cold weather.
Even when the temperature drops, an air source heat pump is built to keep working through the colder months, so you don’t need to worry about them suddenly giving up when winter arrives.
This is where the lower, more consistent way of heating can work in your favour. Rather than waiting until your home is cold and then trying to heat it up quickly, your heat pump can steadily maintain a comfortable temperature.
So, when the temperature drops, theres no need to panic, your heat pump is built for it.
Myth: Heat pumps are too big for my home
You might be picturing a huge piece of equipment taking over your garden, but air source heat pumps come in different sizes, so they aren’t automatically too big for your home.
The outdoor unit does need enough space around it for good airflow, but with the right planning, an air source heat pump can be suitable for many different types and sizes of property.
Myth: Heat pumps aren’t worth the hassle
This is probably the biggest misconception of all.
A heat pump isn’t completely maintenance-free but neither is it something that should cause homeowners endless problems.
There are simple things you can do yourself, such as keeping the area around the outdoor unit clear and looking out for changes in performance. Follow our 5 tips to looking after your heat pump before winter here.
Once correctly installed and set up, an air source heat pump is designed to provide heating and hot water reliably throughout the year. Like any heating system, it simply benefits from a little care and attention.
A yearly professional service is also an easy, sensible part of looking after your system. It gives our engineer the opportunity to check that everything is operating as it should and identify any potential issues before they develop into bigger problems.
It also helps you keep on top of your manufacturer’s servicing requirements and make sure you’re doing what’s needed to keep your warranty valid.
Need your heat pump serviced?
Choose a one-off heat pump service or join our Annual Heat Pump Service Plan and we’ll take care of it each year.
