Speculation as to whether heat pumps work in the UK has shrouded this viable renewable energy source in a cloud of doubt.
What are Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are a renewable energy method that replaces fossil fuel gas boilers within homes, maximising their energy efficiency and cut household bills.
They absorb heat from the outside air, refrigerates and compresses, then turns it into heat for the home. I you think about your everyday refrigerator cooling your food, it acts in the opposite way.
UK too Cold for Heat Pumps?
European neighbours such as France, Italy, Germany, and Sweden are leading the way in heat pumps, with some of these countries having climates that face colder conditions than the UK.
It begs the question as to why the UK public are hesitant to make the change.
Quite amazingly, heat pumps will still work even in temperatures that run down to -15*C. This is because the outside air never lacks any thermal energy (heat.)
How Can You Afford a Heat Pump?
The BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) is aiding homes in the UK switch to a renewable energy heating source. The scheme is available to homeowners and private tenants in England, Scotland and Wales.
You must not have a mains gas source or you gas boiler must be non condensing.
The scheme is means tested and someone living in your home must be receiving one of the acceptable benefits.
The properties total annual income can be below 31,000 if not in receipt of a benefit.
Summary
Heat pumps work in the UK when the temperatures drop to freezing conditions due to ambient heat consistently present in the air.
A lot of the scepticism derives from a lack of understanding of Heat Pump technology and how they work. Furthermore, it is falsely believed that homes will be forced to remove their old boiler and have a heat pump installed.
This is far from the truth. The policy on banning gas boilers has been eased reducing the fear of supposed forced installation and in turn, the fear of being able to pay for them.