Homes considering the shift to renewable energy sources like air and ground source heat pumps might feel hesitant as winter approaches and temperatures drop. This could be due to a few common misconceptions surrounding heat pumps and their ability to work in cold weather.
This article will explore how heat pumps work and if they can continue when the temperature drops.
How does a Heat Pump Work?
Air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps draw heat from the air or ground, converting it into a refrigerant compressed by electricity to warm the home. The electricity compresses this refrigerated gas and increases the pressure which increases the heat.
Using a minimal amount of electricity, heat pumps reduce energy bills, offering an efficient and eco-friendly alternative by relying less on fossil fuels.
With this, you may be thinking; ‘If they use heat from the outside air and ground then how do they function during the winter months?‘
How Can Heat Pumps Operate in Cold Weather?
Impressively, the refrigerant can take in heat at temperatures of –15*C allowing heat pumps to operate in winter temperatures.
In the UK, the ground temperature seldom drops below 10°C, and the air retains an ambient amount of heat available for use. The air never lacks thermal energy, if it did the planet would see temperatures of under –200*C.
Providing your heat pump has the correct equipment, it will continue to operate in cold conditions and if the UK ever sees temperatures dropping below –30*C similar to climates such as Canada, there will be no doubts about keeping your home warm through a harsh winter.
How Efficient are Heat Pumps in the Cold Weather?
A heat pump’s efficiency can be impacted by colder weather as it may require more electricity to operate and remove heat from the outside air or ground.
Cold climates would find it beneficial to use ground source heat pumps as they require less electricity. In the UK, it is unlikely that temperatures would get cold enough to make use of this. Therefore, both types of heat pumps are beneficial and efficient.
Regular maintenance of your heat pump will keep the efficiency to a high standard. An annual service ensures safe operation and peace of mind for yourself knowing that everything is working as it should. Remember, if in doubt about any technical aspects of your heat pump, you should always consult a qualified technician.
What Help Is Available for Heat Pumps?
Government schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Schemes cover air-source and ground-source heat pumps. If you are eligible, you could receive help in the form of a £7,500 voucher. This will go towards the installation of a heat pump that you may have to contribute to.
The criterion for eligibility is as follows:
- Be a homeowner or private tenant in England, Scotland or Wales. Landlords can apply on behalf of tenants.
- Your property must have a mains gas supply or a non-condensing gas boiler.
- Someone in the property must be on a means-tested benefit or the annual household income is below 31,000. The eligible benefits include child tax credits, working tax credits, universal credits, pension credits, child benefits, and more.
ECO4
ECO4 is in place to provide homes in the UK with renewable energy methods, targeting those that are living in fuel poverty.
As ECO4 has developed over time and initially was only available for homes that lacked a mains gas supply. Now, if you recieve a means tested benefit you can qualify for ECO4.
If you don’t recieve one of the means tested benefits, you could still qualify if someone in your home earns under £31,000.
Free Heating Scheme
If you’re unsure about how you can get help upgrading your boiler, the Free Heating Scheme is here to help. We can guide you in the correct direction by first discovering if you are eligible with our quick online checker. If you want to know more about the boiler scheme and check your eligibility you can find it here.
Summary
Heat pumps are an efficient way to heat your home and are ideal for your home’s greener future.
Any worries about operating abilities in the winter months should be forgotten as the UK is very unlikely to experience temperatures dropping to –15*C.
If they did, ground and air source heat pumps would still have thermal energy to pull from the source to generate heat for homes at an efficient rate.