Did you know that for some of our European neighbours, one of the most popular sources of heating is now the heat pump?
In fact, according to statistics released by the International Energy Agency, 60% of Norwegian buildings are equipped with heat pumps and Sweden and Finland aren’t far behind at more than 40%.
And whilst global sales grew by nearly 15% in 2021 (double the average of the last decade) in the EU that jumps to about 35%. In light of the current energy crisis, that is likely to increase, with sales in the first half of 2022 roughly double over the same period the previous year in Poland, the Netherlands, Italy and Austria.
During the winter, Norway is regularly blanketed in snow with temperatures dipping well below freezing – something Scots will relate to! So isn’t it just a matter of time before we follow the Norwegian’s preferred choice of home and office heating? Especially when you consider that making the switch to air source heat pumps may not cost you a penny.
The Government-backed ECO4 scheme enables qualifying households without a mains gas supply to access grants to upgrade their insulation both inside and out. And that can mean anything from underfloor, solid wall, cavity wall and loft insulation to draught-proofing and renewable energy generation, such as solar panels and heat pumps.
And you aren’t limited to one improvement, qualifying households can have multiple installations as well as smart heating controllers, new radiators and pipework if required.
As Scotland braces for the colder months, it’s good to know that heat pumps currently available on the market are three‐to‐five times more energy efficient than natural gas boilers – and they reduce households’ exposure to fossil fuel price spikes.
Still feel uncertain? Here we debunk some of the myths surrounding heat pumps:
1. Heat pumps are only efficient in warm climates – FALSE
Modern heat pumps work efficiently even in colder climates. Manufacturers regularly test their heat pumps’ performance in temperatures as low as -25. In fact, 50% of homes in Norway have moved to using heat pumps, and they experience much colder winters than in the UK.
2. Heat pumps are noisy – FALSE
This myth comes from the early days of heat pump technology when they were louder than traditional heating systems. However, modern heat pumps are designed to be much quieter, and in some cases can be almost silent – it is similar to the noise level from your fridge.
3. Heat pumps are expensive – TRUE
Heat pumps are much more expensive than traditional boilers, but this is why the UK government have put into place grants such as ECO4. This means people who would not normally be able to afford a heat pump can get one installed for free.
4. You can’t just replace any heating system with an air source heat pump – TRUE
Fitting a new air source heat pump is complicated, which is why it is best left to the professionals. Often new radiators need to be fitted throughout the house, and precise measurements need to be taken beforehand so that the correct size is fitted. For anyone getting a new heat pump through the ECO4 grant, new radiators and fittings are all included.
5. Heat pumps aren’t suitable for all properties – FALSE
Heat pumps are suitable for homes of all ages provided they are well insulated. The ECO4 scheme covers whole home insulation which can include internal wall, external wall, loft, underfloor and more. In fact, if your house is older and you’ve got solid walls you might even qualify for internal wall insulation. A surveyor will calculate the potential heat loss and make sure your property is ready for a heat pump before it is installed.
6. Radiators don’t get as hot with heat pumps – TRUE
Actually, because the heating is on all the time, you don’t need the radiators to be roasting hot. This would be overpowering and just waste energy. Air source heat pumps are designed to maintain a constant warm temperature in your home. While the insulation works with the heat pump to keep in the heat generated, like a thermos does for a hot drink.
7. Heat pumps require a lot of maintenance – FALSE
There are very few moving parts in an air source heat pump and this means they require very little maintenance. Especially when compared to the maintenance a traditional boiler requires. Air source heat pump engineers are also on the rise as more people invest in the technology.
Allaying fears
The ECO4 scheme is available to those who may not have been able to afford these upgrades in the past.
This is a means-tested scheme, so the applicant or somebody living in the household must be in receipt of one of the below eligible benefits, or the total annual household income must be below £31,000.
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Income Support
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Pension Credit
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Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
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Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
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Universal Credit
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Housing Benefit
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Child Benefit (certain criteria applies)
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Tax Credits (Child or Working Tax Credit)
But many people remain wary, perhaps from fear that it really must be too good to be true. Energy Advice Helpline is keen to allay those fears. It provides advice regarding rising energy costs and help when applying for the latest Government grants.
You can find out in 60 seconds whether you qualify without providing any personal details.
Check your ECO4 eligibility here.
Here to support you
Energy Advice Helpline is a not-for-profit community interest company whose mission is to raise awareness of energy initiatives like ECO4 in order to help combat fuel poverty.
You can access the helpline for free impartial advice on available financial support and more, including how to reduce your energy bills, information on the latest energy news, and access to government grants.
Want to know more about the ECO4 scheme or check if you are eligible to apply for a grant? Browse
energyadvicehelpline.org
