The question of whether to commit to an oil boiler or heat pump is in the minds of many when looking at the future heating options. The UK Government began a push for green energy that has not gone unnoticed, and standards are being raised for building regulations.
An oil boiler contributes to the carbon footprint of the country. Whilst they are not going to be banned by any means, through a variety of measures the country is lowering its reliance on these types of systems.
But what does replacing an oil boiler with an air source heat pump entail? This guide will go over what’s involved with making the switch, the benefits, and if it’s right for you.
Why replace an oil boiler?
Oil boilers create warmth through their heating systems by heating oil. This is then circulated through radiators to provide space heating and hot water. Oil boilers are most common in the rural areas of the UK. In these areas, connection to the national grid is limited. Oil boilers, instead of drawing from the national grid, generate energy through oil heating.
The operation of oil boilers has a great environmental impact, not to mention, it’s more expensive overall. They emit much higher levels of CO2 compared to renewable energy sources and significantly contribute to the country’s carbon footprint. Oil heating is not cost-effective for many reasons, not least of all the influence global politics and trade play.
With this in mind, the UK and other countries have been pushing a transition toward more sustainable, environmentally friendly options in green energy. Oil boilers use fossil fuel, which is a finite resource. In the realm of building heating, air-source heat pumps are considered a really good option..
Benefits of switching to air source heat pumps
Switching from an oil boiler to an air-source heat pump grants several benefits to a building:
- Long-Term Cost Effective – Your new building heating system will save money in the long run. Oil boilers run up energy bills due to their heat energy costs. Air source heat pumps are designed to be very efficient, utilising a much smaller amount of energy to heat your building than an oil boiler would. Your energy bills will plummet almost immediately because of the lowered heat pump running costs.
- Carbon Emissions – The carbon footprint of the world is too high, overall. To combat the effects of climate change, the UK joined and signed the Paris Agreement of 2015, which compels them to lower the carbon footprint of the country overall. You can do your part by installing green energy measures.
- Government Support – To continue on from the carbon footprint point, there have been many attempts by the government to make these measures as accessible as possible for a wide range of people. When it comes to upgrading your existing oil boiler, or a gas boiler, the boiler upgrade scheme offers financial subsidies to buildingowners, including funding for heat pumps..
Is upgrading my existing boiler for an air source heat pump worth it?
Air source heat pumps are a good option for many buildings, despite the high costs. But even those that have the money to invest in a heat pump may want to consider the following points:
- Insulation – Whilst the efficiency of oil boilers is a conversation worth having, putting that or an air source heat pump inside an uninsulated building is not. Insulation is the material that stops the transfer of heat from the inside to the outside air, and vice versa. It serves as a barrier to the heat you generate, allowing you to get more out of it for less money.
- Upfront Installation Costs – The installation costs of an air source heat pump are not cheap. It could involve replacing old radiators or overhauling piping. The initial expenditure is high and will be felt, you’ll notice the effects of your new heating system immediately.
- Climate – Climate dictates the performance of air source heat pumps to a large degree. In cold climates, air source heat pumps have to work harder to heat the cold air.
Conclusion
Overall, making the switch from oil boilers to air-source heat pumps ensures running costs and energy bills are lower than otherwise. You also get to have independence from the national grid, protecting you from when electricity prices and heating bills skyrocket. There’s little you can do about the global price of oil, but plenty you can do about the supply of energy to your own building.
FAQ: Can air-source heat pumps provide both heating and hot water?
Yes. Air source heat pumps are capable of providing both, as they have been known to be integrated with a hot water storage cylinder. This allows the cylinder to manage and supply hot water as needed. Due to this, an air source heat pump has a dual functionality that makes it an efficient and versatile choice for space heating and water heating.
FAQ: How do the running costs of an air source heat pump compare to oil boilers?
The running costs of air-source heat pumps are far lower than that of heating oil. Air source heat pumps generate heat by using the environment. By pulling in air and compressing it into hotter temperatures, you can essentially heat your building using a never ending source of air. This is not the case with oil, whose running costs include buying finite resources.
FAQ: Can an air source heat pump be used with existing radiators?
Yes. An air source heat pump can be integrated with already existing radiators, though some modifications may be required depending on their type. Since an air source heat pump operates at a lower temperature, some existing radiators may need an improvement of their surface area to deliver the same level of warmth.
Fan-assisted radiators can help overcome the lower temperature output, however. They boost heat distribution by using small fans to push across the surface of the radiator. This increases the amount of heat that can be delivered into the room. The system may need to be rebalanced by adjusting the valves, ensuring that each radiator receives the right amount of heat.
FAQ: How long does an air source heat pump last compared to an oil boiler?
An air source heat pump typically lasts up to 20 years so long as proper maintenance is carried out. This is comparable to traditional oil boilers. The longevity of an air source heat pump is supported by the fewer moving parts you have to account for throughout the system. On top of that, they don’t suffer from soot buildup or other issues that relate to oil heating.
FAQ: What are the noise levels like for an air source heat pump?
Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate quietly. This makes them a valid choice for residential areas, as they won’t be the source of significant noise disturbances. They are comparable to that of an air conditioning unit, ranging between 40 and 60 decibels. This is the noise level of a conversation inside a restaurant or background music.
FAQ: How do I maintain air source heat pumps?
To ensure efficient operation of your air source heat pumps, there are several key maintenance tasks to do periodically:
- Filter cleaning – An air source heat pump has filters that require cleaning to ensure high airflow and efficiency. It’s recommended to do this every few months.
- Outdoor Unit Inspection – The outdoor unit must be kept free of leaves, dirt, snow or rice to ensure airflow is free of being blocked.
- Coil Cleaning – Coils within the outdoor unit need to be cleaned annually, to ensure it doesn’t accumulate dirt and grime.
- SMART checks – If your air source heat pumps come with SMART technology, then you’ll be able to monitor more internal changes to your heat pumps.