Common Myths About Air Source Heat Pumps and the Truth Behind Them
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a growing popular solution for energy-efficient heating and cooling of residences. Though they offer many advantages, a number of myths exist that stop homeowners from seeing them as a reality.
These myths can be misleading, from fears of performance in colder temperatures to the belief that they are all too expensive.
We hope this blog will put your mind at ease as we dispel the eight biggest myths surrounding air source heat pumps and uncover the truth behind them.
By addressing these misconceptions, we aim to present a clearer picture of why ASHPs make an excellent modern-day home heating choice.
Myth 1: Air Source Heat Pumps Only Work in Warm Climates
One misconception is that air source heat pumps only work well in warmer climates. Despite common belief, ASHPs can absorb heat from the air at low or very cold temperatures and are suitable for use in severe winter areas. Today's systems can function during sub-zero temperatures, and they continue to provide heat when the outdoor air is cold.
This technology utilises a refrigerant cycle that extracts heat from the surrounding air and transforms it into effective warmth for your dwelling. Thus, whether your climate is hot or cold, an ASHP can provide heating and cooling fairly reliably.
Myth 2: Air Source Heat Pumps Are Too Expensive to Install
There is a common misconception that air source heat pumps cost too much to install. ASHP systems can be more expensive than traditional options at first, but should be viewed as offering long-lasting savings over the years. ASHPs are incredibly energy-efficient and will help reduce heating costs over time.
Additionally, there are often government incentives and rebates available to help offset installation costs. The overall cost of ownership is often significantly less when you also factor in the decreased energy usage and maintenance requirements over other heating systems. Long-term savings can justify the costs of installing an ASHP.
Myth 3: Air Source Heat Pumps Don’t Provide Enough Heat During Winter
One of the most common myths is that air source heat pumps won't deliver enough heat in winter. That being said, newer air-source heat pumps are designed to operate effectively in colder temperatures, and many units function successfully at extreme temperatures of -15°C or less.
Improvements in technology have resulted in ASHPs that can reliably pull heat, even from cold outside air. On top of that, an ASHP can also be used alongside underfloor heating or a secondary heat source to guarantee your property is warm throughout the winter season.
Myth 4: Air Source Heat Pumps Are Noisy
Another common myth is that air-source heat pumps are too noisy. Older models or poorly installed units can be noisy, but in general, the latest ASHPs run pretty quietly. Today's machines create noise so low that all we have is a sound like a refrigerator.
Manufacturers are also focusing on quieter units, better noise-dampening technology, and outdoor unit locations to reduce or eliminate noise complaints. When properly installed, the noise from an ASHP is negligible and should not present a nuisance in daily life.
Myth 5: Air Source Heat Pumps Require a Lot of Maintenance
A common misconception about air source heat pumps (ASHPs) is that they require a lot of maintenance, which is absolutely wrong. ASHPs require minimal maintenance, only periodic servicing to keep them operating at their most efficient. Routine duties generally consist of cleaning or replacing filters and checking the unit for wear and tear.
Unlike traditional heating systems, such as boilers, which can require yearly maintenance or component changes, ASHPs have minimal moving parts and can potentially run for much longer periods with less servicing.
An ASHP is an efficient performer, capable of working for many years when installed and maintained properly without the need for frequent or costly repairs.
Myth 6: Air Source Heat Pumps Are Only Suitable for New Homes
One of the misconceptions about air source heat pumps is they can only really be used in new builds — which absolutely isn’t true. Many new homes may have the right insulation levels and design that work with ASHPs, but they can also be retrofitted into existing homes.
If installed correctly, ASHPs can be seamlessly integrated into existing older properties. This may include integrating the insulation or modifying the heating system so that it operates best with the pump, but most of these changes are quite simple.
Myth 7: Air Source Heat Pumps Don’t Work for Hot Water
A common misconception about air source heat pumps is that they do not produce hot water. Actually, most air source heat pumps are designed to also provide hot water, either via a separate hot water cylinder or integrated unit. They operate much like a traditional household boiler but use less energy to heat the water you need.
With advances in technology, air source heat pumps can provide both space heating and hot water, making them a versatile and energy-efficient choice for your home’s heating and hot water needs.
Myth 8: Air Source Heat Pumps Are Inefficient Compared to Gas Boilers
The myth that air source heat pumps are more inefficient than gas boilers persists — and as myths go, it couldn't be further from the truth. Air source heat pumps are far more efficient than gas boilers, providing up to four times more energy in the form of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.
Gas boilers, on the other hand, operate at a lower efficiency (up to 90%). An ASHP draws its renewable energy from the air, providing higher efficiency and less of an impact on the environment. Over time, ASHPs will lower your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint which makes them a better option than gas boilers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air source heat pumps are a highly efficient, eco-friendly heating solution, debunking common myths about cost, performance, and maintenance.
Ready to switch to an ASHP and see how you can save up to 60% on your energy bills? If you are based in Scotland and want to learn more, you can contact the expert team at Scottish Energy Saving today to learn how they can help you get an incredibly comfortable heating system that will last for more than a decade and save on energy bills.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
