With heat pump installations increasing by 20% in 2023, it's fair to say that this renewable energy method is growing in popularity.
Between 2008 and 2023, more than 200,000 heat pumps were fitted and registered in the UK, and the government plans to increase this number to at least 600,000 by 2028.
Whether they (or any future government!) achieve this or not remains to be seen, but with warnings about climate change becoming more alarming by the day, coupled with soaring energy bills, more consumers than ever are investing in sustainable energy sources.
So far, the majority of these installations have been performed in houses and bungalows, but what about those who live in flats and apartment buildings? Can they install a heat pump and enjoy the benefits?
As professional heat pump installers, Heat Pump Gang is a trusted source of advice and information, and our team of specialists has created this blog specifically to answer this question.
For those who aren't up to speed with the technical side, it's best to start with the basics.
In layman's terms, a heat pump works on the same principle as a fridge, but in reverse. Instead of just pushing out cold air, it can also pull in heat from the outside air using a liquid refrigerant and a heat exchanger.
In the winter, it acts like a clever reverse air conditioner. Rather than using electricity to make your flat feel chilly, it extracts heat energy from the outside air, even when it's very cold. This captured heat is then concentrated and pumped into your home, keeping you warm.
The beauty is that heat pumps use very little electricity to move a lot of heat, making them much more efficient than traditional electric heaters. They're designed to operate efficiently at a low, but consistent temperature, unlike traditional gas boilers that provide a rapid blast of heat when lit.
Heat pumps are also kind to the environment as they don't burn any fuel directly, like oil or gas boilers. So, you can stay warm and cosy without breaking the bank or harming the planet.
Also, while they produce heat to keep you warm in the colder seasons, they can be reversed in the summer to act as air conditioners!
Check out: Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work in Winter?
In short, it is possible - or it should be, in many cases! While most heat pumps are fitted in terraced, detached, or semi-detached homes, they are also generally suitable for flats and apartment buildings.
However, there are practical considerations to overcome before installing a heat pump in your flat.
We'll dive into a few of these later, but first, we'll explore the types of heat pumps on offer to learn a little more about them...
There are (currently) three different types of heat pump systems commonly used in the UK: the air source heat pump, the ground source heat pump, and the hybrid system.
Let's focus on each type to discover their positives and negatives, and see whether they can be used as heat pumps for flats.
This type of heat pump draws heat energy from the air and sends it to your central heating system and domestic hot water supply.
There are two types of ASHP: air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps. The first type delivers only warm air to your home, while the second provides hot water and is ideal for underfloor heating systems.
It has three main advantages over the ground source heat pump:
However, it's worth keeping in mind that while ASHPs work efficiently in most climates, their performance can dip slightly in extremely cold weather. The good news is that they still outperform traditional electric heating, even in those conditions!
Explore in-depth: What Is An Air Source Heat Pump?
As its name implies, this type draws heat energy directly from the ground. It does this in one of two ways: using a horizontal or vertical loop system of pipes buried in the ground somewhere on the premises.
These pipes contain a special fluid that circulates and absorbs heat from the earth, even on the coldest winter days. The captured heat is then brought inside your flat and cleverly boosted to keep you toasty warm.
Here's why GSHPs could be a great choice for flats:
However, they do come with a couple of things to consider:
Gain insights: What Is A Ground Source Heat Pump?
These clever systems combine the efficiency of an air source heat pump with the reliable warmth of a traditional boiler, and they work like this:
A fourth option, which works like any other heat pump system, draws the heat energy from water. However, the water source heat pump system is rarely used in the UK at the moment, and requires an adequate body of water from which to draw the heat, so we'll leave this one for now.
For most, this will be a major consideration, so here are some average figures to guide you...
The most popular choice for flats, ASHPs offer a good balance of affordability and high energy efficiency. Expect to pay anywhere between £4,500 and £10,000, with the final cost depending on the size of your flat, the chosen model, and the complexity of the installation.
Dig deeper: Air Source Heat Pump Cost
While pricier than ASHPs, GSHPs offer unbeatable year-round efficiency. Installation costs typically range from £18,000 to £24,000 for a horizontal installation (using underground pipes) and can go up to £49,000 for a vertical installation (with deep boreholes).
Uncover more: Ground Source Heat Pump Cost
Costs fall somewhere between ASHPs and GSHPs, typically ranging from £6,000 to £12,000. Hybrid models offer a good compromise for flats where ASHPs might not be sufficient in very cold weather.
You might be interested to hear that the government is offering a grant of £7,500 under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme! This could significantly reduce the cost of installing a heat pump and may even pay for it altogether!
Also, most heat pumps have a payback period of about seven years, so, with or without a grant, a heat pump system pays for itself in the not-too-distant future.
We now need to investigate all those annoying issues that might throw a spanner in the works!
Let's begin on a positive note by saying that, so far, most challenges have been overcome and that heat pumps are suitable for nearly all property types. This contradicts a persisting myth claiming that heat pumps are only suitable for houses, and only for those built after 1945.
Even so, there are conditions that may make it impractical to install heat pumps, or even make it impossible.
It's important to note that these are just some potential limitations. Consulting with a qualified heat pump installer from Heat Pump Gang can help assess your specific flat and determine if a heat pump is a viable option.
Heat pumps are often regarded as an ideal way to reduce running and energy costs and lessen environmental impact.
They are also compatible with solar panels and wind power, making them even more energy efficient and an attractive choice for the eco-conscious consumer!
For flat and apartment dwellers, a heat pump system could be the best method of saving on their electricity bills and achieving low carbon emissions. While it can be a challenge to install solar panels on some apartment buildings, it's not impossible, and it opens up the possibility for all residents in the entire block to enjoy the benefits.
If solar power is an option, you may also want to consider battery storage to ensure that your power needs are met when the solar panels aren't working at night. While this requires a sizeable investment, it is cost-effective in the long term, as flats generally have less indoor space to heat.
This means that you'll recover your investment much sooner and enjoy the benefits, particularly if the pre-existing infrastructure includes adequate insulation to prevent heat loss.
Installing a heat pump could be your key to a greener future with lower energy bills. When you're ready to take action, Heat Pump Gang is the team to trust.
Find out more: Heat Pumps And Solar Panels
