Heat pumps are a fast growing technology in the heating market, offering energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions for homes and businesses. However, like any innovative technology, heat pumps are not immune to misconceptions and myths that can hinder their widespread adoption. In this blog post, we discuss 9 prevalent myths surrounding heat pumps, shedding light on the facts and providing accurate information.
#1 - Heat Pumps Don’t Work In Colder Climates
Contrary to what some believe, heat pumps are a highly effective and efficient heating solutions, even in cold weather conditions.
Heat pump technology has significantly advanced in recent years, allowing them to operate efficiently in colder climates. Modern heat pumps utilise advanced compressor technology and refrigerants that enable them to extract heat from the outdoor air, even in temperatures as low as -15°C or lower.
Numerous real-world case studies and installations have demonstrated the effectiveness of heat pumps in colder climates. A great example of this is Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway who have widely adopted heat pumps as the primary heating solution, despite their harsh winters. In these countries, heat pumps have proven to be reliable and energy-efficient, significantly reducing heating costs.
#2 - Heat Pumps are noisy
The assertion that heat pumps are noisy is not entirely accurate. While it is true that some older or improperly maintained heat pumps may produce noise, modern heat pumps are designed to operate quietly.
Heat pumps come with specific sound ratings that provide an indication of their noise output. Manufacturers provide these ratings, allowing consumers to choose models with lower noise levels, typically in the range of 50 to 70 dB, which is comparable to conversational speech.
Proper installation also plays a crucial role in minimising noise from heat pumps. When installed by professionals according to manufacturer guidelines, heat pumps can be positioned strategically to minimise sound transmission to living spaces. Placing the heat pump away from windows, bedrooms, and outdoor seating areas can further reduce any perceived noise.
For every heat pump we install, we carry out an MCS compliant sound assessment to ensure that the noise level at the neighbour’s nearest habitable window is less than 43 dBA.
#3 - Heat Pumps use electricity generated from fossil fuels
The claim that heat pumps use electricity generated from fossil fuels is not necessarily true. In fact, heat pumps have the flexibility to operate using electricity derived from a variety of sources, including renewable energy.
The UK's electricity grid has made significant strides in transitioning to renewable energy sources in recent years. As of 2023, over 50% of the country's electricity is generated from renewables. This remarkable progress is primarily driven by wind power, both onshore and offshore, along with contributions from solar, biomass, and hydropower.
As renewable energy continues to grow in prominence, heat pumps become an increasingly sustainable and climate-friendly option for heating.
#4 - Heat Pumps are always running
This statement is false. Heat pumps are designed to be highly efficient, with the goal of providing comfortable heating while minimising energy consumption. Continuous operation of a heat pump would cause them to be inefficient and energy-consuming.
Like any heating system, heat pumps are controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat allows users to set the desired temperature, and the heat pump operates accordingly to achieve and maintain that temperature. Once the desired temperature is reached, the heat pump will enter standby mode until the temperature deviates from the set point.
#5 – Heat pumps will never offset the carbon emissions that arise from their production
Assessing the environmental impact of a heat pump requires considering its entire lifecycle, including the manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and disposal phases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that, when considering the full lifecycle, heat pumps can offset the initial carbon emissions resulting from their production within a relatively short period of operation.
As mentioned before, more than half of the UK’s electricity is generated from renewable sources. Because of this, the carbon emissions produced from manufacturing a heat pump are offset in the first 13 months of it replacing a gas boiler.
As technology progresses, the carbon footprint of heat pump production is likely to decrease, making the offsetting of emissions even more achievable.
#6 – There is no consumer demand for heat pumps In the UK
The market penetration of heat pumps in the UK has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to various industry reports, the number of heat pump installations in the UK has been rising, reflecting a growing interest and demand from consumers. This trend indicates that consumers are increasingly recognising the benefits of heat pumps for their heating needs.
From a business perspective, we can attest to this. We’ve seen significant growth in heat pump sales and are constantly building out our business to keep up with demand.
#7 - The grid cannot cope with more heat pumps
Hypothetically, if the UK were to immediately switch all gas and oil boilers to heat pumps, this statement would be correct. However, transitioning millions of homes heating systems to heat pumps will take a considerable amount of time.
The UK's electricity grid is continuously managed and upgraded to meet the changing energy landscape. National Grid, the organisation responsible for managing the grid, engages in long-term capacity planning to ensure the system can handle increasing electricity demand. This planning includes accounting for the expected rise in heat pump installations and their corresponding electrical loads.
Like other technologies, as demand grows for a product, the infrastructure grows with it.
#8 - you will have no heating during a power cut
While heat pumps do require electricity to operate, there are options available to ensure heating continuity even during power outages.
Heat pumps can be connected to backup power sources, such as battery storage systems. This can provide electricity to the heat pump, enabling it to continue operating and providing heating, even when power is temporarily unavailable.
If a homeowner does not own battery storage, then it’s true that the heat pump will be unable to run. That said, it’s important to acknowledge that if the electricity supply is disrupted and the property relies on a boiler, the same applies. This is because all the circulation pumps operate using electricity.
#9 - Heat pumps don’t work with radiators
The claim that heat pumps don't work with radiators is incorrect. In reality, heat pumps are fully compatible with radiators and can provide efficient heating in conjunction with them.
While it is true that some radiators may require upgrading or adjustments to work optimally with a heat pump, this is not universally applicable. Radiator sizing depends on factors such as the heat loss of the room and the desired temperature. In some cases, existing radiators may already be appropriately sized for the heat pump's output capacity, requiring no upgrades.
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Are you a homeowner considering replacing your fossil fuel heating system with a clean and efficient heat pump? Or are you a heating engineer looking to modernise your business and start offering heat pumps to your customers? If so, get in touch to find out how we could help.