Common Heat Pump Misconceptions

Heat pumps are a great sustainable heating and cooling alternative to products that run on fossil fuels. However there is a lot of confusion around how heat pumps work and the impact they have on people’s lives.

Due to this we’ve debunked a few heat pump myths to highlight all the positives about installing an air source heat pump.

Myth 1: Heat pumps don’t work in the cold

This is false to a certain extent, as some heat pumps can operate in temperatures as low as -25°C. As a result they’re widely used in Norway, as they’re a great sustainable alternative to boilers that can operate in freezing temperatures.

However, this shouldn’t be too much of a concern for those living in the UK as we rarely see significant temperature drops like Norway does. 

Myth 2: You can’t retrofit heat pumps in existing buildings 

Heat pumps don’t just have to be installed in new builds, they also work perfectly well in existing houses as well, depending on the efficiency of the building’s insulation. If a building has poor insulation then a heat pump won’t be fitted due to the building losing too much heat.

To learn more about insulation and improving your home's energy efficiency, read our blog. 

Myth 3: You can’t fit a heat pump in an old building

This isn’t necessarily true, however as previously stated it depends on the condition of the building. Furthermore, installing a heat pump in an older building shouldn’t affect their performance, meaning it is just as beneficial as installing one in a new build. 

Myth 4: Heat pumps cost more to run and increase your energy bills

This ultimately depends on price variations by country, however, heat pumps tend to help you save money on your energy bills in the long run and are much cheaper to run than traditional boilers. This is due to them on average being 400% efficient compared to boilers being 90% efficient. The upfront installation cost can be quite expensive, but this can be combated using government grants.  

Myth 5: Heat pumps only work with underfloor heating

This is false. Heat pumps can work with a variety of heat emitters like radiators and fan coil units as well as underfloor heating. Read our blog on heating emitters to discover how you can make heat pumps work for your home or building. 

Myth 6: Heat pumps devalue properties 

Incorrect! Heat pumps can actually increase the value of a property. According to research by Savills, homes with heat pumps tend to demand a premium compared to regional averages. 

Myth 7: Heat pumps aren’t affordable

Many people perceive heat pumps as unaffordable, however with the government introduction of schemes across the UK to help people afford the upfront cost of installations this isn’t necessarily the case. These schemes include:

• The BUS Scheme (The Boiler Upgrade Scheme)

• Nest Scheme Wales

• Home Energy Scotland Loan 

• Warmer Homes Scotland

To discover more about how the government schemes could help you, read our blog on tips on maximising government grants for heat pumps.

Myth 8: There’s no consumer demand for heat pumps

This also is incorrect. In 2022 heat pump sales increased in Europe by 40%, as heat pump sales reached 3 million. This shows that heat pumps popularity are on the rise highlighting their affordability.

How can Enula help you invest in an air source heat pump?

Here at Enula our technology, knowledge and passion is helping lead the way in achieving net zero carbon emissions. 

Get in touch with us today to see how an air source heat pump could work for you and your home or business.