Air Source Heat Pump Running Cost – What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about installing an air source heat pump, the first question will always be how much it costs. But it’s also important to know about the cost of running an air source heat pump going forward.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at air source heat pump running costs with some ballpark figures for your property.

Why does it cost to run an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps have become a well-known source of renewable heat for both homes and commercial properties. But if it’s renewable, why does it cost money to run? Understandably, that’s the question on many customers’ minds.

In short, the air source heat pump needs to be plugged in. That’s because they use a similar process to a refrigerator. Refrigerators convert a refrigerant from a liquid to a gas, in turn cooling the surrounding area. Heat pumps pass that vapourised refrigerant through a compressor to generate heat.

In both cases, the process requires energy. However, it’s important to note that heat pumps produce far more energy than they use. It’s estimated that a heat pump will produce 3kWh of heat for every 1kWh of electricity it uses.

The exact amount depends on its coefficient of performance (COP). The above scenario would be a COP of 3, while air source heat pumps with a higher COP would produce more energy for that 1kWh of electricity.

So how much does it cost?

The cost of running an air source heat pump depends on three factors:

• How much energy it needs to produce
• Its coefficient of performance (COP)
• The cost of electricity

Here are some estimates for those factors:

• According to Ofgem, the average UK household uses 12,000 kWh of gas per year for heating, hot water
• Air source heat pumps typically have a COP of 2.5 to 3.5 – so let’s say an average of 3
• The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy reported an average cost of electricity of 17.2p per kWh

Producing 12,000 kWh of heating with a COP of 3, means the air pump would use roughly 4,000 kWh of electricity. At 17.2p per kWh, that would cost £688 per year – or around £57 per month.

Of course, that figure would be higher if energy prices rise. However, you’d be using around a third of the energy, compared to relying on a boiler – so you would still be minimising the impact of a price rise on your pocket.

Minimise your energy bills

It’s never been more important to keep your energy bills low. Air source heat pumps are a great way to do exactly that, with low running costs and a high COP.

At COA Services, we help customers across Yorkshire get more heating from the energy they pay for with high-quality air source heat pumps – and we can do the same for you. To find out more, call us on 01423 or email [email protected].