Sustainable heating sources have become a lot more accessible and affordable in recent years. Air source heat pumps are a great way to ensure your home is a comfortable temperature without relying on oil or gas. However, as these devices are modern technology, many people wonder if they’re suitable for older homes. While ASHPs are more commonly used in new builds, they can work in older buildings too. There’s just a few things to keep in mind – which we’re going to explain to you below.
How Air Source Heat Pumps Work
Before we get into the specifics on ASHP suitability in older homes, we thought it might be useful to know a little about how they work. This might help you to understand why certain factors affect how well they work in different homes.
An air source heat pump works by absorbing heat from outside air and transferring it into the home. It can do this even at lower temperatures, but they usually need to run for longer to keep your home warm when it’s colder outside. Although they may be running for much longer than a gas or oil boiler, ASHPs still consume less energy overall. Combined with good insulation, this should result in a few savings on your energy bills, as well as a reduced carbon footprint.
Challenges In Older Homes
Okay, so we know that air source heat pumps can work in older homes. However, there are some caveats. Older homes may lack sufficient insulation, meaning that they lose heat too quickly to have warmer temperatures maintained by an ASHP. Heat pumps work best in homes that retain heat well, so improvements to the insulation in an old home may be required before installation.
As well as that, the radiators may need to be changed. Gas and oil boilers work at much higher temperatures, so the size of most radiators is much smaller than those required for ASHPs. Large radiators or even underfloor heating may be required to ensure the heat is well distributed throughout the home.
Choose Sean Dinsdale Heating Services For ASHP Installation
Whether you’re living in an older home or a new build, we can help you choose and install an air source heat pump. Take advantage of this sustainable heating solution and reduce your carbon footprint. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and schedule a home visit.
