In December 2021, the country saw the highest level of inflation since the early ’90s. The cost of food in the UK has reached record levels with food inflation at 11.6% October in 2022. And energy bills rose by a whopping 54% in April of the same year.

In the last 12 months, gas has risen by over 400% for wholesale. Unfortunately, 85% of households in the UK rely on gas boilers to heat their homes. After the price cap rose in April, October saw a further increase of 27% to £2,500. The energy price cap is going to rise once more in 2023 to £3,000 as utility bills spiral upwards.

Ofgem has already warned that without the UK government’s support, the average energy bill would be £4,279 in January 2023.

The capital is already one of the world’s most expensive cities to live in. With soaring energy bills is it time to look at alternative heating options in London to reduce costs?

What are heat pumps?

A heat pump doesn’t actually create heat in the way that a gas boiler would for example. Instead, it takes heat from the air or ground and then using the refrigeration cycle, redistributes this heat into a building. A heat pump is made up from different components including a condenser and a compressor.

The refrigeration cycle refers to how heat is routed from any area that you may wish to cool. This can be utilised to heat an area or building also. Some heat pumps can not only heat buildings but can be used in reverse so they can cool buildings as well.

How do you install a heat pump?

One disadvantage for some is that heat pumps are not always easy to install. There are no permits or licences needed to install a heat pump, and a skilled DIY enthusiast may prefer to tackle the task themselves, but it can be time-consuming.

Most people would use London heat pump installers when switching over to this type of heating to save time and complications. It can take around 4 hours to install simple installations in a home, but some more complex setups can take far longer. 

What benefits do heat pumps bring?

There are some advantages to both residential and commercial buildings further down the article, but one of the main reasons that heat pumps are being used more now is their efficiency. A second reason, considering the financial climate, is that they save households money.

The energy savings vary depending on what type of heating was previously used, and how much. But, estimates suggest that heat pumps can save the average household 20% to 70% on their heating bills.

This is much needed at a time when people are seriously considering paying for family energy bills instead of Christmas gifts. One study showed that as Christmas approached in 2022, 50% of respondents said they were planning to give cash for energy bills instead of gifts.

How could heat pumps help buildings in London?

The Energy Saving Trust has stated that heat pumps are suitable for all types of buildings. Regardless of whether you live in a flat or a terraced house, you should be able to install a heat pump.

There are benefits for both residential and commercial buildings, and while some crossover, there are distinct advantages to owners of homes and offices.

Residential advantages include:

• No fuel storage needed
• Reduced household bills
• Long life expectancy
• Quiet when operating

Fuel storage

There is no need for fuel to be delivered to homes when using a heat pump.

Cheaper bills

As already mentioned, heat pumps can reduce heating bills. But to get the most out of a heat pump, insulating your home properly is essential.

Long life expectancy

A gas boiler may last from 10 to 15 years on average, but heat pumps are expected to last considerably longer. A heat pump will be expected to last on average anywhere from 20 to 25 years.

Not noisy to operate

In a city where it can feel as if you are living on top of your neighbours sometimes, noise can be an issue. Heat pumps are very quiet when in operation so will not cause any disruption.

Commercial advantages

These include helping companies reach their targets for the environment. Heat pumps use electricity to run but this can come from solar power. Heat pumps produce no emissions and this makes them more eco-friendly than other heating systems.

At a time when businesses are keen to display their corporate social responsibilities, switching to greener heating solutions is one way to hit targets.

Are heat pumps environmentally friendly?

As already mentioned, businesses can be a little greener and more environmentally friendly by switching to heat pumps, especially if they are solar-powered. The reason for this is how they produce heat.

Heat pumps use sustainable and natural energy sources. Thermal energy comes from water, the earth, and the air. Around 75% of the energy needed by heat pumps is taken directly from the environment. And with no emissions, they may help Londoners to breathe a little easier too.

There have been huge improvements over the years to London’s air quality, but there is still room to go further. Regular gas boilers produce significant amounts of nitrogen oxide emissions. Heat pumps don’t have this issue.

Are heat pumps efficient in London and the UK’s weather?

When heat pumps are operating under optimum conditions they can generate 300% more energy than they consume. They are far more efficient than other traditional heating methods, but they work better in some environments than others.

A heat pump will work best when the temperature is above 40°F. Below this temperature, a heat pump will need to use more energy to continue to work effectively. However, not all heat pumps are made the same, and many air-source heat pumps can operate in temperatures of -10°C.

Is it costly to install a heat pump in London?

Traditionally, electricity has been expensive in the UK, but gas prices have been far lower than in many other European countries. This has meant that it hasn’t been practical for many homeowners to retrofit heat pumps. However, soaring gas prices and government incentives may see this changing.

Currently, the UK government has the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme in operation. This offers financial incentives to anyone installing such technology as heat pumps to lower carbon emissions.

As the energy price cap rises, the government is also planning a £25m campaign to get Londoners and the rest of the country to reduce how much energy they consume.

Summary

The UK is far behind some other European countries and the US where more than 17 million homes have heat pumps installed. Nonetheless, as businesses and homeowners seek lower energy bills and greener heating options, heat pumps are likely to become far more visible in the capital and elsewhere.

The cost of living is already spiralling out of control for many. While switching a working gas boiler for a heat pump may not make financial sense, replacing one when it starts to fail will. No emissions, energy efficiency, government incentives, and lower heating bills might see more Londoners choosing to install heat pumps sooner rather than later.