Heat Pumps: Separating Fact from Fiction

Having spent the last five years installing heat pumps, researching the latest technology and continually improving my knowledge, one thing still surprises me - just how much misinformation surrounds heat pumps.

I don’t mind an informed debate, but when someone can determine how good or bad something is based on what their wife’s cousin, or someone from the pub has told them, I find it frustrating. You can’t argue with science. When systems are designed correctly and installed properly, the numbers speak for themselves.

When you do the maths/physics, use the correct formulas and crunch the numbers, the scientific argument is undeniable. Heat pumps make sense. Especially in this day and age when the climate is milder and better efficiencies can be achieved.

The average annual temperature in Aberdeen is 9 degrees C and during the heating season, around 5 degrees C. This allows heat pumps to achieve a high Seasonal Coefficient of Performance which is comparable or better than fossil fuel options. Obviously, the quality of the design and installation determine how efficiently the system will run and this is where the negativity comes in. Failed Government schemes using unscrupulous contractors have put the industry in a bad light. But all installs are not bad. We take great care designing and installing to ensure the customer has the best experience possible. This isn’t just at installation stage; our aftercare is just as important. 

Heat pumps work and work well. Otherwise, manufacturers would go out of business. You can argue that climate goals have forced their hand in some cases but the technology, which has been around for decades, has improved to such a level that it’s not uncommon for a heat pump to be five or six times more efficient than a gas or oil boiler. Energy prices are no longer a stumbling block either now that electricity has been decoupled from the price of gas. Granted, electricity is still more expensive per unit, but efficiencies are so good that parity with gas and oil has been achieved and exceeded. 

If you're thinking of changing to a heat pump, do your research. Don’t let bad press influence your decision, look at the success stories and make you own mind up. It’s human nature to be sceptical and yet inquisitive. Do the due diligence, read the reviews. Weigh up the pros and cons. Just don’t accept Dave from the pub is the leading authority on heating systems!

Robbie