Do air source heat pumps have any disadvantages?

If you are considering installing an air source heat pump, you will want to fully understand the product. This means that alongside the advantages, you should consider the disadvantages and how they can be overcome.

Table of Contents

High upfront costs

Air source heat pumps are expensive to install. There can also be additional costs, such as underfloor heating, larger radiators, and improved insulation, which bump the cost up even higher. There are grants available to help with this and should save money in the long term; however, the upfront costs are still likely to be considerable.

To obtain a quote, find a provider of heat pump services in your area. You can use a relevant internet search term, such as ‘air source heat pumps Worcester’, to see results such as https://gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/worcester.

Inefficiency in cold weather

As air source heat pumps draw heat from the air, it is often feared that they may become ineffective in cold weather when you need them most. While they do not become ineffective, as they are designed to continue working in temperatures as low as -20°C, there may be a slight increase in running costs due to them having to work harder to extract the heat. Good home insulation can reduce this.

Space requirements

You need a suitable outdoor area for the external unit of the air source heat pump, which needs to be free from obstructions to ensure there is proper airflow. If your outdoor space is limited, this can be tricky. Other options include wall mounting the unit or putting it on a flat roof, but you should check planning permission regulations before proceeding with this.

Noise levels

Air source heat pumps have a bad reputation for noise, which was justified in earlier models; however, modern units are quieter. They make a low hum similar to a fridge, but this may still be noticeable. Considering where to place the unit can help reduce any disturbance to yourself or your neighbours. You may also be able to use an acoustic enclosure to reduce noise.