Heat Pump Myth Buster

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Heat pumps are being talked about more and more as an alternative to traditional heating systems. You may be considering a heat pump but have been put off by some common myths

In this guide, we aim to tackle some of the most common misconceptions we hear about the technology.

This is part three of our three-part guide to heat pumps. Check out the other guides in the series

Part one – Introduction to heat pumps

Part two – Using your heating controls (heat pumps)

 

Heat pumps do not work in our cold climate!

Wrong! Evidence suggests heat pumps will continue to work effectively year-round and some can even work in climates with temperatures below -25°C.

Heat pumps have already been extensively rolled out in many Scandinavian countries including Finland, Norway and Sweden.

In these countries, the average coldest temperatures over the winter can reach as low as -9°C whereas in Fife the average is around 0°C.

Heat pumps do need to work harder when it is colder. But so do other heating systems, such as gas boilers.

 

Heat pumps are a new technology and we do not know if they work properly!

Wrong! The technology behind heat pumps has around for decades and it’s likely that you already have the technology in your home.

The heat pump  was invented in the 1850s for industrial use. Heat pumps use the same principles and technology as your fridge-freezer, which have been commonplace in UK homes since the late 1950s. This is around the same time the technology was also used in early domestic air and ground source heat pumps in Finland.

 

Heat pumps do not work unless homes are really well insulated!

Wrong! It is true to an extent that a heat pump is less efficient in poorly insulated homes. However, if the heat pump is installed correctly it can still be an effective heating system.

To get the most from a heat pump you should insulate your home as much as possible prior to installation. It is worth considering a heat pump even in older homes that are hard to insulate. If you’re unsure if a heat pump is suitable for your property we’d recommend speaking to one of our energy advisors for advice.

 

Heat pumps are too noisy!

Wrong! Like any appliance, they will make some noise when running, usually around 40 decibels. To comply with planning legislation, a heat pump cannot be installed if it is louder than 44 decibels at the middle point between your and your neighbor’s property.

By comparison, most gas boilers will run at anywhere between 30-60 decibels. So the amount of noise heat pumps produce is fairly similar.

In extremely cold weather, your heat pump may make more noise than usual as works harder to heat your home.

 

Heat pumps are expensive to install!

Wrong! It’s true that heat pumps often cost more than gas boilers to install. However, as the technology becomes more common the price is coming down.

Some installers have agreed to match the install price to a comparable gas system or at least close to it.

There are also grants available to help meet some of the installation cost. We would recommend speaking to Home Energy Scotland to see what support is available.

 

More advice

Would you like more advice on heat pumps? Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartial energy advice service available to everyone living within Fife.

Our energy advisors can be contacted by: