Is an Air Source Heat Pump expensive to run?

A properly sized and correctly installed Air Source Heat Pump is incredibly cost-effective to run. In fact, it stands out as the most economical heating system when compared to other electric or fossil fuel alternatives. A well-installed Air Source system can generate approximately 4kWh of heat for every 1kWh of electricity it consumes. By dividing the cost of 1kWh of electricity by 4, you can calculate the running cost of the system. Here’s an interesting fact that often goes unnoticed: 100% of the heat energy produced by the Heat Pump is delivered to your property, whereas traditional boilers can lose up to 20% of their heat energy through the flue with the exhaust gases.

How many Solar Panels do I need?

The number of panels needed varies from person to person and property to property. It primarily depends on the size of the area you have available, such as your roof space. Another crucial factor is how much energy you use and when you need it. It’s not as straightforward as saying, “I use 10,000 kWh per year, so just fit a system to meet that.” Keep in mind that panels generate less energy during winter, which might coincide with when you use the most energy. To determine your requirements accurately, take a closer look at your appliances and when you use them. Do you have additional electricity-intensive devices like an electric car or hot tub? Building your solar system around your specific energy needs and considering your lifestyle adjustments can help you maximize the benefits of Solar PV.

How does home battery storage installation work?

Home battery storage installation involves integrating a battery system with your existing energy setup, allowing you to store excess energy for use during peak times.

Will a Heat Pump Really Save Me Money on My Energy Bills?

When homeowners start researching heat pumps, one of the first questions they ask is simple: Will it really save me money?
The answer is yes – provided your system is designed correctly and installed by a qualified, MCS-accredited engineer.

Here’s how heat pumps compare with traditional heating systems in terms of cost, efficiency, and long-term value.

Heat Pump Efficiency Explained

Unlike a boiler that burns fuel, a heat pump transfers heat from the air outside into your home. This makes it incredibly efficient.

A modern air source heat pump produces around 3 – 4 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity used – a performance ratio known as the Coefficient of Performance (CoP).

That’s 300 – 400% efficiency, compared with around 90% for most boilers.

Running Costs Compared

Heating Type	Average Efficiency	Energy Cost (approx.)	Heat Produced per 1 kWh
Gas Boiler	~90%	£0.07 / kWh heat	1 kWh
Oil Boiler	~85%	£0.14 / kWh heat	1 kWh
Direct Electric	100%	£0.28 / kWh heat	1 kWh
Air Source Heat Pump	300 – 400%	£0.07 / kWh heat	3 – 4 kWh

Even when electricity prices are higher, the efficiency of a heat pump means you pay less per kWh of usable heat than with oil or direct electric systems.

Example Savings for a Typical Home

Current System	Annual Heating Cost	With Heat Pump	Estimated Saving
Oil Boiler	£2,200	£1,100	£1,100 / year
Direct Electric	£2,800	£1,100	£1,700 / year
Gas Boiler	£1,200	£1,000	£200 / year + lower emissions

Based on a 3-bed home using 12,000 kWh of heat annually (CoP of 3.5).

Why Design and Insulation Matter

A heat pump’s performance depends heavily on two things:

Accurate Sizing: Too small, and it won’t heat your home efficiently; too large, and it will “short cycle,” wasting power.
Good Insulation: The better your insulation, the lower your energy use – and the greater your savings.

At Sustain Heating, every installation starts with a heat loss calculation so your system is perfectly matched to your home.

Long-Term Value & Return on Investment

Typical ROI: 6 – 10 years, depending on your current heating type and usage.
Lifespan: 15 – 20 years with regular servicing.
Lower maintenance costs and no fuel deliveries.
Protection from fossil fuel price spikes.

Over time, the savings add up – while your carbon footprint shrinks significantly.

Why Choose Sustain Heating

Fully MCS, NICEIC, and TrustMark accredited engineers.
4.9/5 rating on Which? Trusted Traders and 4.7/5 on Trustpilot.
Bespoke system design tailored to your home’s exact needs.
Comprehensive warranties and aftercare for complete peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Yes – a heat pump can absolutely save you money on your energy bills.
With the right design, insulation, and professional installation, you’ll enjoy reliable warmth, lower costs, and long-term sustainability.

At Sustain Heating, we make the switch simple – from your initial survey through to installation and aftercare.