Faced with rising fuel prices and environmental concerns, many property owners are looking for the most effective ways to generate electricity in their own homes. By deriving heat from the air around them, air source heat pumps represent a practical option that's quickly catching on among eco-conscious home owners.There are numerous advantages of installing air source heat pumps, and not only for saving money - though lowering fuel bills can be one of the most appealing benefits. Although they are powered by electricity, meaning they are not completely independent from traditional fuels, air source heat pumps extract renewable heat energy from their natural surroundings - including from earth and water sources - and release it at a much higher temperature. This makes them a more ecologically sound method of generating central heating and hot water for your home.This heat can be supplied on a continuous basis, especially useful if you choose to have the heat pumps operating around the clock to keep your home warm for less in winter. The flexibility of the system also means it's just as effective for providing air conditioning in the summer, without needing to make any alterations to the equipment.This heat is delivered at a steady pace, meaning you won't experience the rapid temperature fluctuations often associated with gas and electricity, and radiators may not be hot to the touch. To enjoy the greatest benefits from air source heat pumps, insulating your property can be considered essential, to prevent the heated air escaping. If you're serious about reducing your carbon footprint, the full benefits of air source heat pumps will depend on which type of system you install, as well as the type of fuel you're replacing. These carbon reductions can be significant however, with typical savings of around five tonnes of CO2 per year when replacing electrical heating and 4.6 tonnes for solid fuel heating.These energy and cost savings don't come with a subsequent labour cost to the owner, either. Air source heat pumps are easy to install - as long as you have sufficient space outside your property for the unit to be installed effectively - and once set up, they require very little maintenance, having few moving parts and no gas or fuel supplies. A typical heat pump can last 20 years before serious work or a replacement is needed, helping you enjoy long-lasting benefits from renewable energy.
