Advantages of air source heat pumps

AT this time of fears of global warming and high energy prices, I am often asked for my experience of converting to an air source heat pump for home heating.

I had an air source heat pump (ASHP) installed in my 200-yearold stone and cob three-bedroom cottage two years ago.

Generally, I am very satisfied with my new heating system. It provides near-constant warmth. It is virtually silent and is reasonably inexpensive to run. It has a sophisticated timer/ control programme, however, I turn it on first thing in the morning by setting my thermostat at 20C and then down to 17C at night.

The capital cost of my system was £13,000, of which the Government is repaying me £8,000 over seven years. My installers replaced most of my radiators with double capacity ones which are needed due to the lower running (40C) temperature of the system.

Efficiency of ASHP is that for every kilowatt of electricity input you get just over four kilowatts of heat output, which I consider is real efficiency.

Before last April, my electricity bill (100% renewable) was £80 per month over the year. It is now currently £130 per month due to energy price rises.

Installing a heat pump system has proved itself a rewarding decision and has resulted in a warm home that is affordable to run as well as less damaging to the environment than traditional systems.

Justin Beament Crediton, Devon