How does a heat pump work?
An air source heat pump typically consists of an outdoor unit, indoor control module and a hot water cylinder. The outdoor unit collects heat from the outside air, even in freezing temperatures, and is then transferred into your central heating system.
Although this may sound unusual at first, the process is more straightforward than many people think. Unlike a traditional gas boiler, a heat pump doesn't burn gas or oil to generate heat. Instead, it uses compression technology to raise the temperature of the collected heat to the desired temperature for your home.
A correctly designed, fitted by an MCS registered installer, an optimised heat pump system can offer homeowners a highly efficient decarbonised heating system.
Air source heat pumps
For many homeowners, air source heat pumps are a practical choice because they can be installed in a wide range of properties and don't require extensive groundworks. This is because their compact outdoor unit helps make installation simpler, particularly where space is limited.
Even in freezing temperatures, air source heat pumps can collect heat energy from the outside air and raise it to a suitable temperature to heat your home. This works by transferring the collected heat energy from outside into your radiators, underfloor heating and hot water cylinder, keeping your home cosy and warm, even in winter. Once the heat has been transferred, the system continues the cycle so your home can stay warm in a steady and controlled way.
Heat pump technology already exists in most homes in the UK in the form of a refrigerator. A fridge works by removing heat from inside the unit and releasing it from the back of the unit. An air source heat pump does the opposite, taking heat from outside air and moving it into your home.
This process is broken down into 4 steps:
Our GeniaAir heat pump uses R290 refrigerant, which has a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.02* and supports a lower carbon approach to home heating compared to gas boilers.
*R290 has a 100-year GWP of 0.02, much lower than the traditional assumed value of 3.
How heat pumps perform in cold weather
Modern air source heat pumps are designed to work in very cold weather. They can continue extracting heat from the air, even in minus temperatures.
For a heat pump to perform well, it needs to be correctly sized and made for your homes needs. If a heat pump is too small, it may struggle to heat your home effectively. If it is too large, it may not run as efficiently as it should. This is why a proper home assessment is an important part of the process when it comes to finding the right heat pump for your home's needs. Before installation, a qualified Glow-worm installer will assess your home’s heat loss, insulation, radiators, pipework, hot water needs and available outdoor space to make sure the system is suitable for your property.
Glow-worm's GeniaAir heat pump has been designed to support reliable home heating across a range of weather conditions, undergoing tests in temperatures as low as -25°C. When paired with the Glow-worm HydraCyl hot water tank, your Glow-worm heat pump system can to keep your home cosy and warm, delivering the heating and hot water that your home needs.
Ready to find the right heat pump set up for your home? Find a certified Glow-worm installer near you.
How much can a heat pump cost?
The cost of a heat pump can vary depending on your home, the size of the system and the installation work required.
The final cost will be determined by the output of the heat pump, the current condition of your heating system or if any upgrades will be required such as new pipework, larger radiators or the size of the hot water cylinder.
Some installations are more straightforward than others. For example, a home that already has good insulation, correctly sized radiators and enough outdoor space may need fewer changes than a property that requires heating system upgrades.
Because every property is different, the best way to understand the cost is to arrange a home assessment through a qualified installer. They can look at your heating and hot water needs, explain what work may be required and recommend the most suitable system.
Heat pump grants and financial support
Homeowners in England and Wales may be able to get support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). This scheme can help reduce the upfront cost of installing an eligible heat pump. The grant is applied for by the installer, and the value of the grant is taken off the amount you pay for the installation. Eligibility can depend on your property, location, current heating system and the type of installation being carried out. It is important to check the latest requirements before starting any work.
Our GeniaAir heat pump is eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, helping make the move to low carbon heating more achievable for homeowners replacing a gas or oil heating system.
Smart controls for your heat pump
Smart controls can help you manage your heat pump more accurately, giving you greater flexibility over how and when your heating runs.
Our MiGo Link Internet Gateway also connects your heating system to the MiGo Link app, giving you remote access from your mobile device, you can adjust temperatures, set heating schedules and manage your system around the way you use your home.
MiPro Sense can also support weather compensation, helping your system respond more accurately to outdoor temperatures. This can help your heat pump run more efficiently, with potential cost savings from reduced unnecessary energy use.
Boilers vs heat pumps
Boilers and heat pumps both provide heating, but they work in very different ways.
A gas boiler burns fossil fuels to create heat. A heat pump uses compression to move heat from outside your home and transfer it indoors.
This means a heat pump can feel different to live with but an inefficient boiler system often heats the home through short bursts of high temperature heat. A heat pump is designed to run more steadily over longer periods, helping your home maintain a comfortable temperature. This steady approach can be efficient, but it also means the system needs to be designed properly.
Good insulation, correctly sized radiators and optimised controls can all help a heat pump perform more effectively over time.
A heat pump uses lower flow temperatures than a traditional boiler. By making some efficiency improvements to your home, this will enhance the performance of the heat pump further. Your local Glow-worm installer will be able to advise any measures required during your pre-installation survey.