Homeowners and developers are becoming increasingly interested in how to increase a property’s value sustainably. This is mainly due to people becoming more aware of their environment and the energy ratings of houses.
Certainly, energy efficiency is one of the most important factors in increasing the value of a house. Home Buyers now look for Energy Efficiency Certificates (EPCs).
They know that a good EPC rating means that they will save more money in the long run on their energy bills; therefore, houses that are energy efficient are more attractive to a buyer. Air Source Heat Pumps from suppliers like Fischer Future Heat are one of the key solutions for homes to improve the value of your house.
What Are Air Source Heat Pumps?
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are systems that extract heat from the outside air and transport it into a building to provide heating and hot water. The use of renewable natural resources for air source pump heating makes these relatively new to the market heating systems an energy-efficient heating solution that operates as the optimal central heating system even in extreme cold.
Types of Air Source Heat Pumps
There are several types of air source heat pumps (ASHPs), each suited to different property needs and heating requirements. The two most common are the air-to-water heat pump and the hybrid heat pump. While both are designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, they function in slightly different ways.
- Air-to-Water heat pumps are the most widely used in residential properties. These systems work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it to water. That heated water is then used in underfloor heating systems, radiators, or for domestic hot water. They are ideal for well-insulated homes and new builds, offering a steady, low-carbon heat supply.
- Hybrid heat pumps, on the other hand, are part of a hybrid heating system that combines a heat pump with a traditional gas or oil boiler. This setup offers greater flexibility. When outdoor temperatures drop significantly, the system can switch to the boiler to maintain comfort levels. Integrating a heat pump with a boiler ensures both energy efficiency and reliability, making it an excellent option for older homes or properties with higher heat demands.
How They Add Property Value
By now, you’ve probably learned how to increase almost any home’s value by adding an air source heat pump. If not, here’s the rundown:
- Higher EPC Ratings: Homes with energy-efficient technology, such as ASHP systems, receive higher Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), indicating more sustainable and energy-conscious living standards.
- Green Factor Appeal: As conversations around environmental consciousness and sustainable living continue to gain momentum, an increasing number of buyers are leaning towards properties such as the one you will already own with an ASHP.
- Long-Term Savings: An economically efficient living establishment equates to lower spending on utility bills, which is a great way of appealing to potential buyers.
Cost and Efficiency Benefits
Although it may make a dent in your pocket, when you look at the bigger picture, ASHP benefits you over the longer horizon:
- Decreased Heating Costs: ASHP will reduce your heat bills by providing heat effectively and at lower costs over the long term with its natural heat extracted from the air (sometimes wasted by displacing or utilizing for other fossil fuels).
- Smart Home System Integration with Hybrid Systems: They are easily integrated in a home that has an existing heating system, and thus maximize how you use your energy source for heating purposes at a lower cost.
- Less Carbon Footprint: As ASHP is using an electricity source and not a carbon-intensive heating method (fossil fuels), it will contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
- Low Maintenance: ASHP requires less maintenance as compared to other home heating systems (oil-based, gas-based). Over a long period, it will save a lot of money.
Government Incentives and Energy Compliance
The UK government supports the adoption of renewable heating systems through initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This scheme offers grants to homeowners and developers to install low-carbon heating systems, including air source heat pumps. The availability of such incentives can offset installation costs and encourage the transition to sustainable heating solutions.
Ideal Use Cases
Air source heat pumps are versatile and can be beneficial in various scenarios:
- Retro-Fitting/Upgrading Your Home: ASHPs can be installed into an existing property to help reduce heating costs without having too much disruption.
- New Build Properties: Property developers can build properties with ASHPs built in, allowing the properties to be environmentally friendly and future-proof.
- Landlords/ Investors: Using ASHPs to help lower heating costs can also make your property more attractive to tenants and increase the value of the property. More tenants are looking for long-term solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Future with Sustainable Air Source Heat Pumps
A renewable air source heat pump can deliver a multitude of benefits when installed in your home. These will increase the value of your home and reap the benefits of reducing your carbon footprint.
Companies like Fischer Future Heat provide a range of air source heat pumps, all designed to help with heating needs. Making the right investment in these heating solutions means you will also be making an investment towards protecting the future of our planet.
