An air source heat pump, sometimes referred to as an air-to-water source heat pump, transfers heat from the outside air to water, which heats your rooms via radiators or underfloor heating. It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps, showers and baths.

Diagram showing how an air source heat pump works
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Heat from the air is absorbed into a fluid. This fluid then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump, which raises the temperature and then transfers that heat to water.

Air source heat pumps require electricity to operate but are considered much cheaper than the cost of generating heat by electricity or gas. They aren’t cheap costing between £7,000 and £13,000 on average.

The energy saving trust has published a chart showing the potential savings from installing an air source heat pump compared to traditional heating solutions.

This, of course, does not take into account installation costs.

It is probable that this source of heating is the way forward, but as with electric cars may not yet be financially viable for most homeowners (unless you can get a grant from Surrey!)

If you are interested in finding out more, The Energy Saving Trust publish an in-depth guide to heat pumps.