Are Heat Pumps Worth It?

Have you been scratching your head over the best way to heat your home while keeping an eye on both your wallet and the environment, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of heat pumps and comparing them to some exciting heat pump alternatives. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s unravel this heating conundrum together!

So what actually are heat pumps?

Imagine a refrigerator, but in reverse. That’s essentially what a heat pump does. Instead of removing heat from inside your home (like your fridge does), a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air or ground and pumps it into your home. Even when it’s chilly outside, there’s still some heat in the air or ground that can be captured and amplified. Heat pumps use electricity to run, but they’re incredibly efficient because they’re not actually creating heat – they’re just moving it from one place to another.

In recent years, heat pumps have been making quite a splash in the home heating world. They’ve become the talk of the town due to their energy efficiency and lack of damage to the environment, meaning the government have offered a grant to UK homeowners looking to install one. While we love to see the government striving for a greener future, 5 million homes in the UK aren’t suitable or heat pumps, and yet the government aren’t pushing for a heat pump alternative to be installed to help meet our net zero goal. For example, some homes lack the space or have insufficient heating for heat pumps to work effectively. Apartments, listed buildings and churches also can’t use heat pumps so must find an alternative to help meet their goals while staying warm.

As we face the challenges of climate change and rising energy costs, more and more homeowners are looking for efficient, eco-friendly ways to keep their homes cosy. Heat pumps have emerged as a promising solution, but 5 million properties across the UK aren’t suitable. For example, some homes lack the space or have insufficient heating for heat pumps to work effectively. Apartments, listed buildings and churches also can’t use heat pumps so must find an alternative to help meet their net zero goals while staying warm.

Meet the NEOS: A smart and exciting alternative

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about an exciting heat pump alternative that’s been turning heads in the heating world: the NEOS hybrid electric radiator. This slick piece of innovative technology is giving traditional systems a run for their money - literally. Our scientifically backed running costs don’t lie - check them out for yourself:

Our well researched running costs don’t lie.

The NEOS electric radiator works on a simple yet effective principle. It combines the best of both worlds: the quick heat-up of electric heating with the sustained warmth of a storage element. This is what enables running costs to be kept to a minimum without compromising the amount of heat produced.

To find out exactly how the NEOS works, watch the following video from the inventor himself.

So long story short, with quadvex convection, aluminium casing, and the internal storage element, the NEOS can heat the whole of your desired space (leaving no cold spots) while saving energy AND money. What sets the NEOS apart is its smart control system; each thermostat option allows you to match your heating to your lifestyle and set a different schedule for every individual room, and every day of the week.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Heat Pumps vs. the NEOS

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s roll up our sleeves and compare these two heating solutions. After all, every home is unique, and what works for one might not be the best fit for another. Since both heat pumps and the NEOS electric radiator are electric heating solutions, they’re both extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly, but let’s look into some more pros and cons to each option.

Heat Pump Pros:

• Some models can both heat and cool your home

• Lower running costs compared to traditional gas or oil heating

• 5-10 year warranty (dependent on manufacturer)

• Suitable for new builds

Heat Pump Cons:

• High upfront installation costs

• Not suitable for all properties - insulation must be of an incredibly high standard

• Installation can be disruptive, especially for ground source heat pumps

• Requires outdoor space for the unit

• Requires annual servicing

• Can be difficult to retrofit

• Noisey operation

• Not always effective in cold climates

NEOS Pros:

• Easy installation with minimal disruption

• Precise room-by-room temperature control

• No maintenance required

• Works well in any climate

• Wall mounted, modern design

• Lower upfront costs compared to heat pumps

• Suitable for all building types

NEOS Cons:

• Relies solely on electricity, which can be expensive in some areas

• Doesn’t provide cooling like some heat pumps can

• Requires separate units for individual rooms

The Bottom Line: Crunching the Numbers

Now, let’s talk money. After all, while we all want to do our bit for the environment, we also need to keep our bank accounts happy!

Initial Costs

Heat pumps typically have a higher upfront cost. You’re looking at anywhere from £7,000 to £13,000 for an air source heat pump, and potentially double that for a ground source heat pump.

The NEOS, on the other hand, has a much lower initial cost than a heat pump. Prices of course vary on radiator size and the number of units required for your home. To find out what size radiators you may need in your home, book an appointment with one of our heating advisors for a FREE measure and quote. For more information on the cost of the NEOS in general, click here.

Running Costs

Due to the unique design elements within the NEOS, less electricity is used compared to other options. The unit will stop using electricity when the desired temperature is reached, and use the storage element to continue giving out heat for a further 20-40 minutes, dependent on the nature of your property. Therefore, where you’d usually use 60 minutes of electricity with other electric heating options, the NEOS would only use electricity for 30 minutes, while providing the same amount of heat. So half the electricity AND half the price.

Both of these sustainable heating options’ running costs are dependent on electricity tariffs in your area. However, if you’d like to know more about running costs with the NEOS, download a free running cost guide here.

The Verdict: Are Heat Pumps Worth It?

So, after all that, are heat pumps worth it? Well, as with most things in life, the answer is: it depends.

If you’re building a new home or doing a major renovation, a heat pump could be a good choice. They’re efficient in incredibly well-insulated homes.

However, if you’re looking for a less disruptive or smarter option, the NEOS hybrid electric radiator could be a fantastic alternative. It offers many of the benefits of modern, efficient heating without the installation hassle.

Remember, the world of home heating is evolving rapidly. Especially with the phase out of gas boilers across the country! As technology improves and energy policies shift, we’re likely to see even more exciting developments in this space. So keep your eyes peeled, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to embrace the changing face of home heating. Your wallet – and the planet – will thank you!

For more information, give us a call on 0800 599 9109 and we’ll give you as much information as we can.

Tags: General Guides, Comparisons.