Navitron, designe and distributor of renewable energy systems, is calling for installers across the UK to push the benefits of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) to homeowners in time for them to reap the financial and environmental benefits of making the switch this winter.
Stephen Knight, commercial director for Navitron, believes that October and November are the best months to install ASHPs.
Stephen said: “Winter is just around the corner and with it comes the likelihood of blustering weather for several months. Not only are many fixed-rate tariffs set to expire this year, but gas and electric prices are steadily on the rise, making it the ideal time for homeowners to make the switch to renewable technology to heat their home.
“We had a fairly mild winter last year, with a mean temperaturs 1.5ºC above the country’s average – but there’s no guarantee we’ll be that lucky again this year. As we all know, weather is incredibly difficult to predict, so it’s always best to be prepared for the worst – and in the UK’s case, that means homeowners planning ahead so that their wallets don’t take a hit when colder weather arrives.
“One of the best ways of preparing against the tremendous utility bills that electric and gas heating are sure to bring this winter is for homeowners to consider a switch to renewable technologies as their home’s primary way of keeping warm – and ASHPs are the perfect option.
“Not only can they substantially cut heating bills during winter, but heat pumps also work on the coldest of days. This means there isn’t a wintertime situation where a properly designed and specified system can’t heat a home as it should – unless temperatures drop to below -20ºC.
“Heat pumps are even more desirable than years past now, too, because homeowners can also earn money from the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (d-RHI).”
According to the Energy Saving Trust, an average four-bedroom detached home with an ASHP installed would receive between £805-£1,280 in annual d-RHI income, in addition to the following benefits:
•Replacing an existing gas system: £290 to £435 in annual savings; 1.4 to 2.4 tonnes carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction annually;
•Replacing an existing electric system: £550 to £1,060 in annual savings; 5.8 to 10.5 tonnes CO2 reduction annually;
•Replacing an existing oil system: £545 to £880 in annual savings; 2.3 to 3.6 tonnes CO2 reduction annually;
•Replacing an existing LPG system: £1,160 to £1,845 in annual savings; 2.1 to 3.4 tonnes CO2 reduction annually;
•Replacing an existing coal system: £475 to £835 in annual savings; 6.4 to 10.6 tonnes CO2 reduction annually
Stephen said: “For homeowners that aren’t quite ready to install an ASHP system but have a wood stove in their house, there’s a great gadget available that can make their stove more efficient.
“Ecofans circulate the warm air created by a wood stove, ensuring heat that’s generated is evenly distributed and doesn’t end up rising to the ceiling – and some makes of these fans don’t require electricity to run as they have a thermoelectric module inside that acts as a small generator to power the fan’s motor.
“Selling the benefits of renewable heating heading into winter is an ideal strategy for installers because the unique selling points of heat pumps, specifically, are heightened toward the end of the year. By capitalising on colder weather, installers can make the idea of going green even more appealing to homeowners wanting to save m