Looking for the best heat pump to install in your home?
This guide will detail the pros and cons of different brands on offer in 2024, what to look out for when choosing what to upgrade your home’s central heating with, and helping you find the best heat pump.
Main Factors to Consider When Choosing A Heat Pump
Air source heat pumps are still quite foreign to the majority of the UK and the information out there can be confusing when deciding what to have installed. There are a number of considerations to ensure it fulfills your home’s heating needs. These include:
Power Output Matches Heat Loss
Noise Level
Efficiency Rating
Warranty
Power Output
You can read our complete guide on why size matters for your air source heat pump. Alongside efficiency, this is an important factor in what you have installed at your home.
Output is measured in kilowatts (kW), and should match your home’s heating needs, also measured in kilowatts, as closely as possible. Larger homes will require a heat pump with higher power output to ensure the pump can achieve the necessary heating requirement of the home, just like a gas boiler.
However, bigger is not always better. If excessively oversized, the unit will run more than it has to and therefore use more electricity than is needed to heat your home. This is why it is important you choose a reputable installer that can carry out a thorough and correct heat loss survey on your property, and that also has access to a variety of manufacturers so they can match your power output correctly.
Efficiency Rating
To maximise heat energy output for the amount of electricity input, you need a heat pump with the highest efficiency.
Efficiency is measured as the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP). The SCOP figure indicates how many kilowatts output for each kilowatt of electricity input.
However the SCOP is not just determined by the heat pump itself but also by the flow temperature your heating system has been designed at. This is the temperature of the water being heated by the air source heat pump, which is sent through your home to your radiators. The installer should always aim to lower the flow temperature as much as possible. Generally in the UK for heat pumps this is between 45°C and 55°C.
Noise Levels
Often overlooked, noise levels are also a significant consideration. Heat pumps are housed outside the property and a quieter operation ensures a more comfortable environment reducing disturbance to both the homeowner and neighbours.
There’s a common myth that leads many to believe that they are noisy, but heat pumps by nature are actually very quiet. For example, the Mitsubishi R32 8.5kW Ecodan operates at a maximum noise level of 58 decibels which is equivalent to the humming of a refrigerator, or a quiet conversation. It’s important to remember that this average figure is measured from the pump is running at maximum output, meaning usually during colder seasons when it has to work a little harder.
Warranty
A product warranty on your air source heat pump unit goes a long way in safeguarding your investment. Most will come with a warranty period of 5 years, covering parts and labour.
Choosing a heat pump with a comprehensive warranty can safeguard against potential issues and unexpected costs.
Grants & Costs
As the government continues its push to net zero, there are ongoing grants available to homeowners in the UK. This means that you can offset the cost of an air source heat pump or other renewable home heating system when replacing an old gas boiler.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, for example, means homeowners can get up to £7,500 currently towards a brand new heat pump and installation. Choosing the most suitable option for you and your home is therefore important, to ensure the savings can recoup some of the higher initial expense.
Top Heat Pump Brands 2024
More and more brands have entered the UK heat pump industry pushing up the quality and performance of the products on offers.
In 2024, the top brands include:
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi’s Ecodan range are a go to for many smaller installers across the UK. They have good SCOP ratings for their price point and come with a standard 5 year warranty.
Good sound level ratings and efficiency make them a preferred choice across the UK market currently.
York
A newer entry to the market in the UK, York heat pumps are designed by Johnson Controls, the biggest refrigeration company in the world.
They beat almost all other domestic heat pumps in efficiency, having SCOP ratings higher than a 4 on all their models. Furthermore, unlike brands like Mitsubishi and Viessman, York have an internal circulation pump, meaning it can actively monitor temperature and adapt speed to match requirement. They also come with an extensive 7 year warranty.
Your Energy have partnered with York, being one of only a few in the country, to have access to their highly efficient and compact units.
Vaillant
Vaillant have been a hallmark of quality for many years in the heating sector. This brand presence does come with a higher price tag, but their heat pumps are renowned for reliability and quiet operation.
They also boast having the inner circulation pump, so that the system won’t stay at a fixed speed.
Samsung
Samsung are a popular brand for keeping costs low to get more from your budget. Their compact units mean they can fit well into most residential settings, which also means planning permissions won’t be required for larger electricity inputs.
Most Efficient Heat Pump: York
The York air source heat pump, with its high efficiency and compact design, has become a preferred choice amongst users. It boasts an A+++ ErP efficiency rating and high SCOP, ensuring both superior energy performance and cost savings.
The York heat pump is designed for easy installation and requires low maintenance due to its low vibration design. Its compact outdoor unit fits well in various residential settings, making it ideal for modernising properties with low temperature heat pumps and temperature heat pumps.
If you would like to have York installed in your home, then Your Energy will be the installer for you! With our exclusive access, you’ll not find another installer who can!
