The UK government has recently set a target of 600,000 air source heat pumps (ASHPs) to be installed a year by 2028 in a bid to accelerate the rollout so households move away from using costly fossil fuels.
It is understood by government officials that ASHPs are a proven technology that is much more efficient than traditional fossil fuel boilers and provide a reliable, low carbon heating solution for residential homes.
How do ASHPs work?
According to Energy Saving Trust, heat pumps are suitable for almost all homes and work by capturing heat from outside and moving it into you home.
An ASHP blows outside air over refrigerant filled coils. This heats the refrigerant turning it into a gas. A compressor then increases the gas pressure which increases the heat. The compressed hot gas is then passed to a heat exchanger to heat water or air to be circulated around the home.
Before installing a heat pump, it is important that you check with your local planning authority if permission is required as the outdoor units do create a certain level of noise.
Some local authorities may allow heat pumps to be installed as ‘permitted developments’ meaning that no permission is required. However, many local authorities require planning permission and for an acoustic consultant to provide a noise impact assessment to demonstrate that the noise of the outdoor heat pump unit will not negatively affect your neighbours. Therefore, it is very important to check with your local authority prior to installing a heat pump.
If you require a noise impact assessment, please get in touch and would be happy to assist.