Frequently Asked Questions

How do Heat Pumps work?

A heat pump is an electrically-powered device which absorbs heat from the air, ground or water around a building. It uses electricity to transfer heat from one place to another rather than generating heat itself. In the winter, a heat pump provides heating by extracting heat from outside a building and moving it inside. In the summer, some models can provide cooling by moving heat from indoors to the outside.

Here’s how it works:

  • Heat could be sourced from the air outside or warmth from the ground.

  • This is blown or pumped over the heat exchange surface of the exterior part of the heat pump.

  • This heat is warm enough to cause the refrigerant liquid in the heat pump to evaporate and turn into a gas.

  • This gas is then moved through a compressor, which increases the pressure, causing its temperature to rise.

  • The gas (now heated) is passed over the internal heat exchange surface.

  • This heat can then be either blown around the home’s interior or transferred into a central heating or hot water system.

  • As the heat is transferred into the home, the gas falls in temperature, causing it to return to a liquid state.

  • The cycle of reverse refrigeration repeats until your home reaches the required temperature setting on your thermostat.

What are the beneifits of a Heat Pump?

There are many benefits of using a heat pump. Heat pumps are more efficient than other heating systems because the amount of heat they produce is more than the amount of electricity they use. The amount of heat produced for every unit of electricity used is known as the Coefficient of Performance (CoP)1. Heat pumps can also be paired with alternative energy sources to further improve the environmental impact of your heating and hot water whilst also minimizing electricity costs.

Here are some of the benefits of using a heat pump system in your home:

  • Low Running Costs: Low running costs can help to reduce household energy bills.

  • Renewable Energy: Heat pumps are a renewable energy source, which means they don’t rely on fossil fuels.

  • Environmentally Friendly: Heat pumps don’t produce any harmful emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option.

  • Versatile: Heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling your home.

  • Long Lifespan: Heat pumps have a longer lifespan than traditional boilers.

How do solar panel work?

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity by using photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells are made of materials that generate electrons when exposed to light. The electrons flow through a circuit and produce direct current (DC) electricity, which can be used to power various devices or be stored in batteries.

When light shines on the semi-conducting material of a solar PV panel, a flow of electricity is created. In short, solar panels absorb tiny particles of light called photons. When the photons hit the panel, they dump their energy into it. This energy finds its way to particles in the panel called electrons. The added energy ‘excites’ the electrons and allows them to move around

How do solar panels save you money?

Solar panels can save you money by lowering the amount of electricity you have to buy from your utility. When you install solar panels on your roof, they generate electricity. That electricity flows from the solar panels to an inverter. Then, it’s sent to your home to power your appliances.

According to Energy Saving Trust estimates, a typical household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system can knock between £175 and £420 a year off bills at the current Energy Price Cap rates.

How long will it take to pay back my investment?

The return on investment (ROI) for solar panels depends on various factors such as the cost of the system, the amount of electricity generated, and the cost of electricity in your area. According to Spirit Energy, solar PV is a fantastic investment. Returns of 10% plus are available, non-taxable (for individuals), inflation linked and dependent only on the sun coming out. In fact, as their recent blog showed, the cost per kWh of solar electricity is around 10p.

The payback period for solar panels can range from 3-5 years with 4 years being the average.

Do solar panels really help the environment?

Yes, solar panels help the environment. They are a clean and renewable source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants. By using solar panels, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help combat climate change.