Heat pumps are becoming more and more popular as an eco-friendly way to heat homes. They’re becoming especially popular in cities as places strive to reduce their carbon footprints. But with limited space in built-up areas, are heat pumps really the best alternative to traditional heating? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of heat pumps in urban areas and which one you should choose to heat your home.

What Are Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps are heating systems that use the existing heat in the ground (ground source heat pumps) or air (air source heat pumps) to provide your home with warmth. They’re up to 400% efficient, beating the typical efficiency of boilers which is usually around 94%. Heat pumps are becoming a preferred renewable heat source for many people around the UK.

Can Heat Pumps Work in Built up Areas?

In short, yes, heat pumps can work in built-up areas. However, there are some considerations to make, such as space, the type of heat pump, and any restrictions the home may face.

Air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps both have benefits when it comes to urban areas. Air source heat pumps are great for small houses or flats as they only need a small unit to be placed outside either in the garden, on a wall mount, or in a garden. Ground source heat pumps, on the other hand, need more space and are more better suited to larger homes with gardens.

Benefits of Heat Pumps in Urban Areas

Both ground source and air source heat pumps offer many benefits to homes in urban areas, including:

  • Reduced energy bills. Heat pumps are much more efficient than traditional boilers. They can also be much cheaper than oil and gas which can fluctuate in price.
  • Reduced carbon footprint. Heat pumps reduce your carbon emissions by utilising the heat already found in the air or ground rather than using fossil fuels.
  • Government incentives. You may be eligible for a government grant where you can apply for up to £7,500 towards your heat pump.
  • Lower maintenance. Heat pumps are much more reliable than traditional heating systems and require less maintenance.

Heat Pumps for Townhouses and Flats – What Works Best?

In many urban areas, let’s take Brighton as an example, housing styles vary and can be densely packed. Brighton has a range of different properties within it from townhouses and blocks of flats, so whether you’re in a small studio flat or a spacious family home, there’s a heat pump solution that fits. Let’s explore which type of heat pump is best suited for each type of property.

Terraced House

in urban areas like Brighton, terraced houses are typical. Terraced houses are build wall-to-wall and usually have a small enclosed garden. An air source heat pump is therefore the ideal choice as it offers efficient heating whilst taking up minimal space. Newer models are also quieter, so you have less chance of disturbing your neighbours.

Detached House

Detached houses are less common in urban areas, but due to their larger size and wider gardens, they usually have enough space to install a ground source heat pump system using a vertical borehole design. Ground source heat pumps are especially efficient for larger houses, offering long-term benefits of lower costs. This makes them ideal for homeowners planning on staying in their detached house for a long time.

Flat

In blocks of flats around areas like Brighton, air source heat pumps are the better option as they don’t need much space compared to ground source heat pumps. Individual flats generally require smaller heat pumps, or you can alternatively install a shared heat pump for multiple flats, each with their own control system.

Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pumps for Urban Areas?

When choosing between air source or ground source heat pumps for homes in urban areas, there are a few factors that come into play from space availability to installation costs. Here’s what you need to consider.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps tend to be the preferred option for urban areas due to their minimal space requirements. This makes them easier to install and more versatile for small home owners. Air source heat pumps work by drawing in heat from the air, making them suitable for patios, small gardens, and rooftops. They’re less expensive than ground source heat pumps and offer a good return on investment.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Compared to air source heat pumps, ground source are larger and typically more expensive, however, they do work out more cost-effective in the long run. Ground source heat pumps work by drawing heat from the ground, however, they need a lot more space. This makes them ideal for larger homes with garden space.

Looking for Heat Pumps for Your Urban Home?

At Hartswood Heating, we offer both air source and ground source heat pumps for all properties in urban areas. Serving a wide range of areas across Sussex, including Brighton, Hove, Chichester, Worthing, and beyond, we are committed to supporting the UK’s journey to Net Zero by 2050. Our team is ready to help you find the ideal heat pump solution for your home, so get in touch today to discuss your options and start your path to greener, more efficient heating.