Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are one of the most efficient and eco-friendly ways to heat a home. They work by drawing warmth from the outside air, even when temperatures are low, and transferring it indoors through a heat exchanger. This energy is then distributed via radiators, underfloor heating or hot water systems. Because they rely on renewable energy from the air, ASHPs can provide reliable heating across the seasons while reducing your home’s carbon footprint.
But they need energy too
Running an ASHP requires a significant amount of electricity to power the fan, compressor and circulation pumps. For an average UK home, that typically means around 4,000–7,000 kWh of electricity per year, though the exact figure will vary depending on your property’s size, insulation, local climate and the system’s efficiency.
The good news is that while heat pumps do consume electricity, they are highly efficient, producing roughly three units of heat for every one unit of electricity used. This makes them far more energy-efficient than traditional gas boilers or electric resistance heaters. To get the best results, your property should be well-insulated, the system correctly sized, and wherever possible, powered by renewable electricity such as solar.
Why pairing with solar panels makes sense
Here’s where solar enters the picture nicely:
- Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, often more than you use at that time.
- That surplus electricity can be used to run the heat pump, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering bills.
- On sunny days you might even power the pump almost entirely from solar, helping make the installation more cost-effective.
Another advantage is that some ASHP models also include a cooling function, working in a similar way to an air conditioner. While this isn’t a feature of every system, it’s worth noting that in certain cases, solar panels can help to power both heating and cooling. That means, depending on the setup, your solar panels can keep your home comfortable year-round, using the sun’s energy to cool you on hot days and warm you during the colder months.
Sunlit Solar & Local Expert Partners: Tor Renewables
At Sunlit Solar, our core expertise is solar panels and storage, designing systems that generate clean energy efficiently and deliver long-lasting results. But we know many of our eco-conscious customers want more than solar; they want whole-home solutions, including renewable heating.
That’s why we recommend Tor Renewables of Street, Somerset, for air source heat pump work. Key facts about them:
- They have around 15 years’ experience in renewable heating solutions (including air source & ground source heat pumps) and general plumbing & heating.
- They operate locally, covering Somerset and surrounding areas, just as we do, so you get local knowledge, support and speedy service.
- They are Gas Safe certified, use leading brands, provide no-obligation quotes and offer emergency call-outs.
We can work with Tor Renewables so your solar installation and your heat pump/renewable heating system complement each other, from sizing to layout, to maximise efficiency and reduce running costs.
Is an ASHP right for you?
You might want to consider an air source heat pump if:
- You have space for an outdoor unit with good airflow
- Your property is well-insulated, or you’re willing to improve insulation
- You are interested in lower-carbon heating, long-term savings and possibly pairing with solar to reduce electricity usage
- You want a system that can provide both heating and cooling
- You plan to stay in your home for a number of years (ASHPs have a higher upfront cost than traditional boilers, but offer long-term savings and lower carbon emissions).
Ready to explore your options?
If you’d like to find out more about how an air source heat pump and solar panels can work together to cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Sunlit Solar to discuss your solar installation, or speak with our trusted colleagues at Tor Renewables about air source heat pumps. Together, we can help you get the most from your home’s renewable energy.
