An air-source heat pump isn't magic, but it certainly seems like it.

It basically works like a reverse fridge. Even when it's cold outside, there's still some warmth in the air. The heat pump catches this warmth and compresses it, which makes it even warmer. This warmth is then sent inside your house to make it nice and cosy, even in those freezing winter months.
       
It’s smart because it moves energy around instead of making it. This uses much less power, which is good for your bills and the planet.

They work well in colder climates so don't worry about it not being able to keep up with the UK weather. In fact, 60% of Norwegian houses use heat pumps to stay warm in the winter, and as cold as it gets here, we're not quite that cold!

In a nutshell, an air-source heat pump takes heat from the air outside to warm your home. See, not magic, but it certainly feels like it.

Heat pumps are an awesome way to keep your home cosy, and they're even easier to use than your old gas boiler. To get the most out of them, there are a couple of things to know, and some key features you should be aware of.

Using your heat pump effectively is key. Unlike a gas boiler, it's more efficient to maintain a steady temperature rather than frequently fiddling with the thermostat. 

Outdoor temperature plays a big role in your heat pump’s efficiency. Heat pumps have to work harder when the temperature difference between the inside and outside is higher. During colder winter months, your electricity bills may even cost more compared to a gas system, but in milder seasons, you should see lower energy bills to make up for it.

Metis’ heat pumps come with the latest smart thermostats to improve your heat pump's performance by automatically adjusting settings whatever the weather.

Never underestimate the importance of your home's insulation. Good insulation and air sealing are not just beneficial, they’re crucial for your heat pump to maintain a comfortable temperature without overworking.

Don’t compromise on proper sizing and installation by a professional, either. An incorrectly sized or poorly installed system will never be efficient.

Regular maintenance keeps your heat pump operating at its best all year round. Metis’ heat pumps come with a 7-year warranty, but when looked after, they should last 15 years or more.

Our heat pumps also come with advanced features to further boost efficiency by avoiding the energy losses you could get if your heat pump is frequently switching on and off.

Your heat pump will keep you comfortable while using less energy overall. Just keep in mind that even with best practices, efficiency will go down during the coldest days. When considering your annual energy consumption, a well-designed and properly used heat pump system should keep your bills down and your home nice and toasty.

Modern air-source heat pumps typically make a low whirring sound when running properly. Our heat pumps use the latest innovations in fan design, so they are super quiet. The volume may increase with the heat pump's workload, primarily due to the fan speed needed to draw warm air into the evaporator. The noise is often likened to that of an air conditioning unit and is generally quieter than a standard gas boiler. Plus, as it's installed outside, it's unlikely you'll hear it. 

During the design stage of your heat pump installation, we carefully assess any potential noise impact to ensure your neighbours aren't disturbed. We recommend installing the outdoor unit a good distance from neighbouring properties and avoiding placement directly under windows.

Even though electricity costs more than gas and oil in the UK right now, the operational expenses of heat pumps are surprisingly similar due to their high efficiency. This means that if electricity prices decrease in the future compared to fuels, heat pumps will offer far greater cost-efficiency than conventional heating systems.

Producing your own electricity with a solar power system can also significantly lower your costs. While the upfront cost for a heat pump is more than that of a gas boiler, government grants make it much more affordable. Plus, heat pumps generally have a considerably longer lifespan than gas boilers and demand less maintenance.

In terms of finances alone, choosing between gas and a heat pump is a close call, but for the environment, there is really only one good option.

If you're a homeowner interested in getting an air-source heat pump, you may well be eligible for financial support through the UK Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). This scheme offers £7,500 to help cover the installation cost of an air-source heat pump in England or Wales. (Scotland has its own scheme.)

• Your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) without any pending loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations.
• Also, the installation must be done by an MCS-certified installer like Metis.

We handle the grant application for you and simply take it off the installation cost – pretty straightforward, right? Remember, this grant won’t be around forever, so consider installing a heat pump sooner rather than later! 

Yes, they are similar to a boiler in use. As part of the installation process, the heat pump system will be set up to suit your needs. 

We recommend leaving it on a low but comfortable setting all day. You can always turn up the heating controls if you need extra warmth.