New study confirms heat pumps vastly outperform traditional heating systems
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A groundbreaking study analysing real-world performance data for heat pumps across the UK has revealed that both Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) deliver substantial efficiency gains over traditional gas and oil boilers, with GSHPs offering even greater long-term performance advantages.
The report, “In-Situ Heat Pump Performance - Analysis of Ofgem Data 2017–2022”, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), and the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA), assessed data from over 1,700 heat pump installations monitored between 2017 and 2022.
Key Findings:
- Heat pumps outperform gas and oil boilers: Both GSHPs and ASHPs achieved Seasonal Performance Factors (SPFs) well above fossil fuel heating systems, which typically operate with an efficiency of around 0.9 to 0.95.
- GSHPs deliver superior long-term efficiency: GSHPs achieved an average SPF of 3.24, rising to 3.31 for the most recent installations in 2022, demonstrating their ability to justify the higher initial investment with greater payback over time.
- Strong performance from ASHPs: ASHPs also delivered significant energy savings, achieving an average SPF of 2.65, with nearly 30% of systems performing at SPF 3.0 or higher.
- Investment in GSHPs pays dividends: One in three GSHPs achieved an SPF of 3.5 or higher, underscoring their reliability and long-term value for consumers.
A Sustainable Future for Heating
The study highlights that heat pumps, both ground and air source, are essential for achieving the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. GSHPs, while requiring higher initial capital investment, deliver superior long-term efficiency, ensuring lower operating costs and faster payback periods for consumers. At the same time, ASHPs remain a widely accessible and effective solution for reducing carbon emissions and energy bills.
Industry Perspective
Ken Gordon, CEO of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA), commented: "This research demonstrates that heat pumps are an exceptional alternative to fossil fuel heating. Both ground and air source systems provide impressive efficiency gains, but the additional upfront investment in Ground Source Heat Pumps pays off through significantly higher long-term performance and cost savings. With the right support, heat pumps can drive the energy transition and help consumers cut bills and carbon."
Policy and Investment
The findings call for continued investment and support for both technologies, ensuring that homes and businesses can benefit from sustainable, efficient heating systems that deliver real-world performance far exceeding traditional gas and oil boilers.
The In-Situ Heat Pump Performance report is referenced in the Electrification of Heat Reports also published today by Energy Systems Catapult.
Please note the report can be found here:
https://gshp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/In-Situ-Heat-Pump-Performance-Analysis-of-Ofgem-Data-2017–2022-1.pdf