In recent years, air source heat pumps have become a popular choice for homeowners. Maybe you are considering installing one yourself or buying a property that already has one installed. The good news is as well as reducing energy bills, heat pumps can also enhance your home’s appeal and even increase its market value.
Installing an air source heat pump can increase your home’s value by up to 7%*, offering a significant return on investment and appealing to buyers concerned about energy consumption and environmental impact.
Read on for Cinergi’s guide on how air source heat pumps can enhance the value of your home, as well as deliver valuable energy savings.
For more advice, contact Cinergi today and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team.
*according to Better Home, Cooler Planet by ScottishPower and WWF
Will a heat pump improve my EPC rating?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) evaluates the energy efficiency of a home with a rating of A to G and is essential when selling a property. Your EPC will also indicate changes to make the property more energy-efficient.
Your home’s EPC rating affects how marketable your property is and can increase or decrease its market value.
Now, you may have read that having an air source heat pump installed can make your EPC worse rather than better. This is because the current system is based not just on a property’s efficiency but also on the cost of heating it. Electricity costs more than gas, so in some cases, where the installation of a heat pump is not fully optimised, it can negatively affect a house’s EPC rating.
However, this hardly supports the government’s 2050 net zero target. As a result, the government is reviewing the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for energy ratings. A recent consultation proposed changes to SAP and introduced a potential replacement called the Home Energy Model, which aims to improve the way homes are assessed for energy efficiency.
If it goes ahead, it will be launched alongside the Future Homes Standard in 2025. This means that more homes with heat pumps are likely to achieve better energy ratings.
All this said, if your heat pump is installed properly, which entails correctly sizing the system and ensuring proper cavity wall insulation to minimise electricity consumption, it can reduce your home’s energy rating under the current system. Cinergi takes great care to ensure that heat pumps are installed to deliver the utmost efficiency to help you save on bills and improve your EPC.
How can an air source heat pump can increase the value of your home?
Putting aside how EPC ratings affect house prices, there’s no doubt that an air source heat pump can add value to your home and improve its marketability. Let’s look at how.
More energy efficient
Air source heat pumps are renowned as energy-efficient heating systems. Unlike traditional heating systems, heat pumps don’t rely on fossil fuels. Instead, they extract heat from the air and convert it into energy. Read more about how air source heat pumps work.
This process is highly efficient, often operating at over 300% efficiency, compared to less than 70% for a G-rated gas boiler. This efficiency translates to lower overall energy bills, which is a strong selling point for prospective buyers.
Attract eco-conscious buyers
With growing awareness about climate change and soaring heating costs, many buyers are looking for more sustainable homes. A heat pump can significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint, making it an attractive option for the growing number of eco-conscious buyers.
Homes that have a heat pump solution that includes solar panels can receive even higher offers, with the potential to reduce the new owner’s reliance on the grid.
Future-proofing homes
Investing in an air source heat pump is a step towards future-proofing your home. As we near the government’s 2050 net zero target, gas boilers in new-build properties are already banned and will eventually be phased out altogether.
So there’s no doubt that homes with modern, energy-efficient heating systems will be better positioned in the market. This not only protects your investment but also ensures compliance with future heating regulations.
How much value could a heat pump add to a home?
According to the Better Home, Cooler Planet report by ScottishPower and WWF, installing an air source heat pump can increase a home’s value by approximately 3% to 7%.
Considering the average UK house price is around £265,600 (June 2024), this translates to an added value of £4,515 to £7,968. Of course, the exact increase depends on your home’s current EPC and the local property market.
Is it easy to sell a home that has an air source heat pump?
According to many leading estate agents, like Savills, homes with low-carbon heating are more attractive due to lower energy consumption and running costs, making them easier to market and sell to modern buyers.
Can you take your heat pump with you when you move house?
It’s certainly not possible to move a ground source heat pump to a new home! Technically, it is possible to move an air source heat pump to a new property, but it is not practical.
The process involves significant dismantling and reinstallation costs, along with potential planning permission in the new location. Instead, leaving the heat pump can enhance your property’s value and appeal, and you can install a new system in your new home.
Looking to invest in your home energy system? Get in touch with Cinergi
If you’re considering investing in a heat pump to improve your home’s energy efficiency, it’s important to choose an experienced installer to ensure it also adds value to your home.
Cinergi is an MCS-registered installer, providing you with valuable peace of mind. Our meticulous process includes precise heat loss calculations to ensure that your new heat pump solution is fully optimised for minimising your energy usage.
We can advise on the best energy-efficient heating solution for your home and budget from a range of options, including air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and solar panels. Our team of experts provides friendly, independent advice, hassle-free installation and ongoing care and maintenance.
Contact us today to ask a question or arrange a consultation.
