According to the latest MSC data, there was a record-breaking 27,000 certified heat pump installations in the UK in the first half of 2024 – a 45% leap from the same period last year.

So what is a heat pump? And why are they becoming so popular for business owners?

What is a heat pump? 

An air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling by absorbing heat from air outside a building and releasing it inside. When properly installed, these can deliver up to 3x more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes. 

Heat pumps are considered critical to phasing out gas boilers to avoid their greenhouse gas emissions. 

Which businesses might use a heat pump? 

Any business that uses heating or air-conditioning. Heat pumps can be used for air-conditioning, cooling drinking water, space heating and heating water. 

Industries that rely on precise temperature control for manufacturing processes could make effective use of a heat pump. Some examples are food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical development or many agribusinesses. 

What are some benefits of heat pumps? 

• Save energy compared to gas heaters or conventional electric water heaters – heat pumps can deliver up to 10-15 times as much energy as they use. 

• Premium heat pumps can heat a room at 600% efficiency, while gas heaters are around 50% to 95%. 

• Save on running costs. 

• Two for one heating and cooling; they can also keep premises cool in summer. 

How much does a heat pump cost? 

The cost of a heat pump depends on the heat requirements of the business. Average costs range between £4,000 to £8,000 for a smaller business.