Commercial Air Source Heat Pump Running Costs: What Businesses Should Calculate

A commercial air source heat pump is a great way for UK businesses to cut their energy use and carbon emissions, but the running costs need to be considered before signing up to a new system.

A realistic cost calculation compares the price of producing useful heat with your existing heating system and takes into account maintenance, installation requirements and potential funding.

Calculate the Cost of Electricity

A commercial air source heat pump uses electricity to take heat from the outside air and move it into the building. It is rated by its seasonal performance factor (SPF), which is how much heat it produces for each unit of electricity it consumes over a heating season.

A system with an SPF of 3 produces roughly 3 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity used.

At 25p per kWh, that works out at around £8,333 a year in electricity costs.

Compare Costs with Your Existing Boiler

For a gas boiler, calculate annual gas consumption, your gas tariff and the boiler’s seasonal efficiency. A boiler must consume more energy than the useful heat it delivers because some energy is lost during operation.

Electricity can cost considerably more per kWh than gas, so a heat pump’s efficiency advantage does not automatically mean lower bills. Your business’s actual energy tariffs and the system’s seasonal performance determine the outcome.

A comparison should also consider whether the existing commercial boiler service needs frequent repairs or a replacement.

Conclusion

Quora Group, a commercial heating contractor, can help businesses assess their heating requirements and develop a suitable installation and maintenance plan.

Get in touch to discuss your commercial heating needs and explore whether an air source heat pump is right for your premises.