N※N

Air-Source Heat Pumps: 3kWh of Heat for Every 1kWh of Electricity

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. -3kwh-of-heat-for-every-1kwh-of-electricity.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 0:20 GMT by Irish Daily Mirror

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-29 224 x 224 / 9950 Bytes

2025-11-29 246 x 205 / 9957 Bytes

2025-11-29 226 x 223 / 5349 Bytes

2025-11-29 234 x 216 / 8456 Bytes

Four Household Heating Options That Experts Say Could Save You Money and the Planet

In a rapidly changing climate, Irish homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to keep their houses warm while cutting energy costs and reducing their carbon footprint. A recent piece published on the Irish Mirror (https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/expert-reveals-four-household-heating-36315209) breaks down the most popular heating systems that experts recommend today, outlining their pros, cons, and potential savings.

1. Air‑Source Heat Pumps

The article opens with a discussion of air‑source heat pumps, the technology that has been receiving a lot of media attention. According to the featured expert – a certified heating engineer – these devices extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it inside the house. The key benefit is that they can provide up to 3 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity they consume, giving a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 3.0–4.0. That means for every €1 spent on electricity, the house gains roughly €3–4 worth of warmth.

The piece links to a government‑sponsored guide (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/7d9b9-heat-pumps/) that details eligibility for the Energy Efficiency Grant – a scheme that can cover up to 25 % of the cost of installing a heat pump. The article also cites the Irish Renewable Energy Association (https://www.ireal.ie/heat-pumps) for technical specifications and how to choose the right size for a home.

Key Takeaway: Heat pumps are highly efficient, especially in mild climates, and can be combined with existing radiators or under‑floor heating to maximise comfort.

2. Biomass Boilers (Wood Pellet Systems)

Next up is the biomass boiler, a system that burns compressed wood pellets to heat water, which then circulates through radiators or under‑floor piping. The expert explains that the main advantage is the use of a renewable fuel that can be produced locally, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The article links to the Irish Biomass Heating Association (https://www.ibha.ie) for a list of certified pellet suppliers and to the Department of Rural Development (https://www.gov.ie/renewable-energy) for subsidies and tax reliefs.

While the initial installation cost can be higher than a conventional gas boiler, the operating cost is often lower due to the cheap price of pellets. Additionally, many pellet boilers are equipped with automatic feeders and advanced combustion controls, ensuring efficiency and minimal smoke output.

Key Takeaway: Biomass boilers are a viable green alternative, especially for rural households that have easy access to wood supplies and can afford the upfront investment.

3. Direct‑Electric Heating (Infrared or Electric Radiators)

The article acknowledges that direct‑electric heating devices – such as infrared panels, electric radiators, and smart thermostats – are gaining traction, particularly in urban apartments where installing a full heating system can be impractical. Although the cost per unit of heat is higher for electricity than for gas or heat pumps, the simplicity of installation and the flexibility to heat only occupied rooms can offset that cost.

The article directs readers to the Smart Energy Portal (https://www.smartenergy.ie) for energy‑saving tips and a comparison of various electric heating products. It also mentions the National Grid’s upcoming time‑of‑use tariffs, which could lower the electricity bill during off‑peak hours.

Key Takeaway: While electric heating is typically more expensive per unit of heat, its ease of deployment and the possibility of targeted heating make it an attractive option for certain households.

4. Solar Thermal Systems

The final option highlighted is the solar thermal system – a set of solar collectors that heat water for domestic use and can be integrated with the existing heating loop. The expert notes that, while the initial cost is significant, the long‑term savings are substantial. According to a link to the Department of Climate Action (https://www.gov.ie/solar-thermal), households that install solar thermal panels can claim a Solar Incentive of up to €1,500, which covers a portion of the system’s cost.

Moreover, the article points out that solar thermal can reduce the load on other heating systems, especially during the sunny months, leading to lower overall energy consumption. The Department of Climate Action’s guide also offers a calculator that helps homeowners estimate how much heat can be captured from solar panels based on their roof orientation and area.

Key Takeaway: Solar thermal is an excellent long‑term investment that can dramatically cut heating bills, especially when paired with a heat pump or a high‑efficiency boiler.

Practical Steps for Homeowners

1. Audit Your Home’s Insulation – Before deciding on a heating system, the article stresses that proper insulation is vital. A well‑insulated house reduces the demand on any heating system. The Irish Government’s insulation guide (https://www.gov.ie/insulation) offers a simple audit checklist.

2. Calculate the Payback Period – Using the online calculators linked in the article (for heat pumps, biomass, solar thermal), homeowners can estimate how quickly their investment will pay off.

3. Check Local Grants and Subsidies – The article lists several local council programmes that may offer additional rebates. For example, the County Dublin Energy Efficiency Scheme provides a 10 % discount on heat pump installation.

4. Consider a Hybrid System – Combining a heat pump with a biomass boiler or solar thermal can offer the best of both worlds: high efficiency during mild weather and renewable fuel during colder periods.

5. Hire a Certified Installer – The article links to the National Association of Heating Engineers (https://www.nahe.ie) where homeowners can find licensed professionals with verified credentials.

The Bottom Line

This Irish Mirror feature serves as a concise guide for anyone looking to modernise their home heating. By weighing the pros and cons of heat pumps, biomass boilers, electric heating, and solar thermal, and by highlighting the various government incentives and technical resources available, the article empowers homeowners to make informed decisions. The ultimate goal? A warmer, more efficient home that helps curb Ireland’s carbon emissions while keeping the household budget in check.