There are two types of heat pump – Air source and Ground source.

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts cool air from indoors. A ground source heat pump absorbs heat from the ground using pipes buried in the garden.

This heat can then be used to heat radiators or underfloor heating and heat water.

Heat pumps can:

• offer an alternative to fossil fuels, such as oil and gas
• generate space heating and hot water for your home
• receive a one off tax free payment of around £850 (per air source heat pump unit)
• provide a tax free income (per air source heat pump from October 2012)
• save money on energy bills
• reduce your home's carbon emissions.

In addition to the savings you will make on your heating bills; you can also get paid for the energy your air source heat pump generates!

From October 2012, the government's Renewable Heat Incentive will provide a one off payment if you have installed an air source heat pump since 15 July 2009. The amount for the one off payment has not been confirmed, but the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have announced that a one off payment for an air source heat pump unit may be £850.

For those who install an air source heat pump unit from July the government's Renewable Heat Incentive will provide a long term tariff.

The price of energy will rise over the coming decades – and with these rises; the value of the green energy generated will also rise.

Our team of expert surveyors will provide a free no obligation technical survey of your home and your needs, to provide a report detailing the renewable energy technologies suitable for your home, indicative costs, savings and any additional income generated.

For more information or to arrange a free, no obligation survey call Affordable Energy free on 0800 096 6356, email – info@affordableenergy.co.uk or complete an online enquiry form.