System Comparison: Air Source Heat Pumps vs. Oil Heating

Charlie Clark • June 24, 2024

There are a number of ways to heat and cool your home, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Air source heat pumps and oil heating are two common heating systems used in many homes. In this blog post, we'll compare these two heating systems, to make sure you choose the best fit for your home, allowing you to be cost-effective and create the upmost comfort for your family. 

Efficiency

Air source heat pumps work by drawing in heat from the outside air and transporting it inside to heat your home, making it an extremely energy-efficient system. This technology can actually create more energy than it requires to work, resulting in cheaper energy bills and decreased carbon emissions. On the contrary, oil heating systems utilise oil to produce heat, which is more expensive and far less efficient in the long run. Air source heat pumps are considered to be far more environmentally friendly than oil-fired heating systems. 

Cost

The cost of installing an air source heat pump is likely to be more than the installation of an oil heating system, however, air source heat pumps have cheaper long-term operating costs due to them requiring less energy. Oil heating systems are reliant on the fluctuating price of oil, which is certain to result in unpredictable heating costs. Long term, air source heat pumps save you money and provide you more consistent heating and cooling solutions.

Environmental Impact

Due to the fact that oil heating systems require the burning of fossil fuels, air source heat pumps are a much greener heating solution, requiring renewable energy. Oil heating systems generate harmful substances and greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in an air source heat pump will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. 

Comfort & Performance

Air source heat pumps allow you to precisely control the temperature of your home in order to provide consistent heating and cooling throughout the year, regardless of the temperature outside. Oil heating systems have the ability to provide strong and steady heat, however they are less efficient and will likely need more maintenance to allow for optimum performance. 

Maintenance & Longevity

Both air source heating systems and oil heating systems should be carefully maintained in order to keep them performing optimally, however, air source heat pumps are prone to having a longer lifespan. Oil heating systems may require more frequent maintenance and be affected by fluctuations in oil pricing and availability. Air source heat pumps are generally the more trustworthy of the two systems. 

Air source heat pumps surpass oil heating systems with regard to energy efficiency, affordability, and impact on the environment. While oil systems produce great heat for your home, they are also much more impactful on the environment and more costly. When selecting the best heating and cooling system for your home, bear in mind the long-term benefits of air source heat pumps, such as energy-efficiency, cost savings, environmental sustainability, and general performance.

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