"Put 1 Kilo-watt of energy in and get 4 Kilo-watts of energy out, now that's efficient"

Diminishing Gas supplies, the phasing out of gas connections to new build properties, and spiraling Oil prices will clearly make Heat pumps the primary method of heating our homes and businesses.

Heat Pumps achieve an unrivalled level of efficiency and will provide the heating and hot water demands for both commercial and domestic applications. They can work alongside Oil and Gas boilers, Electric Boilers, Wood Burners, Solar Thermal Hot water systems, and biomass boilers which means you can always have a back-up source of heating, something that until now was not really thought off. The expected life of an Air source heat pump is 20 years.

The government's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is being launched in October 2012 and you may be able to receive payments for the heat you generate using a heat pump through this scheme. More information on this will follow when available.

Planning permission

Air source heat pump installations In Wales and Northern Ireland require planning permission. In England and Scotland they may be considered Permitted Development, in which case you will not need planning permission, but the criteria are complex so it is always a good idea to check with your local planning office.