Air source heat pumps can offer a direct, cost-effective replacement to Oil and LPG boilers, saving at least 1/3 of the cost of the fuel bill.  They work by extracting heat from the air using a fan at temperatures down to -20C. The air is used to heat a refrigerant which is then compressed, raising the temperature up to 65C. The heat from an ASHP can then be used in the same way as from your conventional boiler, heating radiator systems. By utilising the free heat from the air, the ASHP can deliver over 4 times the energy used to run the fans and compressor.  The efficiency will vary dependent upon the outside temperature but over a season they will still deliver 3Kw for 1Kw of electrical energy used. The units are amazingly quiet, making no more noise than a domestic fridge, in fact that is exactly what a fridge is, a heatpump working in reverse. We install systems with intelligent weather compensation controls that maximise their efficiency and keep the house at a comfortable heating level. ASHP can also be very effectively used to heat swimming pools all year round and provide efficient water heating solutions, for example dairy farms hot wash. Unlike a boiler they are maintenance-free and built to provide a much better installation.   There are also grants available for Heatpump installations which are up to 50% of the installed cost. Size Tariff Years < 45Kw 7.5p 18 45 - 350Kw 2p 20 From April 2011 the government is proposing a Renewable Heat Incentive for which all accredited air source heat pump installations will qualify. As currently proposed, all qualified installations will receive an annual payment based upon the annual heat delivered by the installation for 18-20 years, this could amount to several thousands of pounds each year. DECC are also considering a third tariff band for installations over 350 kW.