Increasingly schools are making the switch from traditional fossil-fuel heating systems to heat pumps.

In this post below we look at how schools could benefit from this technology, what the different options are and what are the cost implications.

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You can watch our short ‘how to’ video on this topic below. We look at how this technology works, its benefits, as well as examples of systems at other schools. You can find the full ‘how to’ video here:

Why should schools consider heating with a heat pump?

Heat pumps are not new technology, they are widely used and have been around for decades. The best thing about them is that they remove the need for fossil fuels in heating, so they’re a great option for schools that want to lower their carbon footprint. Here’s what you need to know.

What are the benefits of heat pumps for heating schools?

• As gas and oil boilers are responsible for most of a school’s carbon emissions, installing a heat pump is a major step towards meeting net-zero goals.
• Heat pumps are incredibly efficient forms of heating compared to gas or oil.
• Removing combustion from boilers can make schools safer.
• Well-designed heat pumps can save schools money on energy bills without a loss of comfort.

What are the options for heat pumps?

• Air source: either air to air (fan) or air to water (radiator)
• Ground source: more costly than an air source but around 25% more efficient
• Biomass: Not currently recommended due to issues with sourcing wood chips or pellets.

Comparing running costs and carbon savings

Heating solution	Annual running cost	Annual CO2 emissions (tonnes)
New gas boiler	£2,770	9.00
Air source heat pump	£3,750	2.90
Air source with solar PV	£3,188	2.47
Ground source heat pump	£2,812	2.17
Ground source with solar PV	£2,250	1.74

Not ready yet?

Even if your school isn’t ready to install a heat pump now, here are some actions that will prepare for future installation to make it more efficient.

• Continue to improve your school’s insulation so heat pumps will perform better.
• If you are replacing any radiators, choose new ones with a larger surface area to get the most out of a future heat pump.
• Keep implementing practices to reduce your school’s energy usage.

Ready to improve your school’s energy efficiency?

We’re here to help. Get in touch with the ACES team to talk about a full energy assessment of your school building, the possibility of 1-2-1 support and possible funding opportunities.

 For further information, contact info@ace-schools.org.uk