When choosing a new hot water system, it’s important to compare efficiency, costs, and sustainability. Traditional hot water cylinders powered by immersion heaters or boilers have been standard for years, but now air source hot water cylinders with built-in heat pumps are a smarter, eco-friendly alternative.
What Is an Air Source Hot Water Cylinder?
An air source hot water cylinder uses a built-in heat pump to extract energy from the air and transfer it into the water stored in the tank. This process dramatically reduces electricity consumption compared to immersion heaters or gas/oil boilers.
Efficiency Comparison
- Traditional Immersion Heater – 100% powered by electricity, usually the most expensive option.
- Boiler with Indirect Cylinder – more efficient than immersion but still reliant on gas or oil.
- Air Source Hot Water Cylinder – typically 20% electricity and 80% renewable air energy, saving 30–50% on running costs.
Environmental Impact
Traditional systems increase carbon emissions through heavy reliance on fossil fuels. An air source hot water tank significantly cuts emissions by harnessing renewable air energy, making it a more sustainable long-term choice.
1. Installation, Flexibility and Running Costs
Traditional systems often require complex pipework or boiler integration.
Hot water cylinders with built-in heat pumps are easier to install, need only water piping, and are available in a range of sizes (80L–250L) for different property types. They are also compatible with solar, offering further efficiency gains when combined with renewable power.
Running costs are compelling. For example, a 250L cylinder costs less than £1 (or €1.15) to heat fully on an overnight tariff, delivering reliable hot water at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems.
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for the lowest upfront cost and already have a gas boiler, a traditional cylinder might suit for now. But for long-term savings, sustainability, and energy efficiency, an air source hot water cylinder is the better investment.
Next Steps
Explore our full range of Air Sourced Hot Water Cylinders and request a free, no-obligation quote. Whether for homes or businesses, Gaia Smart Energy makes switching to smart, sustainable heating simple.
Ready to switch to smarter hot water?
Air source hot water cylinders are solar-compatible and ultra-efficient. Typical running costs are impressively low — a 250L tank is under £1 (≈€1.15) overnight.
Traditional systems often require complex pipework or boiler integration. Air source cylinders with built-in heat pumps are easier to install, need only water piping, and come in sizes 80–250L. They’re also compatible with solar for even greater efficiency.
