Heat pumps better for new properties, says experts

Those looking to live in a greener home will find it far cheaper to fit a heat pump on a new home, it has been stated.

Andrew Leech, editor of 4ecotips, a website providing news on the progress made by governments and companies on reducing carbon emissions, said the installation of such a device to provide energy was easier to do when a house is being built.

He stated: "In an existing property it's not all that practical and it's quite an expensive process," adding that this is not the case when fitting such a device in home at the construction phase.

Such a point may be noted by those involved in the self build of a home, as they could get a heat pump installed at less cost.

A study by the Sponge Sustainability Network last year found that 92 per cent of Britons were prepared to pay more for a home that had eco-friendly features.