Air source heat pumps - a bit off putting, or is it just me?

[FolornLawn]

I was surprised to see how big and ugly they are.

This article shows a picture of one, and I wouldn't want it in my small garden. Also the report says people will need room for a boiler and a water cylinder.

I'm quite surprised at how negatively I feel about the new plans. There's something about having to remodel bits of my house and garden that feels like an imposition, when I happily recycle, use washable sanitary pads and kitchen roll, go without a tumble dryer etc. Is it just me?

We had an ASHP fitted in April so first winter with it. Can I ask existing ASHP owners what temp you guys are set on and how your elec bills are? I’m on 20 and although this is ok upstairs where the thermostat is, it gets chilly still downstairs in the eve. With our old boiler 20 would have def been warmer down stairs.
I don’t want to set the temp higher as we haven’t had a winter bill yet and it feels like 20 def should be warm enough.
We are getting a new front door and triple glazing soon so I’m sure that will make a huge difference to temp. Anyway I’m still getting used to the new system. Hot water has been amazing and the noise level outside is incredibly low.
I can’t have the system running through the night though as I find the internal pump too noisy. Admittedly I like silence to sleep, it’s only really a low hum but too much for me as I feel like I’m in a ships cabin. Does anyone else have theirs set to off overnight or do you have it running the whole time?

These heat pump covers might be a solution
https://www.outsteel.co.uk/