Learn about heat pumps technologies which nowadays are commonly used for home heating as well as commercial heating and cooling.
Specifications
Average size: 950 x 943 mm
Operating range: -15-35 C
Weight: 77 kg
Low noise: 42 db
Running current: 5.4 A
Max capacity: 8.5 Kw
Temperature output: 45-60C
The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme
The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme will start from April 1st 2011 and pays a fixed amount per year to those who install renewable heat equipment, such as solar heating panels and air/ground source heat pumps.
Payments will be:
- Air source heat pumps - Up to 45kW at 7.5p per unit over an 18 year guaranteed.
- Ground source heat pumps - Up to 45kW at 7.0 pence per unit over an 23 year guaranteed.
- Solar heating panels - Up to 20kW at 18 pence per unit over an 20 years guaranteed.
An MCS accredited installer must do your installation, to enable you to apply for this incentive. Systems fitted today WILL still be able to apply next year when the scheme begins April 2011.
You can find your nearest accredited installer by clicking on 'Request a survey' at the top of this page.
Common questions about heat pumps installations
How does it work
1. Unlike solar panels, heat pumps take a temperature from the ground or air.
2. Inside the heat pump is a compressor which forces the external temperture through a condensor.
3. The heat pump condensor squeezes the air which produces heat. The heat is gathered through a heat exchanger and delivered around your home.
4. The circuit is completed by the expansion valve which re circulated the process back to the evaporator which completes the circuit.
5. The heat produced by the heat pumps is used to heat your hot water tank, or more commonly used with underfloor heating.
6. Performance tests of an 8.5kW air source to water heat pump were carried out at BRE for Mitsubishi according to the requirements of BS EN 14511.
7. The tests were carried out in BRE's HVAC test facility's environmental chamber. The testing method involved heating 180L of water from 12°C to 55°C. The findings were excellent.
Can air source heat pump be installed to my home?
There are primarily two types of Air to Water Heat Pumps. Medium temperature (Flow temp of around 55-60C), these are more suited to under floor heating but could be used with conventional radiators that are suitably sized or special low temp radiators.
High Temperature (Flow temp of up to 80C) these systems are more suited for retro fitting to existing properties and colder climates like the north of Scotland.
Can ground source heat pumps be installed to my home?
If you have a large garden or access able land around your home, then a trench can be dug to position the external pipework. We do not recommend using a coiled slinky like some companies, as the extraction rate can lead to the ground freezing. We recommend either a horizontal loop where the tube is laid in the trench flat (similar to under floor heating) 1m apart or bore holes, typically a 100m bore hole will give around 5kW of heat energy.
Your internal plumbing will need to be checked for compatibility and this can be done with a home survey by the installers.
How can you create heat from the air or the ground?
Very simply, common examples of a heat pump used in daily life are refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. You are taking an ambient temperature and condense it using a compressor into a usable form. Heat pumps are heat engines in reverse.
Do heat pumps work well in the UK climate?
Air source heat pumps are fitted outside your home, which generally perform well all over the United Kingdom. Heat pumps are successfully used throughout Europe as well, with approximately 250,000 heat pumps installed in homes in 2006 alone.
How much do they cost to install?
This is difficult because it isn't a one size fits all technology. Their are many different reasons why installation cost vary, but typically prices installed range from £6,000 - £10,000 depending the type of system and ease of installation to your home.
How long will the systems work for?
A good quality heat pump system can typically last upto 25 years with a good service history.
How long between servicing?
Good practice is to have the unit visually inspected yearly and the coil cleaned if need be.
How long will my heat pump installation last?
Typically 2-3 days on a good day.
Do you send salesmen round to my house?
No. Our trained technicians are just that, technicians. The complexity of making sure homes are suitable require experience. Our technicians however, will be happy to sit with you and explain the technologies to you.
Will heat pumps contribute towards my central heating?
This depends on the type of set up you install. Air source systems work well with underfloor heating because it runs on lower temperatures than conventional radiator heating systems. Our technicians can discuss your options when surveying your property.
Will you need to change my hot-water cylinder?
No if your water tank is compatible or has a 'twin coil' unused. In most cases, it is recommended that you upgrade your hot water tank when installing heat pumps to allow the system to work at its full capacity. It is important that the selection of the hot water tank is crucial to the overall performance.
How much CO2 will my system save?
Around half a tonne of carbon each year. This is dependant on how much heating you use and how you heat your home at present.
What water temperatures can I expect?
A good proportion of the year your water will be heated to above 50-60° C which is suitable for washing and bathing purposes.
What makes our heat pumps better than your competitors?
They are designed to suit the needs of the property and its occupants. Emphasise that they will be designed correctly to the clients needs, many companies do not size heat pumps properly to match the properties heat losses and hot water requirements.
Heat pump quotes
Solar panels including installation quotes are as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Simply click on our 'Get a quote' button and arrange a FREE home survey and consultation appointment which should last around 1 hour. Appointments with questions and answers sessions may take longer.
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© Copyright Heat my Home 2004 - 2012
Expert & Author - Stuart Lovatt
Want a more energy efficient home, this is probably the closest they will get to it.
