Heat Pumps at Hughenden Manor

Challenge: Design and install a suitable heating system that could be hidden from view on a listed property

Solution: Mitsubishi air-to-air heat pump and an innovative heat recovery 

Hughenden Manor

National Trust property Hughenden Manor receives over 65,000 visitors a year, but a lack of heating in its tearooms was leading to visitor complaints. The Trust turned to Freesource Energy to develop a heating system that was suitable for use on a listed site and met its own sustainability standards. Freesource recommended and installed air-to-air heat pumps that have provided an efficient and effective solution – keeping visitors and staff happy.

Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire is best known as the former home of statesman Benjamin Disraeli. Now decorated as it might have been in Disraeli’s day, and with an impressive collection of the former Prime Minister’s books and memorabilia, Hughenden attracts more than 65,000 visitors a year.

A cold cuppa

Just like other National Trust properties, one of the important attractions at Hughenden are the tearooms. Situated in a former stable – which also houses the ticket and staff office – the tearooms provide a vital source of additional revenue and are popular with walkers passing through the estate as well as visitors to the manor house. 

However, the tearooms had no source of central heating, meaning visitors were less inclined to stay. It also meant chilly working conditions for staff, particularly in the winter months.

A sustainable solution for a listed site

Putting a central heating system on a listed heritage site is no simple task. What’s more, the National Trust has adopted strict sustainability standards around energy use. It therefore needed an innovative approach to heating that was both sustainable and discreet. 

Freesource Energy has now worked on a number of National Trust properties and our consultants were asked to come and recommend a solution.

“We proposed an air to air heating system, based on industry leading Mitsubishi heat pumps, because we trusted their performance but also knew they could be easily hidden from view,” explains Alex Lockton, Managing Director of Freesource Energy. “It meant that there would be no need for oil or gas whatsoever.”

Wall and ceiling mounted heat pumps were installed in the tearooms themselves as well as the ticket and staff offices. 

Recycling Heat, reaping the benefits

The solution had an added feature; a heat recovery capability. This meant the excess heat generated by the fridges could be recycled to provide hot water for the kitchen. 

“Freesource Energy worked very hard at designing a solution that fitted our requirements, and the entire project represented excellent value for money. We are now reaping the benefits of both a warmer working environment and a cosier destination for visitors,” the National Trust confirms 

Freesource Energy

Interested in finding out how a heat pump could work for you or your business? Get in touch with Freesource Energy today. Our experts will explain exactly what your options are. Call us on 0800 1313 161 to arrange a consultation.