Heat Pumps
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Is my Property Suitable for a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps can be combined with most heating systems but tend to be more cost effective when integrated into newer properties or those that are highly insulated.
There are a few things to consider before choosing to install a heat:
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are most efficient when used with highly insulated buildings. You will need to ensure that your property has sufficient cavity wall and loft insulation and that any draughts are dealt before a heat pump can be installed.
Current Heating System
Heat pumps are most cost effective and will save you more money when used to replace a fuel source such as oil, coal, LPG or electricity. They can be used to replace gas but the payback period is likely to be much longer so it’s worth looking at the cost savings between the two before deciding to install a heat pump. Heat pumps also work better with under floor heating systems rather than conventional radiators.
Choosing a Heat Pump System
A ground source or air source heat pump is most commonly used in domestic installations. A ground source heat pump requires either a borehole or trench so you will need to have either 100-200 metres of trenching for loops or be able to bore a total depth of 80-100 metres (you can have several bore holes totally 100 metres rather than one) but space is required and boring can be expensive. An air source on the other hand does not need any grounds works and is therefore easier to install and often cheaper, however system efficiencies tend to be lower than a ground source heat pump.
Electricity Connection
Most heat pumps require high electrical current to start up so it’s worth checking with an electrician that your supply is suitable. A heat pump will also require its own breaker in the fuse board.
