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FAQs | Commercial Heat Pumps

What are the advantages of Heat Pumps?

Heat pump systems offer a more steady heating system than the peaks and troughs associated with a conventional boiler. They are more suitable for under-floor heating systems or larger radiators, which give out heat at lower temperatures over longer periods of time.

Is the building suitable?

Space is required to house the heat pump. You will require a place outside or inside your building where a unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. Air source heat pumps will need plenty of space around them to get a good flow of air. We can install on roof tops. Ground source heat pumps require space to lay the loops underground, or a vertical bore hole.

Is the building insulated?

One of the key questions we ask clients is whether their properties are well insulated. As with any heating system there is little point in generating heat if it is easily lost through the building. This is particularly the case with heat pumps as they work best when steadily producing heat at a lower temperature than traditional boilers.

What are the benefits of heat pumps?

  • Reduced energy bills, especially if you are replacing conventional electric, coal, oil or LPG gas heating
  • Generate an income through the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which offers financial incentives to those who use renewable heat technologies in their houses, community buildings or businesses
  • Reduced carbon emissions, although they do have some impact on the environment as they need electricity to run

Will it provide enough heat in winter?

The heat pump system would be designed and sized to provide the correct amount of energy to heat your building to an outside design temperature of -4°C or below (depending on your location), maintaining an internal temperature of 21°C. -4 Deg C is the design temperature set by CIBSE and MCS, however, for colder climates we would design lower. It is also worth noting that there is thermal lag, so even though the outside temperature may fall to below the design temperature, it will take some time for the building to react.

What maintenance is required?

It is recommended that the heat pump unit itself is a sealed unit and has no real serviceable parts, however it is recommended that a check is carried out on the ground loop circuit antifreeze levels every 3 - 5 years. It is also recommended that cylinders and pumps should be serviced annually.

Is planning permission required?

If looking to install an air source heat pump in Wales and Northern Ireland developers will require planning permission. In England and Scotland they may be considered permitted development, so you may not need planning permission, but the various criteria are complex so it is always a good idea to check with your local planning office.

Can I retrofit a system or is it just for new build?

Combining the installation with other building work will reduce the cost of installing a system. Systems can be retrofitted and linked to existing central heating systems.

Useful Links

Read the full Ofgem full information pack.