Choosing Heat Pumps

by John Baintree

Factors To Consider When Choosing Renewable Energy Heat Pumps

There are a surprising number factors to consider when choosing a renewable heating source for your property.  I myself have had the opportunity to chose a heating source for my new build property and it has been a surprising journey as to which source to eventually use.

After much research I have decided that the best option for us will be either a ground or air source heat pump.  However, I have written a summary of questions you should ask yourself before you make any decision on a heat pump.

The following points are the main considerations that I continually asked myself:

• Are you building a new development?  If the ground source heat pump is to be installed in a new development then you cut costs by combining and installation with other building work.  You can also make sure the property is as suitable as possible for the ground floor heat pump to perform at its optimum level.  I have found a company called Thermasys to be extremely helpful in their attitude to self builders wanting to use a heat pump. This is the same with an air source heat pump, however there is less work (and cost) as there is no need to dig a trench. 

• Is the property well insulated?  Both air source and ground source heat pumps produce a lower temperature heat than your traditional boiler, such as gas or electric, so it is absolutely essential that the property is well-insulated and draught proof. During our build I have ensure that we have 100mm insulation board in all our external framed walls.  Before installation it’s necessary to ensure that the property is as heat efficient as possible.  By making sure your property is well insulated it could also make the ground source heat pump system you need smaller and cheaper!

• What type of fuel will you be replacing?  A ground source heat pump can save money on fuel costs however the amount you save depends on the type of fuel you will be replacing.  If you are replacing an electric or a cal heating system then a ground source heat pump can save you money! Heat pumps are not recommended for homes on the gas network.

• What type of heating are you having?  As ground source heat pumps produce heat at a lower temperature than traditional heating methods they work better over larger areas, such as large radiators, under floor heating systems or low temperature fan convectors.

  
  

  John Baintree has recently undertaken the challenge of project managing his own self build. He shares his new knowledge of renewable energy far and wide.