Hello and welcome to my You Tube channel on sustainability.
The aim of today is to encourage knowledge in the marketplace with a view
to helping people to uptake renewable energy technologies.
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Today specifically I want to look at Air Sourced Heat Pumps.
Their role in carbon net zero and the parameters you need to think about when choosing one.
This video is aimed at home owners or architect's but also built environment professionals, estate agents etc.
Home heating with gas or oil is responsible for around 20% of CO2 emissions in the Uk and the US.
Ahead of COP26, which is taking place in Glasgow later this year,
the IEA has called for a ban on fossil fuel boilers unless they can be used in conjunction with hydrogen.
Air Sourced Heat Pumps are a huge step forward.
They are the replacement to gas and oil boilers.
Unlike gas or oil boilers, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the correct system or, really crucially, the correct size of system.
An ASHP works best in a really well insulated property.
You need to look at glazing and insulation.
Insulation in the loft, you can fix in a weekend with a trip to B&Q.
Windows need to be properly glazed, at least double and sealed, with a view to preventing heat escaping through cracks or gaps.
The key is heating the air space and not losing that heat.
How does it work?
Generally what we'll do here is talk about residential properties and we'll talk about the heat pump which
in those situations is usually air to water
An ASHP is like a reverse fridge.
It takes low grade heat from outside. This is then compressed using high pressure refrigerant and the heat brought inside is then used to warm hot water.
UK systems are either split or mono bloc.
With a split system, the piping is not coupled up so when it arrives onsite, an FGas supplier needs to couple up the piping.
A mono bloc is already coupled up.
ASHP works best where there is underfloor heating rather than a traditional radiator.
Radiators normally run at around 60 degrees, an ASHP runs at around 45 degrees.
Also, the seasonal co-efficient is important when calculating the size of the system and the use of a particular ASHP.
You have to look at the microclimate in your area.
Actual address data must be used to look at the variations in the outdoor temperature.
Wind protection must be considered.
A south facing location is preferred.
A solid surface is best to keep noise to a minimum but flexible hoses and vibration pads are also helpful here.
Noise is an important factor.
Some ASHP have achieved the quiet mark in terms of their decibel levels.
There must also be clearance around the pump.
There needs to be good air flow and you need to be able to get around the pump to carry out your annual maintenance.
Condensate must be collected in a tray so that it does not freeze over in winter.
The most important factor is the sizing of the unit.
Incorrect sizing creates bad performance.
It's crucial to have a heat loss per room calculation carried out. ROOM by ROOM heat loss calculation !!!
This will determine if you need underfloor heating or your radiator size or thickness needs adjusting.
You might be able to install aluminium radiators which allow heat to radiate more quickly.
An installation made by an MCS accredited installer means you can make a claim under the Renewable Heat Incentive.
With this, you can make a quarterly for 7 years.
There may be planning considerations and you need to contact the DNO to ensure that the grid can cope.
On an ongoing basis, an annual service is required.
This is quite low key, just a visual check to ensure the condition of the shell is OK, it's not broken or cracked and to make sure the fins and outlets are not obstructed in any way, shape or form.
Checking the condensate drain outlet is clear, no hoses are broken and there's enough glycol in the system.
Also checking the remote control settings are still fit for purpose.
Units last around 15 years and the only problems occur at the design stage in terms of under or over sizing the solution.
Thank you for listening.
www.so-ren.co.uk/contact