3 minute read
Low carbon
Quality installation is crucial to heat pump success
Successful transition to heat pumps will depend on the experiences of early adopters – both consumers and gas engineers, says Martin Passingham, product and training manager at Daikin UK.
With the evolution of heat pumps, the government’s commitment to achieving net zero and even more energy price rises on the horizon, heat pumps are fast becoming the preferred sustainable solution.
The market in the UK has doubled recent years – significant progress that mustn’t be downplayed – but we need to accelerate the momentum urgently. Putting the numbers aside for a moment, it’s vital that homeowners have a good experience during the installation process, and confidence in their heat pump solution in the weeks, months and years ahead.
Early adopters who opt for a heat pump in the short term will effectively become ambassadors for the technology and can encourage others to make the move.
And for installers, ensuring that the installation is carried out to a high standard will eliminate the potential need for follow-up visits to resolve issues – increasing the likelihood of word-of-mouth recommendations, and maximising the time available to take on more new jobs.
What a successful install looks like
Heat pumps are very different from gas-powered heating systems, but as long as installers know what to look out for, there’s no reason why they can’t future-proof their businesses by entering the world of renewables.
We believe there are five key considerations when installing an air source heat pump.
1. Outdoor unit minimum clearances
It’s important to get the location of the outdoor unit right. If there’s not enough space for air to flow across the heat exchanger, the system’s capacity and efficiency throughout its lifetime can be compromised.
2. Hydraulic connections
Setting up the hydraulic components properly is critical to ensure the optimum flow rate in the system, so that it can effectively and consistently meet the household’s heating and hot water needs.
Using automatic bypass values helps to maintain a constant minimum flow rate, and hydraulic separators are recommended in larger properties with multiple zones to service, or where a combination of solutions with different flow rate requirements is used – such as radiators and underfloor heating.
3. Directing the heating load
Diverting valves are key to ensuring the energy transfer from the heat pump is directed to either the heating system or the hot water cylinder, depending on
where the heating load is needed. Misaligned diverting valves is one of the most common issues we come across.
4. Preventing the system from freezing
Glycol is widely used to protect water circuits from freezing but there is an alternative. We promote the use of anti-freeze valves (AFVs) instead: they save the need to handle glycol and the associated loss of system efficiency. AFVs are preassembled and calibrated to drain water from the system when the water temperature reaches around 3°C – a condition that should only occur during a power or pump failure. This system draining prevents the water freezing and the risk of subsequent mechanical damage.
If the AFVs have been activated, all that’s required is a simple refilling after the power/ pump failure has been rectified. Two AFVs are recommended at the lowest points on the outside flow-and-return water pipes.
5. A thorough handover
The handover process at the end of the install is key to getting users off on the right foot. Taking the time to go through the user manuals and controls set-up with your customer will help them get the very best out of their new heat pump system from day one, and reduces the likelihood of repeat visits being needed.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The government’s new £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme is due to kick-in soon, providing grants of up to £5,000 to homeowners in England and Wales to fund the installation of low-carbon heating systems including heat pumps.
With no gas boilers being installed in new homes from 2025, and incentives in place to ensure the country’s existing housing stock is upgraded to low-carbon heating, there’s never been a greater need for gas engineers to train and become qualified to fit alternative heating solutions.
Those who move first will be able to enjoy a competitive advantage while others catch up – as long as they can advise homeowners competently on the optimum solution for their home. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to futureproof your business and grow your customer base, as they upgrade to cleaner, green options. ■
