The Heat Pump Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

I've heard that I can get money from the Government if I have a Heat Pump installed, is that correct?

On March 10th 2011 the Government announce further details of the Renewable Heat Incentive. This scheme, supported with £860m of Treasury funding from 2011-2015, is designed to increase the uptake of renewable low carbon heating systems like ground source heat pumps. The RHI will be paid to the owner of the heating system (based on the amount of heat produced) on annual basis over a period of 20 years.

Click here for more details of the RHI

Will an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) work at low ambient temperatures - e.g. below zero degrees?

Yes - the Geothermal International Housing range can still give a flow temperature of up to 60°C even when the outside temperature is as low as -10°C, through the use of a high specification compressors.

How do ASHPs compare with the efficiencies of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems?

ASHPs typically have a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of around 3, whereas GSHPs are nearer 4. However, at a COP of 3, all heat pumps are much more efficient than direct electric heating, oil, LPG or even natural gas, making them a very attractive proposition.

Can Heat Pumps be used to refurbish existing or older properties?

Yes. Even older, residential properties, with single phase electricity can benefit from heat pump technology. We have a range of ground source heat pumps, with outputs up to 34kW, which will work with single phase. Air source units go up to 14kW for single phase electricity, which can be sufficient for a well insulated property, refurbished to a high standard. In older properties, where necessary, a heat pump can work in conjunction with a central heating boiler.

Can Heat Pumps be used with other renewable technologies?

Yes, solar thermal, photovoltaic panels, heat recovery units & biomass boilers can all work very successfully with heat pumps.

How do I choose between ASHPs or GSHPs?

There are many properties that simply do not have the outside space available to fit the 'slinkies', which sit 1-2m below the surface, required for GSHPs. If space is limited & they are fitted too close together, there is a risk of the ground freezing as a result of the heat being taken out faster than can be replaced by the sun. Also, the area is only suitable to be used as a lawn as deep rooted plants would not be viable, & it has to be kept free of any buildings, such as garden shed and, especially, buildings with foundation. The other option is to use boreholes, but can be more expensive. Access is required for the drilling machinery, & the nature of the ground has to be carefully surveyed to ensure the correct depth is achieved, depending on the soil structure. ASHPs could be the best option where space is limited, but it is worth getting an alternative cost for GSHP as well.