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Frequently Asked Questions
I've heard that I can get money from the Government if I have a Heat Pump installed, is that correct?
Yes, there is a new scheme to be introduced in April 2011, where anyone either moving into a new house with a Heat Pump installed, or replacing their old heating system with a Heat Pump, will receive an annual payment for the heat required for your type of house. For more details, see Grants & Funding. The amount given is very generous, amounting to many hundreds of pounds a year, and for a period of up to 23 years from the date of installation. If you have tenants in a house with a Heat Pump, you will benefit from that payment, as the owner of the system.
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.