Air Source Heat Pumps are an excellent option for those looking to environmentally transition away from fossil fuel heating over to a lower carbon intensive solution for your business or home. But is it only available in certain areas? Can anyone get one? Who will install it?

In this blog, we will share information about valuable FAQ’s regarding air source heat pumps, guidance to sizing units and how to find installers near you.

At Helec, we proudly offer multiple services to support building projects using renewable, sustainable, low-carbon technologies. Our 17 years of experience provide us with the expertise to professionally handle the services of design and consultation, all the way to installation and performance monitoring.

Can any property use an air source heat pump?

What Should You Know Before Installing an Air Source Heat Pump

Air source heat pumps can be installed in a variety of homes and businesses, however they are generally most suitable in properties with:

  • Sufficient outdoor space: The outdoor unit of an air source heat pump will require space to draw in and expel air.
  • Air quality: The external unit needs access to a fresh ambient air flow in order to function efficiently.
  • Good insulation: A well-insulated property will require less heating, thus reducing the workload on the heat pump duty.
  • Grid connection: The property should have suffient electrical capacity to accommodate the heat pumps operating current, in addition to the buildings electrical demand.

While most properties can accommodate an air source heat pump, there may be specific limitations or considerations depending on individual circumstances. For example, properties in densely populated areas may have restrictions on siting an outdoor unit.

It’s recommended to consult with a qualified installer to assess the suitability of your property for an air source heat pump. They can evaluate your home’s specific needs and provide expert advice on the best options available.

What size air source heat pump do I need?

Calculating the correct size heat pump for your home involves assessing the following factors:

  1. Heat loss: Determine how much heat your home loses during the coldest months. This can be estimated using software or by consulting with a qualified energy assessor.
  2. Heat gain: Calculate the amount of heat generated within your home from sources such as people, appliances (kitchens & Bathrooms), and room lighting.
  3. Desired temperature: Decide on the desired indoor temperature during the heating season.
  4. Climate: Consider the average outdoor temperatures in your area during the coldest months.

Once you have this information, you can use a heat pump sizing calculator or consult with a professional installer to determine the appropriate capacity (measured in kilowatts) for your heat pump.

It’s important to choose a heat pump that is the right size for your home. An undersized unit may struggle to meet your heating needs, while an oversized unit can be less efficient and more expensive to operate.

A qualified installer can provide you with a precise assessment of your heating requirements and recommend the ideal heat pump size for your home.

Finding reliable air source heat pump installers near me

Air source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular in the UK as a sustainable and energy-efficient heating and cooling solution. When considering installing an air source heat pump in your home, it’s crucial to find a reliable and experienced installer.
Here are some tips on how to locate reputable installers in your area:

1. Check Online Directories and Review Platforms:

  • Local directories: Websites like Trustpilot, Checkatrade, and Rated People allow you to search for local businesses and read reviews from previous customer experiences.

  • Energy-saving websites: Websites dedicated to energy efficiency often have listings of certified MCS installers.

2. Ask for Recommendations:

  • Friends and family: Family, friends or neighbours are always good for a ‘warts and all’ response if they have had an air source heat pump installation.

  • Local building societies or energy providers: These organisations may be able to provide you with a list of trusted installers.

3. Look for Certifications and Accreditations:

  • MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme): Ensure the installer is certified by the MCS, which confirms their competence in installing renewable heat technologies such as ASHP.

  • G3 Qualifications: Check if the installer has G3 qualifications, which demonstrate their competence in gas heating, unvented hot water cylinders and renewable energy systems.

4. Qualify Installers Insurance and Guarantees:

  • Insurance: Ensure the installer has adequate public liability insurance to cover any potential propoerty damage or accidents.

  • Guarantees: Qualify the warranty or guarantee offered on the installation and the heat pump itself.

5. Get Multiple Quotes:

  • Compare prices and services: Obtain quotes from several installers to compare prices, services, and warranties.

  • Ask about additional costs: Inquire about any potential additional costs, such as groundworks or electrical upgrades.

6. Check References:

  • Ask the installer for a list of recent references to previous customers in order to get their feedback on the quality of the installation and the installer’s professionalism.

7. Consider Local Knowledge:

  • Use an installer with local knowledge to ensure there quoted work is compliant with any potential building regulations that may be in force.

By following these steps, you will increase your chances of finding a reliable and trustworthy air source heat pump installer. Remember to ask questions, get detailed quotes, and check references before making a decision.

Helec – Air Source Heat Pumps

The team at Helec has multiple years of experience in the renewable sector, which includes the installation of Commercial Air Source Heat Pumps. Although we may not be local to every reader of this blog, we ensure that wherever our potential clients are, we will endeavour to offer the best advice to your request, alays with our client’s budget in mind.

We start by welcoming your initial enquiry and use this as a starting point to compile a design brief with all relevant parties. We get everyone involved early so we can pinpoint issues and to find solutions and make contingency plans. We also do this to source the best products and materials. All completed in harmony with our client’s budget, of course!

Do I need central heating if I have an air source heat pump?

Yes. If you are looking to replace a conventional gas, or oil fired boiler serving a ‘wet’ heating system (usually radiators or under floor heating) then you will still need these emitters to warm up the rooms. . However, there are a few factors to consider:

  • Climate: If you live in a region with extremely cold winters, you may need to supplement your heat emitters (radiators) with larger panels
  • Insulation: A well-insulated home will require less heating, making it more likely that a sized heat pump will deliver the primary heating load.
  • Hot water: Heat pumps can provide hot water, but subject to the size of cylinder and hot water usage may require a separate emersion heater element.

In summary a correctly sized air source heat pump operating inside a well insulated house can contribute to a reduction of your energy bills in the long term. Which can be vital considering the rise in energy bills.

Air source heat pump specialists

We hope to have provided everything you need to know by showing you how to find reliable air source heat pump installers near you. For more information on our financing options, feel free to click the link below for our contact information, so you can start your journey with us today.

The team here at Helec thanks you for taking the time to read our blog. If you have any further questions, you can contact us here.
Alternatively, if you want to read in more detail about our expert commerical services and information about our solutions, click here.

Our wide range of services enables us to provide consultation, installation, and maintenance if you require it.

Our expertise provides us the ability to offer the following energy saving solutions:

  • Combined Heat and Power systems
  • Comprehensive CHP service and maintenance packages
  • Thermal stores and buffer vessels
  • Ground Source Heat Pumps
  • Solar Thermal hot water systems
  • Large residential district heating systems

And more. See how Helec can help you today.