Pamela and Clement Young have fully renovated their 1850s stone-built cottage which was once a farm manager’s house and is within theNewsteadAbbeyPark. They carried out the construction work after purchasing the property eight years ago and have recently completed the project with a green energy makeover, which included solar panels and a Danfoss DHP-AQ 11kW air source heat pump.
The Youngs will benefit from the seasonal performance of the new DHP-AQ, which operates at temperatures as low as -20°C. The pump achieves this via a system which constantly controls and optimises three key parameters in the product: airflow (efficient variable speed EC fan), the refrigerant circuit (electronic expansion valve) and heat distribution (OPTI technology). It also includes defrosting technology designed to ensure full functionality even in very cold weather. The new DHP-AQ also offers low running noise and has an attractive, contemporary look.
As the Young’s home is off the main gas grid, the four-bedroom home which was previously heated by LPG, became a concern due to the rising fuel costs, thus a renewable energy solution was sought. The house is highly insulated and underfloor heating was installed throughout during the original renovation, making the ideal conditions to optimise efficiency from the heat pump.
Mrs Young says: “We always planned to install renewable energy systems and we researched the choices and benefits carefully before making our decision. We chose an air source heat pump because it could be installed without the need to disturb our landscaped garden, which would have been necessary with a ground source pump.”
She adds: “I contacted Danfoss Heat Pumps UK, after searching online and finding their website as I liked their professional approach. Danfoss put me in touch with their approved installer in our area, 4ward Heating, who were really helpful.”
Mr and Mrs Young wanted to see an air source heat pump in action before making their final decision, and were invited to view the DHP-AQ at Danfoss Heat Pumps UK’s head office inSheffieldand also at a home nearby where 4ward Heating had fitted a system.
Mrs Young says: “Andrew, the installer, was able to answer all of the questions that we had and to arrange for us to view air source pumps in action, after which we felt much more confident about our decision.”
Andrew Ward, owner of Lincoln-based 4ward Heating, says: “We recommended that Mr and Mrs Young opted for the DHP-AQ because it takes advantage of the latest technology and has the right aesthetics for being located outside such a stunning property.
“In terms of the installation, it is also much easier to fit than older-style heat pumps due to its ‘plug and play’ electrical connections which save a considerable amount of time on site.”
Ward specified the Maxi Controller with the DHP-AQ, which is an internal unit containing the control system and an integral 180 litre hot water storage tank. The internal unit was installed in the ground floor boot room and the Youngs had their old hot water cylinder removed, freeing up useful space on the first floor.