Installers and their customers have more choice than ever before when it comes to heat pump installation – from the high-volume, low-cost delivery models that have grown out of the need to meet net zero obligations, to leading-edge bespoke designs that incorporate the very latest smart technology.
There is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution for mass heat pump deployment. We need a wide variety of approaches to ensure we are providing effective low carbon solutions to the greatest number of people. But one constant must remain: achieving a high efficiency must be at the core of every heat pump project.
Efficiency matters
There is no escaping the fact that the price of a heat pump install is more than that of a gas boiler – not just because of associated retrofit works, but because the market is still growing. However, it is a mistake to focus solely on upfront costs.
A heat pump that is expertly specified, installed and commissioned for maximum efficiency will cost considerably less to run, yielding significant savings over its lifetime.
A more efficient heat pump, with, for example, a seasonal co-efficient of performance (SCOP) of 4 or 5, will use less energy to achieve and maintain the required temperature. An initial investment in quality is, therefore, a wise financial decision.
Long-term savings
Heat pumps are capable of achieving very high efficiencies – up to 600% efficiency compared to around 92% for modern A-rated gas boilers – which more than makes up for the difference between the cost of electricity and gas.
For example, assuming the cost of electricity is *24.5p/kWh, a heat pump operating at a SCOP of 3 would cost the end user 8.16p per unit of thermal energy. However, if the heat pump was performing at the top end of its capacity, e.g. a SCOP of 5, the end user would be paying just 4.9p – around 40% less for every unit of thermal energy.
What makes a heat pump efficient?
There are many factors that play into the overall energy efficiency of a heat pump system. Accurate surveys and heat loss calculations lay a strong foundation for design and specification. The quality of the products, and their features, controls and connectivity are also key, while ensuring that installers have appropriate qualifications, manufacturer training and support throughout the process ensures that installed systems are operating at the top end of their capabilities.
Laying the right foundations
According to the latest reports, heat pumps can work well in all types of home but if corners are cut during the design stage, there is a risk of high costs and inefficiencies. The initial survey, including accurate heat loss calculations, is essential to determine the appropriate size of the heat pump and associated system – pipework and radiators. At this point, a good installer should provide recommendations for fabric first upgrades, which will reduce heat loss and running costs for the end user.
The requirement to have adequate insulation before installing a heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has recently been removed. While minimising financial barriers for consumers is helpful, it’s critical to acknowledge the impact that insulation has on efficiency, particularly with low temperature systems where the margin of error is much smaller.
Preventing heat loss will lead to long-term savings. Insulation, draught proofing and double- glazed windows reduce energy wastage and associated electricity consumption costs over time, improve end-user comfort, and can potentially lead to a reduced requirement to upgrade radiators. Crucially, energy efficiency measures will increase the likelihood of an install achieving a higher SCOP.
Communicating these benefits to customers is important; where possible you should encourage them to carry out energy efficiency works before a heat pump is specified.
Heat pumps as part of the connected home
Precision is key when it comes to maximising heat pump efficiency, therefore, the more accurately heat pump operation can be monitored and controlled, the better it will perform. Heat pumps that incorporate advanced features and intelligent technologies will deliver enhanced functionality and higher efficiencies compared to low-cost alternatives.
As manufacturers, we can play a key role in increasing the efficiency of heat pumps by investing in R&D and innovation. All of NIBE’s S-Series systems benefit from integrated wi-fi, wireless sensors and enhanced connectivity, fitting seamlessly into the connected home and providing full control over the system from a smartphone or tablet. Smart technology is capable of adjusting the indoor climate automatically according to weather conditions, user behaviour and energy provider tariffs, ensuring that end users have a system that meets the requirements of their household at the lowest price.
Installer support
While the products and features have a role to play in efficiency, it is the installer who brings it all together. Their skill during the design, installation and commissioning process, including the positioning and calibration of every component, sets the heat pump up for optimum performance.
It’s not just homeowners who are having to change their mindset on heating, installers are on a journey too. From learning hydronics and developing knowledge of heat loss to navigating MCS, there is a lot to take on. Installers must be supported through each stage of the process so they can deliver high efficiency, low carbon heat pump systems.
The importance of efficiency cannot be emphasised enough – poorly specified and installed systems lead to negative consumer experiences and fuel the spread of fear and misinformation online and in the national news, where heat pumps have become a hot topic of late.
We have a golden opportunity to set the bar high for heat pumps, we should all be working towards a truly sustainable heat pump sector that works now and in the future.
*https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/average-electricity-cost-uk
Image credit: NIBE
