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Specialist ASHP Installers

Air Source Heat Pump in Somerset

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Renewable energy and smart living are what more and more people look to nowadays, especially with the rising costs of gas. One of the best ways to start your sustainability journey is by considering transitioning into using an ASHP system in March 2024. This type of system can lessen your carbon footprint without sacrificing your way of living.

Our skilled team of engineers can help you understand everything you need to know about this low carbon heating alternative.

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So, if you’re interested in installing an air source heat pump systemin Somerset, would like to know which one is the right type for you and your properties, how it can benefit you by installing one, how it works, or if you’re wondering about the costs of the heating system along with the other project costs, then read on or contact us to find out more.

Table of Contents

Who Are We?

Our team is made up of experienced ASHP and heating engineers with a real passion for renewable energy. We can cover any property in Somerset and put in these air source heat pumps on both residential and commercial buildings.

We carry a number of different accreditations, including the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and certifications.

With us, you won’t have to worry about all the confusing terms or worry about figuring out which system is suitable for your property. Our team will be there to explain everything to you every step of the way, including why air source heat pumps are the best choice for any homeowner.

We pride ourselves on being top-quality, skilled engineers and installation experts who can deliver superior professional air source heating pump installation services and outstanding customer service.

Whether you need to upgrade your central heating system or have your current system undergo maintenance, our team’s got you covered. Our team aims to help each home and building transform into more efficient, affordable, low-carbon, and resilient places to live.

MCS Accredited Heat Pump Installers

How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Work?

Air source heat pumps go through a cycle that starts when the outside air is blown through a pipe network filled with refrigerant fluid. As a result, the refrigerant heats up and changes the liquid to gas form.

This gas then flows through a compressor that increases pressure, and the compression adds more heat. The compressed hot gas enters a heat exchanger surrounded by cold air or water.

The refrigerant transfers its heat to this cold air or water, heats it, and this is circulated to provide heating and hot water in your home.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant condenses and returns to a cold liquid, restarting the cycle. No matter the project, these systems are great for the environment since they work at reducing heating costs while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

So, in the long run, you’re protected from the rising fuel costs. You’ll even be eligible for a 7-year Renewable Heating Incentive (RHI) payment.

We offer a number of great air source heat pumps and are more than happy in assisting you on anything you need more information on.

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How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Work in Winter?

The efficiency of these conventional heating systems may be lower during colder temperatures but, they’ll still be able to heat up your spaces easily. Even during winter when temperatures drop below 10 ° C, there will still be some heat that the heat pump can absorb and use to warm your home.

So, you won’t have to worry about the dropping temperatures since these heat pumps can still function in cold weather as long as you buy the right one.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation Costs

The price of air source heat pumps depends on the size, type, and area but they usually cost anywhere between £3,000 to £18,000.

Air-to-water types are worth an average of £13,000 for the pump and installation process while the air-to-air option, on the other hand, costs an average of £3,000 for the pump and installation process.

These pumps are typically more expensive compared to the other traditional heating systems, but the investment is worth the spend while the benefit to the environment is considerable.

What Affects the Cost of ASHP?

While there are different types of pumps, there are common factors that affect the price of installing an ASHP. Check them out here:

Size of your properties

Insulation

The brand

Performance and efficiency

Room temperature

Air Source Heat Pump Running Costs

An ASHP with a SCOP of 3.4 can save you about £200 to £300 a year in running costs. The average cost of electricity is approximately 14p/kWh, resulting in the benefits of having annual heating costs of £560.

Heat pumps can convert a unit of electrical energy into 24 times as much heat energy, each thermal kWh of heat produced by a heat pump with a CoP of 4 will cost approximately 3.6p/kWh.

The average home in Somerset demands 12,000 kWh of heat each year. For every 1 kWh it uses, an air source heat pump can produce 3kWh of heat, meaning that the heat pump technology will use 4,000 kWh of electricity to produce 12,000 kWh for the average home.

Air Source Heat Pump Maintenance & Servicing

When you set up an air source heat system on your property, you should note that it will require little maintenance once installed and can be expected to last for at least 20-30 years.

Installations require annual testing which can be done by either the project installer or a certified UK engineer. They should know all the details on the efficiency of performance and all the maintenance details required by your heat pump.

Now, unlike with conventional boilers, air supply warmth pump servicing isn’t frequently required.

If you would like to receive even more information on ASHP Installers, make sure you get in touch with us today!

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What Does Air Pump Heat Source Servicing Entail?

During the heat pump service, you should expect the following checks to be done by the installer or servicing professional:

How Often Should an ASHP be serviced?

Most heat pumps can only operate efficiently with an annual check by the owner and a regular check by a professional installer every 3-5 years.

The air source heat pump is designed to last a long time. By using the correct and suitable air heat pump system for your projects instead of the corrosive and dangerous substances used to support combustion energy, such as coal and petroleum, you’ll be able to have a system that lasts longer and doesn’t need as much upkeep or maintenance.

The simple and effective nature of the air source heat pump means that maintenance is less frequent and can be limited to every few years.

Air Source Heat Pump Manufacturers

Here are the main air source heat pump manufacturers we purchase from:

Do I Need Planning Permission for Air Source Heat Pumps?

No, you don’t need planning permission to install these pumps. However, you do need to adhere to some restrictions.

These apply to the installation, maintenance or replacement of the heating system on a house or block of flats, or within the property of a house or block of flats.

Since 2011, the installation of these heating systems on domestic premises is considered to be permitted development, so you won’t need an application for planning permission in order to install one. This only applies, however, if ALL the limits and conditions are met.

Planning Permission Restrictions

Development is permitted only if the air source heat pump installation complies with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Planning Standards (MCS 020) or equivalent standards. The volume of the air source heat pump’s outdoor compressor unit must not exceed 0.6 cubic metres

Only the first installation of an air source heat pump would be permitted development, and only if there is no existing wind turbine on a building or within the curtilage of that property. Additional wind turbines or air source heat pumps at the same property requires an application for planning permission

All parts of the air source heat pump must be at least one metre from the property boundary. Installations on pitched roofs are not permitted development. If installed on a flat roof all parts of the air source heat pump must be at least one metre from the external edge of that roof

Permitted development rights do not apply for installations within the curtilage of a Listed Building or within a site designated as a Scheduled Monument

On land within a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site the air source heat pump must not be installed on a wall or roof which fronts a highway or be nearer to any highway that bounds the property than any part of the building

On land that is not within a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site, the air source heat pump must not be installed on a wall if that wall fronts a highway and any part of that wall are above the level of the ground storey.

Air Source Heat Pumps Benefits

Air source heat pumps offer many advantages, unlike gas or electrical heating systems. Apart from its ability to help you cut down on your energy consumption, here are the other benefits of having ASHPs:

Easy installation process

Air source heat pumps are usually installed within just two business days. Installing an ASHP is much more efficient than installing an underground heat source heat pump because it doesn’t require drilling.

Residential heat pump systems usually don’t require a building permit, but be sure to check with your local government before proceeding. An ASHP is ideal for refurbished or newly built buildings. The combination of ASHPs and other construction work can reduce installation costs.

High Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP)

The ASHP operates at high temperatures in both winter and summer. For heating systems, this means measuring their efficiency with the help of power transducers to determine their performance. Seasonal COA numbers are adjusted as the season changes.

Typical heat pumps operate at COP 3.2 in environments where temperatures exceed 7 ° C. Therefore, the heater produces 320% of the electrical energy consumed by both the ventilation unit and the compressor per kWh. The higher the percentage, the better.

Eligible for RHI

If you have an ASHP, you may be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. This means you can be paid for using the heat generated from renewable sources. Getting green heat energy subsidies can help you lower your power costs. This air-cooled heat pump technology has been extended until March 2022. The following applies to heat systems installed in Somerset before the end of July 2017. The Domestic RHI Payment is calculated using current Renewable Heat Incentive rates, the SCOP in your heating pump and the energy required for your home.

Save money on energy bills

You can save even more by switching from coal-fueled and electric systems. When you opt to use heat pumps that are heated by the air around you, you can end up cutting the costs of your energy bill.

Heat pump operation costs depend on several things: efficiency, the temperature, the heat required, the temperature, and the power source. Now, as long as you pay the upfront fee, you can receive significant returns from the RHI scheme. The use of air source heating pumps saves up to £335.

Can be used for space heating and hot water

Yes, it can. Depending on the ASHP, water can also be heated using it, however, it depends on the temperature or flow rate of the system. Water needs to flow at about 55 ° C to store heat. Unless you use a heat exchanger for heating, the maximum temperature is 35 degrees. ASHP is a heating product that combines heating and the hot water supply and requires a flow rate of 55 ° C or higher.

Can be used for Heating and Cooling

The ASHP units are useful for both heating and cooling. With these models, the ASHP unit is used for heating during winter and cooling during hot summer months. You only need a COP requirement of about 0.75 for a cooling fan. A circulating air source heat pump also works great for the installation of underfloor heating, so you may want to install one if possible.

Low Carbon Footprint

The air source heat pumps use the outside air to heat and cool the space. Choosing a heat source that uses the air instead of charcoal and other gasses is a great way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The power consumption of the ASHP is limited to 1% of the total energy consumed.

Low maintenance

These systems are low maintenance so maintenance is performed every three to five years by professional technicians. They’re easy to manage and you can trust that once installed, it will work optimally and efficiently.

No fuel storage needed

There isn’t any gas used in ASHP units. When you operate oil-burning boilers, you’ll have to allot space for its fuel container or gas tank. But, since ASHPs don’t use gas or fuel, you won’t have find extra storage space for fuel.

Long life span

No matter the brand of ASHP, as long as the system is properly maintained, it can last longer than other units and it can last for 20 years or more.

It lasts longer as well if it’s a stored unit like ones used for floor heating and the like.

Air Source Heat Pump Types

There are two different types of air-source heat pumps: air-to-air, and air-to-water. The majority of air source heat pumps installed in Somerset are air-to-water types of pumps.

Air to Air

Air-to-air pumps work by transferring the outdoor air to inside your homes, slowly increasing the room’s temperature. This heated air enters your private home via a sequence of fan coil units or blowers. Now, while it does provide heat, it doesn’t do the best job at heating the water in the taps.

Air to Water

This pump type works by transferring the outside air to the water. This can heat your spaces using radiators or underfloor heating technology. It can also heat water stored in hot water cylinders which is the water in your hot taps, baths, and showers.

Air Source Heat Pump Disadvantages

How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather?

Compared to a ground source heat pump, an ASHP relies heavily on the temperature of the air outside. So how does it generate heat? It relies on a hybrid heating system.

This unit will make sure that the ASHP is connected to a traditional boiler. In colder weather, these systems will still work (even if temperatures reach -25°C) but at a slower rate.

Air Source Heat Pump Grants

In England, Wales and Scotland, the main grant you can find is the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This will pay for the power your new machine generates over seven years. But, what other grants are there?

Clean Heat Grant

Now known as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, this grant aims to help people replace their current boilers with more sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives such as the ASHP.

This grant aims to replace the domestic RHI by April 2022 since the RHI will be closed to new applicants by March of 2022.

Services We Offer

As a renewable heating specialist, we provide the following services:

We are a nationwide UK company that can also provide installations in Somerset for water source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and a full range of air conditioning, gas boiler, radiator installations, underfloor heating and fan coil services.

How Much Electricity Does an Air Source Heat Pump Use?

On average, a home in the UK requires about 12,000 kWh of heat. An ASHP can provide this for roughly £560 per year.

For every 1 kWh it uses, an ASHP can produce 3kWh of heat. That means the pump will use 4,000 kWh to produce 12,000 kWh.

How Long Does It Take to Install an Air Source Heat Pump?

A typical ASHP system takes anywhere between 3 to 5 days to install and it will depend on where you want it to be installed and how big the unit will be.

ASHPs take this long to install since the team needs to complete the plumbing. The electrician typically spends about three days completing the electrical wiring and getting the system up and running.

What Size Air Source Heat Pump Do I Need?

In general, the bigger the property, the bigger the heat pump needs to be.

Depending on heat loss, the age of the property, and the type of room, a 100m2 house may require a 4kW geothermal heat pump or a 5kW air source heat pump.

How Long Does an Air Source Heat Pump Last?

The ASHP is very durable. Their average lifespan was about 15 years, but thanks to some technological developments, modern units now last about 20 to 25 years until they need to be replaced.

How Can I Prepare My Home For an ASHP

Before you purchase any ASHP, you need to consider some factors like the current situation you’re in and the potential changes it will bring you and your home. Listed below are some of the potential changes:

Adequate Space

Space is a big factor; for example, air-to-water heat systems require space for outdoor units that can be leaned against a wall or placed directly on the ground. More importantly, any ASHP system needs some space around it so it gets good airflow.

Good Insulation

ASHP systems have to work doubly hard when properties aren’t properly insulated and that’s because the existing cold air inside the space will have to combat the warm air the unit is trying to push into the space.

Consider What Heating System You Are Switching From

You have to consider what you need and what you currently have since switching to an ASHP may have different requirements than what your home may already have such as the energy source and fuel used.

Alternative Solutions to Compliment ASHP

Combining an ASHP system with an existing boiler or other green energy solutions can benefit you even more by reducing the costs of both installation and usage.

You can rely on solar panels as well as a cost-cutting solution or look into backup heat sources as well.

Is it Worth Getting an Air Source Heat Pump?

Yes it is. The installation cost may be a little on the pricier side, however, it can potentially save you around £2800 in bills over the next 10 years. This is especially true since there’s a new Boiler Upgrade scheme coming in April 2022.

Air Source vs Ground Source Heat Pumps

While both of them are equally more sustainable options, the main difference is where they get their heat from.

The pump absorbs heat from the air, whereas the ground pump absorbs heat from the ground. The ground unit tends to be more efficient even in the colder months compared to the air unit but they both provide great sources of heat and both at a low cost.

Air Source Heat Pumps vs Solar

Solar heat panels absorb heat from the sun while heat pumps take heat from the air or underground.

These solar panels are installed onto a roof where the heat from the sun warms a liquid in the collectors. This liquid is then circulated around a wet central heating system or into an immersion heater within a hot water cylinder which then heats the home’s water.

ASHP systems, on the other hand, include a fan that’s installed outside and draws in the outdoor air. This air is then heated further by a heat exchanger.

Air Sources Heat Pumps vs Traditional Gas Boiler

The boiler generates a large amount of heat in a very short time, and the temperature difference becomes significant. Therefore, the boiler can operate on a very hot radiator.

Meanwhile, ASHP units, generate heat more slowly and with smaller temperature differences. The lower temperature of the heat pump means that the surface area of ​​the radiator needs to be much larger.

Air Source Heating vs Electric Boiler

ASHP units go through the process of absorbing energy in the air and compressing it with a compressor to generate heat. This is about four times more energy-efficient than traditional electric boilers.

On the other hand, an electric boiler is a direct heating device that does not involve energy transformation at all, so it generates only 90% of the heat.

Can Air Source Heat Pumps Work with Radiators?

Yes, air-source heat pumps work perfectly with radiators, providing very low flows of heat. This is then a hybrid heat generator since it can work hand in hand with an existing generator and it won’t have to work so hard to generate heat if it relies on a radiator.

However, existing radiators can often have sufficient capacity to lower the flow of air, especially when improvements have been made to the energy efficiency of buildings.

Are Air Source Heat Pumps Noisy?

Compared to the typical fossil fuel boilers, the ASHP units tend to be quieter.

However, ground heat source systems can reach up to 42 decibels while ASHPs can reach 40-60 decibels, depending on the manufacturer and installation.

Can Air Source Heat Pumps Be Installed Indoors?

No, you cannot put ASHP units inside. That’s because they rely on the flowing air outside in order to generate heat. By putting it inside, it will continuously cool your home instead of heating it.

Can Air Source Heat Pumps Be Wall Mounted?

Yes, it can be mounted on a wall. However, since you need to follow the regulations, you must follow the property and area’s rules such as only having it installed within a certain distance to your property and at a certain height.

Heat Pump Safety Standards and Environmental Requirements

Air Source Heat pumps should adhere to the following safety standards.

It is important that you get a registered MSC installer to fit your Air Source Pump.

Summary

If you’re looking for professional ASHP installers to help you with all of your air heating needs, then look no further. Our skilled team of experts and engineers are equipped to help you find the most suitable unit for your homes and properties.

If you want to find out about the services and rates we can offer, fill out the enquiry form and have a chat with us so we may offer you more information on everything we can do and our current offers.

We look forward to lending you a hand!

Find More Info

Make sure you contact us today for a number of great ASHP Installers in South West.

Here are some towns we cover near Somerset.

Bath, Keynsham, Hillfields, Downend, Midsomer Norton
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What Others Say About Our Services

We absolutely love the service provided. Their approach is really friendly but professional. We went out to five different companies and found ASHP Installers to be value for money and their service was by far the best. Thank you for your really awesome work, we will definitely be returning!

Anthony Howard
Somerset

We have used ASHP Installers for many years as they are certainly the best in the UK. The attention to detail and professional setup is what makes this company our go-to company for all our work. I highly recommend the team for the immense work - we highly recommend them!

Joshua Allen
Somerset

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