[ Spotlight: RHI ]
for air -source heat pump installation. ‘Electrical contractors just need to think of the technology as an electrical piece of kit, with two pipes coming out of it that happen to contain water,’ says Bill Wright, head of energy solutions at the ECA. ‘Because water is involved, the plumbers have tended to hang on to it, but the electrical sector needs to think afresh and see this as an opportunity.’ Wright does not think the electrical sector will fi nd MCS certifi cation onerous. Clare Campbell, product marketing manager for
Dimplex renewables, also urges electrical contractors to get involved: ‘The rates set by DECC look good and have created a real incentive for consumers to invest in renewable heat. I am certain it will stimulate the market and electrical contractors are well placed to take advantage of this uplift if they are willing to undergo the necessary training. ‘One particular product set to soar is air -source
heat pumps. The latest high -quality, highly effi cient models from reputable manufacturers off er improved effi ciency, easier installation and quicker paybacks – not to mention the added benefi t of RHI payments. It creates a compelling product for electrical contractors to off er alongside more traditional electric -heating options – particularly for retrofi t projects in larger, older, off -gas private homes.’ For any contractor looking to capitalise, the
most important thing is to make sure they have the correct certifi cation and are up to date with the latest standards. ‘MCS approval is a minimum requirement of any renewables installation in order to access RHI, and the MIS3005 installer standard has been designed to ensure the quality and consistency of heat -pump installations in the UK,’ says Campbell. If the government’s predictions are to be believed, the domestic RHI roll-out off ers contractors tempting new markets as the industry starts to emerge from recession. What are you waiting for?
About the author
Andrew Brister is a freelance journalist and editor. He has been involved in the building services sector for more than 20 years.
Ground source heat pump installation training
The electrical sector needs to think afresh and see this as an opportunity
Domestic bliss in Dorset
A traditional Victorian property in Dorset has been transformed into a family-friendly eco- home with a range of energy-saving measures, including a fully integrated Dimplex Air-Eau heating and hot -water system, with an air - source heat pump. ‘We wanted to make our new home a
comfortable place to live and a big part of that was not only a design to suit our lifestyle, but making it future-proof ,’ says businessman Peter Miller. ‘Our aim has been to do this only once and get it right fi rst time. The Dimplex heat -pump route was an easy decision as its capital outlay was only marginally more than a traditional gas boiler, but – considering the high levels of effi ciency – a lower total cost of ownership overall .’ During the two-year planning process, Miller sought the advice of Dimplex-accredited installer partner Ecoliving , whose south -west regional director, Graham Haine, designed the system. All heating options and technologies – including a standard gas system – were evaluated, as we re practical considerations such as the proximity of neighbours and potential noise. The 12 kW Dimplex Air-Eau inverter-driven
air -source heat pump, combined with the high - performance Dimplex EC-Eau water cylinder, off ered the ideal solution for hot water and space heating via underfl oor, with radiators on the fi rst fl oor. ‘The Dimplex system is cost- eff ective, with superior levels of performance, and its full -system compatibility with the hot water meant we could specify and install the whole system with confi dence. The installation and commissioning was very straightforward,’ Haine says. The heat pump needed to be installed at the side of the house, adjacent to the neighbours’ property, so it had to be virtually silent. The Air- Eau provides low noise in operation , which is a major consideration for specifi ers throughout the UK and in Scotland, where heat pumps are subject to planning permission.
March 2014 ECA Today 29
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