NEWS BUS expands to include cooling-capable systems T


he UK government has expanded the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to include air-to-air heat pumps and heat


batteries. The move marks the fi rst time cooling- capable systems have qualifi ed for public funding, off ering engineers a broader remit and households more choice in low-carbon retrofi ts. From 18 November, homeowners can claim up to £2,500 off the cost of installing an air-to-air heat pump, technology that could deliver both heating and cooling via a reversible cycle. With typical install costs around £4,500 for fl ats and small homes, the grant could cover more than half the upfront cost. The BUS continues to off er £7,500 grants for air


source and ground source heat pumps. The new support for air-to-air systems is designed to help properties without central heating access year- round comfort, particularly during increasingly hot UK summers. The expansion forms part of the government’s £13.2 billion Warm Homes Plan, which aims to reduce bills for fi ve million families. September 2025 saw record BUS applications, refl ecting growing public demand for clean heating solutions.


Charlotte Lee, CEO of the Heat Pump Association, welcomed the move: “Broadening the range of supported technologies is an important step in off ering consumers more choice.”


Daikin opens £123M R&D hub in Ghent for low-carbon HVAC


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aikin has inaugurated its new European Development Centre (EDC) in Ghent, Belgium, marking a £123 million investment in sustainable heating and refrigeration


technology. The 30,600 m² facility doubles the company’s product testing capacity in Belgium and strengthens its position as a leader in low-carbon HVAC development. Located at Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, the new EDC becomes Daikin’s European hub for Direct Expansion systems and refrigeration solutions, and its global centre for heat pump heating R&D. The site includes 23 advanced test chambers and a purpose-built product testing complex designed to simulate extreme climate conditions, from Arctic cold to desert heat. The Ghent facility consolidates Daikin’s global R&D


eff orts in air-to-water heat pump technology, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Flagship developments include the Daikin Altherma 4 heat pump, which uses natural refrigerant R290, and the world’s fi rst VRV system operating with CO2 refrigerant. “This new, world-class facility strengthens Daikin’s R&D capabilities and enables us to deliver the next generation of low-carbon heating and cooling solutions,” said Hamid Salimi, Residential Product Manager. “This will cement our position as the UK’s leading provider of heating and cooling solutions.”


Iain Bevan, Daikin’s Residential New Business Director, commented: “The inclusion of air-to-air heat pumps in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is great news for the industry and householders. The inclusion of air-to-air units is a clear recognition of the important role that this technology has in the UK’s decarbonisation journey.”


Air-to-air heat pumps off er a familiar install


profi le for AC engineers, with added relevance in retrofi t scenarios. The inclusion of heat batteries may also prompt integration opportunities with hybrid systems and off -peak tariff strategies.


Armstrong Boosts UK Operations in Droitwich


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rmstrong Fluid Technology is expanding its UK operations with the addition of a new plant at the Potter Space industrial estate, complementing its existing Droitwich facility. The expansion provides additional factory and offi ce space to meet rising demand and will create new job opportunities in the region. Founded in 1934, Armstrong Fluid


Technology has been manufacturing in the West Midlands since 2004. The company is a market leader in packaged plantrooms and integrated off site solutions, supplying customers across the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. These systems deliver heating and cooling for hospitals, apartment blocks, universities, and offi ces. Expansion Details:


■ New Facility: Unit 103 Potter Space adds 24,400 sq ft (2,266 m²) of warehousing and offi ce space.


■ Operational Benefi ts: Stores, sub- assembly, product testing, and administrative functions will relocate to the new unit, freeing up assembly and manufacturing capacity at the existing Droitwich site.


■ Sustainability Features: The building incorporates solar panels, advanced insulation, effi cient water and drainage


systems, LED lighting, and air permeability measures to minimize heat loss.


Armstrong relocated its operations to Pointon Way, Droitwich, in 2021 from Halesowen to enable expansion. Since then, the company has experienced signifi cant growth, with the new unit reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region. “This is an exciting time for us, as we embark on plans for further expansion,” said Joseph Keenan, managing director for Armstrong Fluid Technology in the UK. “Our Droitwich factory is a centre of excellence for the production of packaged plantrooms and integrated off site solutions, recognised across the world. The additional factory space will enable us to step up our production capabilities in line with growing demand for customers across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.”


10 December 2025 • www.acr-news.com


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