Decarbonisation


possible to install a heat pump alongside photovoltaic (PV) panels, which will help deliver a faster return on investment. It’s important to recognise that heat


pumps work differently from gas powered systems. They can’t be turned off and on with an expectation of instant heat. Instead, they operate most of the time to maintain a comfortable, consistent internal temperature. Installation can be more challenging


because you may need to move heavy equipment through landscaped grounds. So it makes sense to look for a heat pump that is compact, easy to manoeuvre on site and designed to simplify installation in occupied buildings. However, in some cases, an alternative solution may be more suitable.


The case for electric heating There’s also a longer-term sustainability case for electric heating. As the UK electricity grid continues to decarbonise (the government projects an 80 per cent plus clean grid by 2030) electric heating automatically becomes lower-carbon over time, with no further investment or retrofitting required. For care homes on tighter budgets or with older, occupied buildings where wet system installation would be highly disruptive, upgrading to high-performance electric storage heating can be a smart first step, delivering immediate cost and comfort benefits while remaining aligned with the net zero target. Modern high-performance storage heaters


are a cost-effective and efficient alternative for care homes that already have older electric heating systems installed. They are typically 27 per cent more efficient than traditional storage heaters and feature intelligent controls, smart programming options and features such as adaptive start and open


window detection to ensure efficiency. They reduce strain on the grid by charging


overnight and releasing heat throughout the day. This means care homes can take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs.


Safety considerations in care homes If you are installing a heat pump, it must be incorporated into the legionella risk strategy. Most standard heat pumps deliver water at 50–55°C, which, while above the bacterial growth range, falls short of the 60°C storage temperature required by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance to ensure legionella control in care settings. A ‘boost’ immersion will therefore be required to ensure hot water is held at the required temperatures. However, modern commercial heat


pumps like the newly launched Dimplex Latitude utilise R290 propane as a


refrigerant. This means it can deliver a 70°C flow temperature and maintain the hot water cylinder at a constant 60°C with outdoor temperatures as low as -18°C and as high as 40°C. So, when specifying a heat pump, look at the external operating temperatures and go for the widest possible band. Moving to electric heating or a heat pump


also removes the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the gas boiler system. Acoustic performance is an important


consideration, as noise from the fan can impact residents and neighbours alike. Noise has measurable impacts on health and wellbeing. Extended exposure has been linked to sleep disturbances, effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health, and cognitive impairment. The MCS (Microgeneration Certification


Scheme) - the UK’s quality mark for small- scale renewable energy systems - standard for calculating noise from heat pumps was updated in 2025. It requires complex acoustic calculations based on the nearest reflective surfaces, such as walls. For care homes, noise levels must be less than 30dB at a 10m distance. Modern commercial heat pumps have fan technology based on owl wings to ensure quiet operation of just 26dB. Another consideration, when there is a


risk of falls, is the potential for burns from heating sources. With a standard boiler system, radiators will be at temperatures of 60°C plus, and while the surface temperatures of heat pump systems are lower, they can still reach between 50 and 55°C. A safe alternative is direct electric low


surface temperature heaters that deliver rapid and controlled heating while maintaining the safe maximum surface temperature of 43°C recommended by NHS guidance. These can be used in areas where


Carolyn House residents feel the benefits of electric heating


Located close to the West Sussex coastline in Worthing, Carolyn House is an age- exclusive development with 72 flats, offering a mix of one and two-bedroom dwellings spread over three storeys, created for people aged 60 or over. It is managed by property management, development, regeneration and leisure company. Places for People. The operator wanted to update


outdated electric storage heating in all 72 flats to reduce bills and improve comfort,


so brought in TMS Electrical Contractors to specify the most suitable replacement. The contractor removed old storage


heaters from bedrooms, hallways and living rooms before installing new Dimplex Quantum heaters in the living rooms and, for two-bedroom flats, the hallway. Easy to install and designed to cover the footprint of legacy storage heaters, the system stores energy during cheaper, off-peak periods and delivers heat when it’s most needed through the day or night. It is easy to use with an intelligent


controller that adapts to the lifestyle and habits of the user, offering enhanced controllability and comfort compared to the previous storage heating systems. Bedroom heaters were replaced with


direct acting panel heaters, providing a cost-effective combination of off-peak and direct-acting electric heating appliances that would best suit the lifestyle and usage habits of people who lived there. All hot water cylinders were replaced as part of a whole-dwelling upgrade.


20 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com June 2026


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