Sustainability
homes. A HT heat pump avoids the need for an alternative form of technology to store the DHW above legionella temperatures (60°C or higher), making it a truly low-to- zero carbon solution. Designing the heating and hot water
system around HT heat pumps offers greater design flexibility and requires less space for a simpler and easier installation. However, it should be noted that the coefficient of performance (COP) of heat pumps falls off at higher temperatures, affecting the real-world efficiency and subsequently operating costs. A second option might be to design a
split system with a MT heat meeting the heating demand and a HT heat pump used for DHW. Alternatively, an all-MT heat pump
design might be selected, with a booster water-to-water heat pump delivering the temperature required for DHW. This approach has the advantage of requiring reduced outside space as the booster heat pump can be located within the plant room. A further option might be to use direct electric solutions to raise the DHW to safe temperatures, although this would involve higher volumes of stored DHW. Controlling legionella within the larger volumes of
stored water would also need to be carefully monitored and managed. Combining solar PV, solar thermal,
batteries, and heat pumps will significantly reduce the running costs of heat pumps. Ask your preferred solutions provider for advice and support on the best approach for your building.
Energy efficiency While the low-carbon credentials of heat pumps are well established, capital expenditure and operating costs may influence the design strategy decision when dealing with older care homes. In such buildings, energy efficiency, which is crucial for cutting carbon emissions and operating costs, should always be a priority. Irrespective of the heating technology that
may eventually be used, an understanding of how and where energy is being used in your building is essential to identify opportunities to reduce heat loss and energy demand. Draughty buildings let cold air in and heat
out, making it harder to achieve and maintain optimal temperatures. Implementing fabric upgrades – often referred to as a ‘fabric first’ approach – can help address this. Measures might include roof and wall insulation,
draught proofing, and improving the thermal performance of windows and doors. Limiting heat loss to the environment can significantly reduce the size or capacity of plant required – which in turn will lower capital expenditure when refurbishing the system – while improving running costs by reducing waste. Examine the pipework. If it is not well
insulated, heat can be lost within the system. Adding lagging to pipework is frequently a quick win to improve system efficiency. Another measure to consider where hot
water is concerned might be to switch to low volume shower heads and taps to lower water and energy usage. Next, check the controls. Where
necessary, adjust the heating controls and thermostat settings to optimise the temperature regimes and balance energy efficiency with thermal comfort. Are condition surveys carried out on a
regular basis? Regular checks will help avoid emergency replacements and enable you to plan and implement your net zero roadmap.
Make the system ‘heat pump ready’ Light refurbishment still accounts for much of the work in the care home sector according to our focus group research,
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