HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES 65


FUTUREPROOFING HOMES MEANS HEAT PUMPS


Neil Thompson of Ideal Heating explores why heat pumps are critical for future-proofing new homes on the journey to net zero, bearing in mind some of the key design challenges the industry needs to consider.


S


ustainable housebuilding has shifted from being a ‘luxury’ to an essential practice.


ith the  firmly committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, housebuilders must play a pivotal role in reshaping residential infrastructure to meet this ambitious target. One of the most crucial decisions in designing new builds is choosing heating solutions that align with both environmental and legislative requirements – and this is where heat pumps come in.


WHY HEAT PUMPS ARE HERE TO STAY The Government’s impending Future Homes Standard is expected to mean gas boilers will be banned in new build homes.


This policy change signals the need for housebuilders to incorporate alternative heating systems into their developments. Heat pumps, once viewed as niche, are now moving into the mainstream, with over 250,000 heat pump installations in the UK to date. European countries, such as Norway – where there are over 600 heat pumps per 1,000 households – demonstrate the viability of large-scale adoption and the pathway for the UK to follow.


In 2022, the global heat pump market size was estimated at $81 billion, and as more heat pumps enter the market, housebuilders and homeowners have greater choice than ever before. Ideal Heating for example have invested £50m in transforming its manufacturing facilities in Hull, which have produced fossil fuel boilers for more than a century. Today, alongside manufacturing about 500,000 gas boilers annually, Ideal Heating is scaling up heat pump production. It has also established a state-of-the-art training centre capable of equipping up to 5,000 installers annually with the skills to install and service heat pumps. Many manufacturers are adapting to the same legislative changes as housebuilders,


ensuring that expertise and resources are available to support this transition.


THE ENVIRONMENTAL CASE FOR HEAT PUMPS


Unlike traditional gas boilers that burn fossil fuels, heat pumps extract thermal energy from the air, and convert it into heat for residential use.


his process is far more efficient, generating several units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. Heat pumps provide a consistent, steady flow of lower-temperature heat, compared to the short bursts of high heat typical of boilers. Contrary to common misconceptions, heat pumps are perfectly suited to the  climate. hey provide efficient, low-carbon heating all year round, regardless of whether it’s sunny, raining, or icy cold.


As energy efficiency regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainable living options grows, integrating heat pumps into new builds isn’t just an environmental imperative – it’s a critical step in futureproofing developments.


CHALLENGES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Transitioning to heat pumps comes with design challenges. These systems work best in highly insulated homes with low-temperature heating solutions, such as underfloor heating or slightly larger radiators.


Unlike compact combi boilers, heat pumps require a cylinder for hot water storage, which demands additional space and needs to be factored into designs. This shift calls for a rethink of traditional layouts and may involve incorporating improved materials and methods to enhance energy efficiency. However, when heat pumps are planned into the design from the outset, they can be seamlessly integrated into the home. hile retrofitting is entirely feasible, it is more complex. Housebuilders are at an advantage because their developments start with a blank slate.


Collaboration with engineers and sustainability experts during the planning and design phases is vital to ensure effective implementation. Many manufac-


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