RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION
www.heatingandventilating.net
Why size and design matters when selecting a heat pump
Martin Conlon, national renewables manager at Vokera by Riello explains how the design and size of a heat pump can significantly impact on performance and efficiency
T
he widespread adoption of heat pumps in homes and businesses has a fundamental role to play in the UK’s clean energy
transition. Household heating – generated by fossil fuels – currently accounts for about 14% of the country’s carbon emissions.
Understanding the basics: gas boilers vs. heat pumps
Traditionally, gas boilers have been the go-to for home heating, often oversized to ensure they can meet any demand. Gas boilers can operate efficiently at various outputs, adapting to different demands within a home, however, this flexibility comes with high energy expenditure and subsequent output inefficiencies. Heat pumps, on the other hand, are more
predictable, they operate best within a narrow performance band and work incredibly efficiently within this optimal range. Therefore, the design and sizing specifications of a heat pump system is crucial to its performance and efficiency.
The importance of correct sizing
One of the most common misconceptions about heat pumps is that they can be treated like gas boilers in terms of sizing and installation. In reality, a heat pump must be carefully sized to match the specific heating requirements of a home. Under-sizing a heat pump can lead to inefficiencies and increased operational costs. A correctly sized heat pump will maintain a
steady, optimal performance. If a heat pump is too powerful for a home’s needs, it may not work to its optimum but more importantly increases the capital expenditure on the project. Conversely, an undersized heat pump will struggle to meet heating demands, leading to poor performance and increased wear and tear and higher running costs.
The role of system design
The critical first step in heat pump installation is conducting a thorough heat loss assessment of the property. This involves determining how much energy is needed to maintain the desired indoor temperature at a specific outdoor temperature, accounting for factors such as insulation, air leakage, and the thermal efficiency of the building. For example, if a house needs to maintain a
24 August 2024
temperature of 21 degrees Celsius when it is minus 2 degrees outside, the heat pump system must be designed to meet this requirement. This detailed assessment ensures that the heat pump is neither overworked nor underutilised, promoting optimal performance and efficiency.
Re-educating installers: The lost art of system design
The shift towards combi boilers over recent decades has led to a decline in the emphasis on system design within the heating industry. Combi boilers are often installed with a one-size-fits-all mentality, with a lack of customisation for individual homes. To successfully transition to heat pumps, there
is an urgent need to re-educate installers on the importance of design. This involves not only understanding the technical aspects of heat pumps but also appreciating the nuances of each home’s heating requirements. Many experienced gas installers, need to be
retrained to prioritise design and precise sizing techniques for heat pumps. This will ensure that systems are installed correctly, functioning at
their highest efficiency and providing the expected benefits in terms of cost savings and environmental impact.
Living with heat pumps: Changing user behaviour
A significant challenge in the adoption of heat pumps is changing user behaviour. Unlike gas boilers, heat pumps work best when they maintain a constant temperature rather than being turned on and off. Homeowners must be educated on the benefits of this approach, which not only enhances the efficiency of the heat pump but also provides a more consistent and comfortable indoor environment. The current generation of homeowners are
accustomed to turning their heating on and off to save energy, and will not appreciate that this can be counterproductive with heat pumps. Education and support are crucial to help users to understand and adapt to this new heating paradigm.
Supporting the transition: Industry and government roles
To facilitate the widespread adoption of heat pumps, industry and government must work together to provide the necessary support. This includes offering training programs for installers, creating incentives for homeowners to switch to heat pumps, and ensuring that accurate information is readily available.
Manufacturers play a key role in this transition
too. We can offer training and certification programs for installers, ensuring that heat pumps are designed and installed correctly. Additionally, we can provide homeowners with resources to understand the benefits and proper use of heat pumps. At Carrier RLC we understand that the adoption of heat pumps is a critical component of the UK’s clean energy strategy. However, for heat pumps to be effective, they must be correctly sized and designed for each home. Re-educating installers on the importance of system design and changing homeowner behaviour are essential steps in this transition. With the right support and education, heat pumps can provide an efficient, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating systems, significantly reducing the UK’s carbon footprint and moving us closer to a sustainable future.
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