RENEWABLES
Switching to heat pumps just got easier
www.heatingandventilating.net
Government’s aspirations and homeowners’ reality by solving the most common boiler replacement issues, even for smaller urban properties. Launched in spring, the quiet Vitocal 150-A and Vitocal 151-A come in
compact, fully integrated, monobloc units that require 60% less space in the home than other heat pumps and are simple and quick (around 90 minutes faster) to install. With built-in wifi, the new heat pumps can be commissioned in new buildings before an internet service is operational. They also use the same One Base control platform as the company’s boilers, so they’re compatible with the rest of the product range, while a patented Hydro AutoControl hydraulic function enables reliable integration into existing heating systems, fewer system components and guaranteed defrost cycles. Commissioning is also easy, using the ViGuide app. Their 70oC maximum flow temperature (without an immersion heater) means that in some cases the existing hot water cylinder can be retained, depending on its coil size, desired store temperature, insulation level and mechanical integrity. Subject to the system design requirements and seasonalised efficiency calculations, existing radiators could also be retained, depending on the heat loss from the house – something that homeowners would appreciate.
Environmentally friendly refrigerant
The range has impressive environmental credentials. Unlike most heat pumps, which use a refrigerant called R410A – a hydrofluorocarbon with a global warming potential (GWP) of 1,800, they use R290, one of the most climate- friendly available. It has a GWP of considerably less than one. Given that refrigerants are at risk of entering the atmosphere, either when they require replacing or at the end of the equipment’s life, this is important. The new heat pumps also boast a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4.9-
The Viessmann Vitocal 151-A air source heat pump indoor and outdoor units.
With high installation costs, funding upheaval and practical challenges, are heat pumps still miles away from mainstream acceptance? Maybe not, says Viessmann’s marketing director Darren McMahon
A
ssessing market demand for heat pumps and other renewables is tricky right now as the picture is clouded by several exceptional factors. Firstly, the cost-of-living crisis is focusing attention on spiralling
energy bills and ways to reduce consumption while simultaneously reducing homeowners’ capacity to upgrade heating systems. Meanwhile, global supply chains are affecting stock levels and, in turn, purchase decisions. Longer term, the UK’s distribution network operators (DNOs) and electricity grid are still not set up for a widespread switch to heat pumps. Nevertheless, the Government, and Viessmann, remain convinced that heat pumps will play a crucial role in our national decarbonisation strategy, with an ambitious target of 600,000 annual installations by 2028. As the UK has the oldest, smallest, and least-well-insulated housing stock in Europe, it won’t be a simple transition.
Hassle-free heat pumps
As a result, Viessmann has just introduced a new range of air source heat pumps (ASHP) that is designed to help bridge the gap between the
5.0 (according to EN 14511 for A7/W35 and depending on the model), which means they are more efficient than current models at maximum recommended flow temperatures.
Training and support
It can take installers a lot of time and money to learn to navigate the grants system and get trained and accredited to fit and service heat pumps, making it difficult for small businesses in particular to transition away from boilers. Viessmann therefore created the ‘Viessmann Access’ MCS umbrella scheme to help.
Under the scheme, non-MCS-accredited installers who want to fit heat pumps can avoid the cost and hassle of becoming MCS certified, while Viessmann does all the heavy lifting to prepare customer quotes for them on a no-sale-no-fee basis. This includes helping with surveys, providing heat loss calculations and material specifications and completing BUS funding applications on installers’ behalf. Support then continues throughout the design, installation and
commissioning stages, including set-up and customer handover, heat pump registration, help with DNO applications, ongoing service packages and on- call technical support. Viessmann acts as the MCS installer, taking full risk and responsibility for the installation for seven years. We’re also working to close the heat pump skills gap through training.
Installers can increase the standard warranty that comes with their Vitocal heat pumps from two to five years by attending a product-training course at the Viessmann Academy. (Extended warranties up to seven years are also available.) The Academy is based at the Telford headquarters, with training locations around the country. Heat pumps will never be the perfect solution for every property. However,
by removing the biggest installation hurdles, we believe we’ve made them a highly attractive renewable option for many more homeowners.
28 July 2022
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