HEAT PUMP GUIDE
SPONSORED BY Getting the most from heat pumps
As businesses and organisations increasingly prioritise a more sustainable operation, reducing the carbon-intensity of heat in their building is a natural starting point – with heat pumps one of the fa- voured solutions. Baxi’s technical director Andy Green provides five tips on how to ensure best heat pump performance for optimal outcomes
O
n the road to Net Zero, heat pumps are widely viewed as one of the favoured technologies to decarbonise heating and hot
water in buildings. We see air source heat pumps (ASHP) as the most popular and cost-effective choice and are pleased to be offering both high and low temperature ASHPs as part of our Remeha heat pump range.
But heat pumps in themselves are no silver bullet.
For this reason, it’s essential to consider a number of factors at the very outset to ensure optimal performance and maximum benefits from this low carbon technology. This is particularly true when working with existing buildings. Here are our top five considerations when retrofitting heat pumps.
1. Plot a pathway
Identify with the customer their immediate, medium and long-term goals, as well as the available time to complete the work, the budget and any funding opportunities. This will make it possible to plan out and design the various stages of work. Each building will have its own unique
requirements, but experienced manufacturers will be able to advise on the available options as well as the latest technologies and designs to plot the most appropriate pathway.
2. Reduce energy usage
Irrespective of the heating technology that may eventually be used, energy efficiency is crucial to reduce both emissions and operating costs. Passive measures such as roof and wall insulation, draught proofing and improving the thermal performance of windows and doors should be budgeted for first to reduce energy losses and energy usage.
3. Energy-efficient system
Higher than expected energy consumption in buildings is often due to issues with building management systems and controls, so this is an area where quick- win energy and emissions savings can often be made. If the immediate goal is to maintain efficient building operation with minimal disruption, upgrading
ageing plant to more energy-efficient, future-ready, low NOx condensing boilers or water heaters is a practical option. Take the opportunity to address the system’s distribution pipework and heat emitters to allow the system to operate more efficiently at a maximum flow temperature of 55°C or lower, in line with Building Regulations. This will also prepare the heating system for the successful integration of heat pumps which operate most efficiently at low temperature outputs. Consider using electric point-of-use water heaters
where possible to avoid large scale energy use for hot water and heat transfer losses. Hot water usage will also be easier to monitor, measure and control.
4. Retrofitting heat pumps
Once the decision has been made to retrofit heat pumps, and the heating system and building are heat pump ready, run through the following checklist. Space – is there sufficient external space for the heat pump? Is the specification flexible enough to accommodate various models or cascading ASHPs? Electrical connections – is there sufficient capacity?
It’s likely that additional power requirements will need to be brought to site, so understand the achievable options.
Complementary products – can additional
renewable technologies such as solar panels be added? These may be able to produce all the energy you need to run your heat pump.
Left: Baxi’s technical director Andy Green
Right: Remeha R290 High Temperature Heat Pump
Below: Remeha ASHPs installed by Oakes Energy Services at a school in Lincoln
High temperature versus low temperature heat pumps – one of the many advantages of high temperature heat pumps is that they can be more easily retrofitted on a traditional heating system that requires high water temperature. But has enough been done to reduce the heat load and heat losses first? It’s important to go through the same check list regardless. Your chosen manufacturer should be able to offer all the options and provide expert advice on the most appropriate solution.
5. Hybrid systems
Where an all-electric approach is not feasible, hybrid heat pump solutions can provide an effective means of overcoming retrofit challenges and make significant progress to decarbonisation. Care should be taken to design the hybrid heat pump system in such a way that it successfully maximises heat pump contribution performance while optimising the efficiency of both technologies. Again, ask your manufacturer for advice on these aspects to avoid any conflict.
Follow best practice guidance
As a poorly performing heat pump will result in high running costs, an inadequately heated building and unreliable heating and hot water, it’s a scenario that should be avoided at all costs. Experienced manufacturers will be able to advise on the viable options as well as the latest technologies and designs. Working together, and following best practice guidance, we can help customers plot the best approach for their requirements to achieve optimal results every time.
28 October 2023
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