HEATING TECHNOLOGY


Part of the Ariston Group, ELCO is able to deliver a complete package of commercial heating solutions, including the Aerotop Evo range of air-to-water heat pumps with outputs from 24 to 105kW


necessary for stable and efficient heat pump operation, especially in hybrid setups. But not every commercial building will necessarily have space for this. Undersized storage can lead to frequent cycling and reduce the effectiveness of the heat pump, as the system would need to rely on the boiler more often to make up the deficit. These are all very real design and installation challenges, but they are not reasons to avoid heat pumps entirely in commercial settings; they are reasons to make sure it is done properly.


Understanding the complexities of retrofitting heat pumps


When retrofitting heat pumps into commercial buildings, there are a number of factors that have to be considered to ensure the system will deliver the results intended. Hans Bahnsen explores the complexities in more detail and how these challenges can be addressed.


Hans Bahnsen Senior sales manager


for projects at Ariston Group UK


www.ariston.com W


hen we talk about heat pumps, most of the focus tends to be on homes, but the commercial sector is


becoming just as important in the UK’s journey to net zero. Offices, schools, shops and public buildings all need to decarbonise, and heat pumps are a big part of that picture. But for engineers and contractors


working in commercial HVAC, retrofitting heat pumps into existing buildings is rarely straightforward. So why is it more complex and what needs to happen to make these projects successful?


Understanding the complexity The first thing to understand is that there’s no ‘standard’ commercial building. One week an engineer might be working on a small independent shop or restaurant, the next an office


EIBI | SEPTEMBER 2025


block with very complex heating demands. Unlike domestic systems, where engineers can often rely on more standardised system designs, commercial projects almost always need a bespoke approach. Engineers need to consider factors such as building layout, what the existing system looks like, occupancy patterns, energy usage, control strategy, and more. It is not just about swapping out old kit for new; it is about designing a system that works for that specific building, in that specific context.


Integration challenges The majority of existing commercial buildings were originally designed with gas boilers in mind, so retrofitting a heat pump into this context often brings a host of integration issues, including:


System compatibility: Existing


pipework, emitters, and controls may not be suitable for the lower flow temperatures required by heat pumps. Upgrades, especially to radiators, are often necessary to achieve the same heating performance. It is important that engineers make their customers


aware of this from the start to avoid any unexpected costs, disruption or time delays.


Building Management Systems


(BMS): Over the past few decades, most BMS have been developed for use with gas boilers. If an engineer tries to complete a straight switch of a gas boiler to heat pump, the same BMS system or setup is unlikely to work as this would likely lead to excessive cycling, which not only reduces system efficiency but increases running costs. Reprogramming or upgrading BMS software is often essential for successful integration of heat pumps. Hybrid systems: Additionally, BMS


needs to be carefully considered if engineers are working on a hybrid system. To manage seasonal demand peaks, many commercial sites are opting for hybrid heating systems, using a heat pump as the primary source, with a gas boiler stepping in during peak load conditions, such as during winter months. However, without appropriate control strategies and sequencing logic, these systems can become counterproductive and cause conflicts. A poorly configured BMS might try to run both systems simultaneously, reducing efficiency gains and driving up costs. Thermal storage: Adding buffer tanks or thermal stores is often


Knowledge gap The reality is that much of the current skills base in the UK HVAC industry is still tuned to conventional gas systems. There is a growing demand for commercial engineers who understand how to properly specify, design, and commission heat pump systems in non-domestic settings. Without this, projects run the risk of underperformance, higher costs, and the end user ultimately being unhappy with their investment. That is why education and upskilling


are so important. Manufacturers are working hard to provide the training and support engineers need to deliver successful installations. Ariston Group, for instance, offers: ● In-person training via Ariston’s national training centres ● Five CIBSE-approved CPD


courses, tailored specifically to commercial heat pump system design and application ● On-site technical support to assist with commissioning and system optimisation ● Design and specification services


to help engineers correctly size and configure systems Retrofitting heat pumps in


commercial buildings isn’t always easy, but it is not impossible either. It just takes a bit more time, more knowledge, and the willingness to think differently. As the commercial sector


The first thing to understand is that there is no 'standard' commercial building


continues to evolve in response to the UK’s decarbonisation targets, those working on the front lines of heating system design and installation have a vital role to play. With the right knowledge and support, engineers and contractors can make heat pumps a dependable solution not just for new builds, but for the vast and varied landscape of existing commercial buildings across the UK. ■


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