PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 34 Water Heating & Cylinders
the Future Homes Standard (FHS) is well underway. This landmark regulation will require all new UK homes – and many retrofi t projects – to incorporate low-carbon heating and hot water technologies in support of net zero goals. In tandem, energy prices
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remain elevated, prompting homeowners to seek expert advice on systems that can balance long-term savings, comfort and compliance. For installers, this creates a clear opportunity to recommend effi cient, low-carbon solutions which help customers reduce running costs. For installers under increasing pressure to provide solutions for the decarbonisation of new and existing UK homes, domestic hot water heat pumps are an eff ective solution.
DHWHPs in brief A domestic hot water heat pump (DHWHP) is an energy-effi cient system designed to produce hot water using renewable energy. It combines a water cylinder with a compact heat pump unit, usually mounted on top, and operates using a ducted air system that draws in fresh air. Inside, a small refrigeration circuit captures and transfers heat energy into the water cylinder. Unlike traditional air source
heat pumps, most DHWHPs don’t require an external unit as everything is self-contained indoors. This makes them particularly well-suited for apartments, smaller homes, and retrofi t projects where external space is limited. Visually and in footprint, they’re similar to a standard hot water cylinder, yet require minimal servicing and maintenance. When used as the primary
source of domestic hot water, DHWHPs can free up installers to specify smaller, simpler systems for space heating, such as electric panel heaters, electric radiators and high heat retention storage heaters. With the UK electricity grid rapidly decarbonising, these combinations provide a clear path toward all-electric, low- carbon homes.
Effi ciency fi rst The rise of DHWHPs coincides with the changing demands of modern, energy-effi cient homes. In some new builds, hot water now represents the most signifi cant single energy
Craig Dolan Senior product manager at Dimplex
s we head into 2026, the countdown to the full implementation of
The Dimplex Edel can be installed as a standalone hot water solution
to meet a property’s entire hot water demand.
Simple installation One of the most signifi cant advantages for heating installers is the simplicity of installation. Most DHWHPs are designed to fi t and connect much like an unvented hot water cylinder, as no F-gas qualifi cation or specialist refrigerant handling is required. The Dimplex Edel units, for
Domestic hot water heat pumps explained
Craig Dolan from Dimplex provides expert advice for installers aiming to expand their low-carbon portfolio in 2026 by incorporating domestic hot water heat pumps, highlighting why this technology is ideal for delivering effi cient, compliant systems that cut costs and carbon.
load in the home. That makes the method of generating it a key factor in achieving carbon targets. DHWHPs address this directly, producing hot water up to 60°C using renewable energy extracted from the air. This makes them ideal for
developers, specifi ers, and installers looking to comply with Part L and incoming FHS requirements while keeping installations cost-eff ective and straightforward. The integrated heat pump
in the Dimplex Edel DHWHP range, for example, achieves
a coeffi cient of performance (COP) of up to 3.36 (EN16147). That means for every kilowatt of electricity consumed, the system produces up to 3.36kW of heat energy for domestic hot water. For context, even the most
effi cient modern gas boiler achieves a maximum COP of around 0.94 and typically closer to 0.7–0.85 for hot water production. In other words, a DHWHP can be up to three times more effi cient than a gas boiler. If the household is on a 100% renewable electricity tariff , the result is a truly zero-carbon way
instance, arrive pre-wired with integrated controls and can be installed as a standalone hot water solution. The main additional step is ensuring adequate ducting for air intake and exhaust, typically two short ducts positioned through an external wall or into a ventilated space such as a garage or utility room. Because there’s no external
heat pump unit, there’s no need for groundworks, wall brackets, or outdoor electrical connections. This minimises disruption and makes installation suitable for both new builds and retrofi t applications, including high- rise developments and heritage properties. Compact and self- contained, DHWHPs are also highly fl exible and ideal for apartments, small homes and larger dwellings alike. Installers should ensure that
ductwork complies with Part F (Ventilation) and that the hot water system installation follows Part G (Sanitation, Hot Water Safety and Water Effi ciency). Working with a reputable supplier, such as Dimplex, ensures full technical support and access to installation expertise. For homeowners, the benefi ts
include lower running costs due to high system effi ciency, quiet operation, and a compact design for fl exible siting. Additionally, smart controls and connectivity options off er easy management and energy monitoring.
Unlike
traditional air source heat pumps, DHWHPs don’t require an external unit as everything is self-contained indoors
The Edel DHWHP can achieve a COP up to 3.36
Expand your horizons Installers looking to expand their business opportunities with domestic hot water heat pumps can access hands-on, face-to-face training on Dimplex products by becoming Partner members of the Dimplex PRO Installer Club. Designed to help installers achieve the highest standards, the free-of-charge membership provides access to training on heat pump principles and servicing, as well as a dedicated course on the Edel hot water heat pump.
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