PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2025 20 HeatPumps


Essential knowledge


Installations of heat pumps are on the rise and demand for qualifi ed engineers is rising with it. With certifi cation demands, refrigerants like R290, and the ‘boiler ban’ in new-builds, Matthew Beales from Grant UK shares some insights on what installers need to know to stay ahead in this rapidly expanding market.


T


hanks to the Future Homes Standard, housebuilders, developers and installers must start


looking to alternative forms of heating provision, and air source heat pumps (ASHPs) will play a big part. Installations have already seen a surge over the last three years; over 30,000 units alone were installed between January and July 2024 – an increase of 45% on the same period in 2023. The demand for qualifi ed heat pump installers is echoing this trend so it’s a great time to upskill.


Certifi cation scheme The Microgeneration Certifi cation Scheme (MCS) has been central to the UK’s renewable energy sector since 2007. It provides quality assurance for both products and contractors, ensuring installations meet industry standards. Heat pumps are just one of the many low carbon technologies covered under MCS. Installers wanting to access


government grants, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, will need to either become MCS accredited themselves or partner with MCS certifi cation umbrella schemes. At Grant UK we partner with


the Heat Pump Go MCS Umbrella Scheme to help our approved installer network, G1 Installers, obtain MCS certifi cation for Aerona heat pump installations. This partnership enables G1 Installers without MCS accreditation to off er customers certifi ed installations for retrofi ts, renovations, and self-builds. Eligible installers will


collaborate with Grant UK and Abode Heat to achieve MCS sign-off . Abode Heat supports installers in designing MCS- compliant systems, while we can provide assistance through fi eld service engineers for compliance and customer handover.


Which refrigerant? Another consideration in the heat pump market is ‘which


refrigerant?’ because one of the biggest recent changes in heat pump technology has been the


introduction of R290 refrigerant.


Matthew Beales Regional sales manager at Grant UK


R290 has an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3 which is far lower than previous refrigerants like R410a (2,088) and the currently popular R32 (675). R290 behaves in a similar


The UK’s heat pump market is evolving rapidly, and installers who adapt will be in high demand


way to these other refrigerants, cycling between liquid and gas phases to move heat from the outside air into the home, but it has excellent thermodynamic properties as well (it captures heat energy and releases it again in a very eff ective way, making a heat pump very e ffi cient) so has the potential to off er long-term savings to homeowners. Installers do need to be aware


that, unlike R410a and R32,


R290 is fl ammable. This means that installations and servicing must be carefully handled by fully trained professionals. To guarantee safety, the design of a heat pump is also key when


using R290. The heat pump needs


 Grant’s new Aerona 290 air source heat pump


larger casings to contain R290 in both gas and liquid states, uses specially engineered compressors


with minimal vibration, and features anti-leak technology and enhanced components like an R290 leak sensor inside the casing, spark-free sealed relays and ceramic fuses. R290 heat pumps also need more clearance around them during installation to meet safety requirements. Manufacturers like Grant


have embraced R290 and its environmental benefi ts. Grant introduced the Aerona 290 heat pump range in October, which has A+++ effi ciency ratings (at 35°C fl ow temperature) and operates eff ectively in extreme temperatures (-25°C to 35°C). To ensure installers are equipped to work with the Aerona 290 and its R290 refrigerant, we are now running training courses that cover safe handling practices, protective zones and best practices for working with R290, system wiring, fault fi nding and commissioning.


New builds For installers working on new- build developments, there are several key factors to consider. Size matters and thorough heat loss calculations are essential to ensure the right output and correctly matched heat emitters are specifi ed. Positioning is also very


important; ASHPs require adequate clearance and installers need to consider the location of neighbouring properties too. A solid, level base needs to be in place prior to the heat pump being installed and installers also need to consider where a hot water cylinder can be positioned inside the property because every heat pump will require a cylinder to be installed as part of the system. One of the biggest challenges with heat pumps in new-


build homes is ensuring that homeowners understand how to use their system. Unlike a traditional boiler, a heat pump operates at lower temperatures for longer periods to maximise effi ciency. If a customer is unfamiliar with the technology, they may use it incorrectly, leading to higher running costs and unnecessary complaints. To avoid this, installers and the


developers they are working with should provide clear guidance on system operation, temperature settings and effi ciency tips. Some manufacturers off er handover guides and customer support resources to ensure homeowners get the best out of their heat pump. The UK’s heat pump market is


evolving rapidly, and installers who adapt will be in high demand. Whether it’s getting MCS certifi ed, learning to work with R290 or understanding new-build requirements, now is the time for heating engineers to future- proof their skills. With heat pump installations set to increase, installers who embrace these changes will be best positioned for success in the low carbon heating revolution. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/325/28


CUT TO THE CHASE


 G1 installers can install heat pumps under Grant’s MCS umbrella scheme


 R290 refrigerant has low Global Warming Potential but is flammable and requires careful handling


 Proper installation includes heat loss calculations and adequate clearance for ASHPs


 Educating the customer ensures proper heat pump use


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40