PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2025 22 HeatPumps U


sed in homes since the 1960s, the concept behind heat pumps is not a new idea, but in the


quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly heating solutions, they have emerged as a beacon of hope. As awareness of the environmental impact of traditional heating methods grows, so does the demand for heat pump installations. Attracting new and training


more engineers in the heat pump industry will help meet this growing demand. With a skilled workforce, the industry can keep up with the increasing number of households and businesses looking to adopt heat pump technology. Moreover, it will foster healthy competition, driving innovation and improving the quality of installations and maintenance services. By investing in training


programmes, engineers can stay up to date with the latest developments in heat pump technology. This ensures that installations are carried out correctly, maximising energy effi ciency and customer satisfaction. With training, engineers can troubleshoot eff ectively, maintain and repair heat pump systems, extending their lifespan and ensuring optimal performance.


How they work If you’ve spent your whole career working with gas boilers, you might think that installing heat pumps would be complicated – but they’re really not. Heat pumps simply extract heat from the air, ground or water and transfer it to a building to provide heating and DHW. Simple though the basic idea


may be, the details of how heat pumps work are fascinating. In the name of controlling a property’s temperature, a heat pump can almost seem to break the laws of physics. Heat pumps are also getting better – new models are more effi cient and better able to handle cold weather and deliver heating comfort. At the heart of a heat pump’s


effi ciency is its ability to move heat rather than generate it. Unlike traditional water heaters and boilers, which produce heat through combustion, heat pumps use a refrigeration cycle to transfer heat from one location to another. This process is highly effi cient, as it requires signifi cantly less energy to move heat than to generate it. The energy effi ciency of a heat


pump is typically measured by its Coeffi cient of Performance (COP) and Seasonal Coeffi cient of Performance (SCOP). The COP represents the ratio of the heat output to the energy input at a specifi c moment, with a higher COP indicating greater


Understanding the basics of installation


Before diving into the world of heat pump design and installation, it’s essential for installers to have a solid understanding of how they work and the key issues to consider when selecting a product. Here, Neil Walker, technical sales support manager at Intergas, provides a useful introductory guide.


effi ciency. The SCOP is a metric that measures the energy effi ciency of a heat pump over an entire heating season. The SCOP takes into account the varying outdoor temperatures and operating conditions throughout the season, giving a more comprehensive picture of the heat pump’s overall performance.


Neil Walker Technical sales support manager at Intergas


With potential savings on energy bills, government grants to offset installation costs, and environmental benefits, heat pumps are a smart investment in the future


 The Xceed monobloc air source heat pump from Intergas is available in four single-phase units with outputs of 6, 8, 12 and 18kW


Refrigerant advances A key factor that infl uences a heat pump’s energy effi ciency and performance is the refrigerant used in the system. Traditionally, heat pumps have relied on synthetic refrigerants, such as R-410A, which have been found to have a signifi cant impact on the environment due to their high global warming potential (GWP) and ozone-depleting properties. The the phase-out of R-410A is being implemented in stages, leading to a total ban on its use in new residential and light commercial buildings. This has led to a growing interest in alternative refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly, such as R290 (propane). R290 is a natural refrigerant


that has a signifi cantly lower GWP compared to traditional synthetic refrigerants. This makes R290 heat pumps a more sustainable choice for heating and DHW generation, as they can help reduce the environmental impact. Additionally, R290 has excellent thermodynamic properties, which can contribute to improved energy effi ciency and performance in heat pump systems. By understanding the energy effi ciency advantages of R290 heat pumps, property


owners can make more informed decisions about their heating needs.


Product choice When it comes to selecting an R290 heat pump, there are several principal factors to consider. These factors can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your energy effi ciency and sustainability goals, as well as your client’s budget and property’s heating and DHW requirements. 1. Energy effi ciency: As


previously mentioned, R290 heat pumps are known for their excellent energy effi ciency, with higher COP and SCOP ratings compared to traditional systems. When evaluating R290 heat pumps, pay close attention to these metrics to ensure you are choosing a highly effi cient model that will translate to lower energy bills and a smaller environmental impact. 2. Heating and DHW capacity:


Ensure that the R290 heat pump you choose is appropriately sized for your clients space heating and DHW demands, considering factors like the square meterage, insulation and location. Properly sizing the heat pump will ensure optimal performance and prevent over- or under-sizing, which can lead to ineffi cient operation and


higher bills. 3. Safety considerations:


R290 is refrigerant grade propane and as a hydrocarbon refrigerant, R290 is highly fl ammable. This often leads to questions about its safety. As long as the appropriate safety procedures are put in place, R290 is exceptionally safe to use as a refrigerant. It is essential to choose an


R290 heat pump that meets or exceeds all appropriate safety standards and regulations. Look for units that have been certifi ed by recognised safety organisations and ensure that trained professionals will conduct the installation and maintenance of the system. Risks can be mitigated by


positioning heat pumps in clear, open areas in a defi ned ‘safety zone’ as well as preventing leaks using methods like pressure testing, good commissioning and servicing. Although propane can appear to be dangerous when compared


to other refrigerants, it’s worth noting that most buildings have a gas connection. LPG tanks and bottled gas are also common, so gas risks certainly aren’t a new problem. 4. Noise levels: Heat pumps


can cause some noise during operation, and this is a key factor to consider, especially in residential or areas with noise prohibition standards. You might be surprised to learn that heat pumps are often quieter than the average gas boiler. Most heat pumps are extremely quiet running, with the noise levels rarely causing an issue for homeowners or their neighbours. The current legal (Permitted


Development Rights) noise limit for a heat pump is 42 decibels. This is measured from the nearest habitable room of the closest neighbouring property. The noise generated by a heat pump is quiet and consistent, often described as white noise. This means that the noise blends into the background and most people won’t even notice the noise that a heat pump creates. 5. Maintenance and


servicing: Regular maintenance is fundamental for the longevity and optimal performance of any heat pump. Just like a regular boiler, the system owner should try to abide by the conditions of their heat pump warranty. 6. Warranty and


manufacturer support: Investigate the warranty coverage and the level of manufacturer support available. This can provide peace of mind and mean that your customer has access to reliable assistance if any issues arise during the lifetime of the system. 7. Cost: While heat pumps


may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional systems, it is important to consider the long-term energy savings and environmental benefi ts. The ability to reduce both


energy bills and carbon emissions makes heat pumps an attractive option for those looking to future-proof their homes and, while some homeowners are hesitant due to the upfront costs, government grants and long-term savings are slowly changing perspectives. Currently the UK government


off ers the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grants and other incentives to encourage homeowners to switch to heat pumps. A grant of £7,500 for eligible applicants can cut the cost of a heat pump and its installation signifi cantly. So are heat pumps really


worth it? For many property owners, the answer is yes. With potential savings on energy bills, government grants to off set installation costs, and the environmental benefi ts, heat pumps are a smart investment for the future.


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