Heat pumps - how does it work?

Domestic usage via air source heat pumps (ASHP) absorbs air from the outside and slowly releases the air during colder conditions and the as winter. Cool air can be released during the summer as well, keeping your home cool.

Air source heat pump (ASHP) suitable for your home?
Well you should ask yourself:

Room/Space to install it? Air source heat pumps are generally installed in the ground or a wall, which will need a lot of space to get a good flow of air.

Is your home efficiently insulated? Air source heat pumps work best when heat is produced at a lower temperature - if your home is well insulated then this type of system would be very beneficial.

What will you be replacing? An air source heat pump system will effectively pay for itself if it's replacing a conventional heating system, however heat pumps may not be the best option for homes that use a mains gas.

What type of heating system will you use? Air source heat pumps work better with under floor or warm air heating than with radiator based systems, purely because of the lower temperatures required.

Is this type of system intended for new development? When installing this system at the same time as other building work the cost of installation can actually be reduced.

Solar water

Did you know that a over 70% of an average domestic household's energy goes into space and water heating? A source of free hot water would save a lot of money!

Solar water heating is the most commonly used renewable energy in UK household's, as this type of renewable energy gives a quicker payback - averaging at about 7-10 years, in comparison to Photovoltaics (payback in about 20-30 years).

Energy savings can be taken further when accompanied with loft and wall cavity insulation which typically pay for themselves in 1-3 years.

How does it work?

Solar water heating uses radiation from the sun to heat the water in a panel, which is usually located on the roof. This can then be used as hot water or for a central heating system.

If this system is correctly installed it can provide up to 40-60% of an average households' hot water throughout the year, an reduce your emissions by around 400kg a year.

However solar water heating requires plumbing and heating experts to size, balance and install effectively, which is not a job for a DIY person. When looking for a installer check for accredited logos such as GAS SAFE, APHC or IPHE and always ask about their experience.

There are two types of solar collectors Flat plate and Evacuated tube collectors.

Evacuated tube: This type of tube collector has a copper conductor filled with liquid inside. As this heats up the liquid copper rises to the top where heat is transferred to the water from a cylinder.

Flat plate: This type of collector water passes through whole plate, which is then heated before returning it to the cylinder. This type of cylinder can be easy integrated into roof fabric and have a lower profile compared to evacuated tubes.

Overall each system has its own advantages – put most simply, evacuated tube collectors are more efficient, but more expensive.

A qualified installer maybe available to install both types of collectors however it's always advisable to ask a qualified installer for more information on the technology before committing.

Its advisable that solar panels are sited facing south on a pitched roof free from shade and at an angle of between 20-50 degree; or maybe mounted on the ground at an angle. A typical installation requires up to 2-5 square metres of roof space and may also need space for an water cylinder, if required.

Rain water harvesting

In simple terms this is collecting rain that lands on your roof, then storing it for later use.

Advantages of water harvesting:

• Saves money by reducing water usage.
• Surplus amounts of water is kept out, which helps reduce flooding risks in storms.
• Positively gain eco-homepoints
• Rain water is better for you garden as it is free from chemicals
• Rainwater can be connected to a non-expensive syphon hose to water your garden.

These systems have large underground (or above ground) tanks, pumps and filters that not only supply a garden hose, but can also provide water for washing your car, showers, toilets, baths and washing machines.

Some larger systems even come supplied with PV panels which helps to generate power to drive the pumping and water management systems.

For more information please do feel free to contact us, we will be more then happy to advise you further. Call us on 01234 831 315 or contact us using our contact form below.