Heat Pumps

[Crockof]

Has anyone got a Hest pump, has anyone looked into one?

I'd just started to investigate but this morning my boiler has packed up so I need to make some quick decisions.

[coldandverytired]

I know that insulation is the key, also that you may need to install bigger radiators to maintain the temperature. By all accounts it's quite a big job to convert to a heat pump but those who do it are mainly happy- best to do it in conjunction with solar PV and a battery system if you don't have already. you will not be able to have the house at tropical levels and some find the temperature too low so it may depend on what you're used to!

also check out any grant schemes you may be eligible for.

[AlwaysLatte]

We've got an air source heat pump (Daikin)in our annexe. It's brilliant and has been blissful during the hot weather as you can also use it in reverse for air con. We've had it 3 years now and get it serviced each year but not had any problems with it. The main workings of it is quite big but it's hidden behind the building.

[Crockof]

Thank you for your replies.

I have just been reading about the work but British Gas etc are all doing interest free for 5 years which will offset the additional cost and the government puts in 5k.

I hate making decisions like this, such a worry spending all that money and then finding it doesn't work.

I didn't know it worked in reverse, that is definitely a plus.

[Namechangeforthis88]

My parents recently got a hybrid system, they still have gas as a back up but mostly run off air source heat pump. They already had solar water heater cylinder thingies. They didn't change any radiators. I've always found their house a bit chilly, even with the thermostat at a reasonable temperature but they're chuffed with their new system. A few teething issues with settings but they're finding the house warmer than before. NB they still have gas as a back up!

[RidingMyBike]

We're looking into it at the moment - bought a house which needed boiler replacing anyway so planning to do new windows, insulation, heat pump and solar panels.

The first company that came out to quote never got back to us! Now following up with a second.

[BastardtheCat]

We've just had one installed with the governments heat incentive. It's not commissioned yet but it will power our underfloor heating and rads in the rest of the house.

Your house has to be thermally sound and VERY well insulated. We've renovated and extended so it's been a lengthy process but I understand your dilemma.

You need to get used to the idea that it won't be 'instant' heat that a boiler delivers. It's a regular background constant heating that you need to plan ahead for (i.e. you can't just crank up the heating on a cold spell - it takes days to slowly increase). Do a search here on MN. - there are loads of useful threads.

[Crockof]

Thanks Cat do you have separate heating for the water and do you have solar power?

So much info out there seems to contradictory, some say 50% more expensive because of the price of electricity.

[BastardtheCat]

We're holding our breath a bit re the cost since we're on the verge of having it commissioned and moving in imminently. We're not on the main grid for natural gas so we would be forking out increasing big bucks for either oil or LPG.

Solar is an option for us in future - we are in a good location for them. Just waiting for our savings to re grow a bit since we're on the bones of our arse with the renovating.

[BastardtheCat]

Have you had a chance to see other threads? I'll of course update when we start using it but if you need to make a decision imminently, have a read and hope that other ASHP users come along.

[saleorbouy]

www.eco-home-essentials.co.uk/air-source-heat-pump.html

Air source Heat pumps actually drop in efficiency as the ambient air temp reduces and the quoted COP (coefficient of performance) is far less making than quoted savings in energy consumption unrealistic. This is particularly noticeable below 2'C. The effect is that precisely when you want your heating on more it becomes less efficient. Good insulation is essential to avoid big bills.

[ValerieDoonican]

The house doesn't have to be massively insulated but you need to have done the obvious things properly (loft, draughts, double glazing) Big enough radiators is the key secret as the heat is gentle, and the lower the radiator temperature can be, the more efficient the pump will be.

We are very pleased with ours - our house is pretty well insulated, granted, but if we had needed more radiators there would have been room to add them- we haven't neesed to in fact.

[housemadd]

I think only air to air pumps are reversible, and they are not eligible for the £5k grant (and they’d need radiators replaced with ducting).

Octopus have an attractive looking package now but they’ve gone quiet on me, so I suspect they have more demand than supply.

[AlwaysLatte]

I meant to say that we only use our air source heat pump for heat and air con, not water, as we only have a bathroom on the annexe not a kitchen, so we use s as m electric shower and electric tap instead,