Heat Pump FAQs

How does it work?
Essentially, heat pumps work like a refrigerator except in reverse, ie the pumps gather heat from outside and transport it into your home. They are a unique type of system having the capability of providing heat as well as acting as an air conditioner. They work best in a moderate type of climate so are ideal for homes and businesses in the UK.

What are the benefits of installing heat pumps?
Two of the major benefits of installing heat pumps are it provides an easy (and proven way) of cutting CO2 emissions from 30 – 50% and it significantly reduces the cost of providing hot water and heating for both domestic and commercial properties. Other benefits include:

• Ability to generate your own ‘green electricity’ thus reducing environment pollution
• Reduces your utility bills
• In domestic properties, no planning permission is required for air to water and ground systems.
• The Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) scheme for heat pump technology is currently under consultation but it is expected to provide financial support starting in April 2011 in the UK with the exception of Northern Ireland.
• Low maintenance requirements and low running costs.
• Excess electricity can be sold back to your electricity supplier if you have a grid connected system.
• Constant heating levels are maintained
• Significant savings compared to other forms of heating (Oil, Gas, Electric, LPG)

In addition, discussions are currently taking place with the UK government to offer’ green loan’ energy plans for homes which would enhance the value of a property by making its energy costs significantly lower.

Do you offer a guarantee?
There is a manufacturer’s guarantee for the products and Sol-Vent Energy offer a X?? year guarantee for parts and labour.

What is the lifetime of the system?
Generally, all heat pump systems (ground, air to air and air to water) have a lifespan of 15 – 25 years.

How long will it take to install the system?
This will depend on the type of system you install. For example, a ground source system may require the installation of pipeworks and electrical cabling both inside and outside the property. For an average 3 bedroomed house, the installation should take approximately 3 – 5 days.

How will I know if my property is suitable for a heat pump system?
Most properties would be suitable for this type of technology but it does require some space in your garden. As heat pumps can be restricted by the extreme cold, it is very important to get the best advice on what type of pump would be suitable for your property.

Depending on the type of heat pump installed, if will require different ground works. For example, for some systems, it may require the installation of heat collector pipes which would require a significant area for channelling the pipes. There would also be an additional cost for this.

As all heat pumps systems operate at lower flow temperatures than traditional boilers, it would be necessary to ensure that your property is well insulated.

Is planning permission required?
We have our own in-house planning service and will be able to advise you on any issues. Currently air to water and ground source heat pumps do not require planning permission in Scotland and the rest of the UK. However, air to air systems do require planning consent because of noise levels but it is likely to become permitted development in the near future. If you are in any doubt, it is advisable to check with your local planning authority especially if you live in a conservation area or a listed building.

How much will it cost?
This will depend on the size and type of system you install but for a typical domestic requirement in the range of 5 – 10 kW with good insulation, an air source heat pump could cost from £6000 to £8000. For a ground source system additional costs for installing pipeworks and boreholes would be applicable and could cost from £10,000 up to £20,000.

Heat Pumps >