There is a lot of information out there about what an air source heat pump can do and how they work, but what happens at an installation?
The Air Source Heat Pump Installation
Once you have applied for ECO4 and are eligible, great news—you are on your way to owning a brand new, free air source heat pump. If you haven’t applied yet, you can easily do so by clicking the button below.
Survey and preparing the site for installation
Before starting work in your home, it is important to take some vital steps first. This includes a knowledgeable surveyor visiting your home to make these checks.
These checks can include:
- Making sure there is enough space outside to install the heat pump. It needs to be accessible without any obstructions stopping air flow.
- Your property’s insulation is good enough to allow the heat pump to work better. Insulation upgrades are part of the ECO4 grant!
- Your current heating system can be connected to the heat pump in the best way possible.
After completing these steps and finishing the survey, we can move on to the next phase of the air source heat pump installation.
Installation of the air source heat pump
Now the survey is complete the ASHP installation can progress. It will involve placing the indoor and outdoor ASHP units in their suitable places to ensure they operate well with your property.
- Outside
Installers will place the condenser unit outside the house in a well-ventilated location, considering factors like noise, appearance, and available space for proper installation.
As the unit will be using air from the outside to exchange heat inside, placement is very important.
- Inside
The indoor unit which consists of either the radiator or heat exchanger is installed inside the property. The size and number of units you need for your home will depend on the size and how much heat you need.
- Mounting the units
Installers will take precautions to mount both units safely and correctly.
They use strong and durable materials to mount the units, reducing noise and vibration that can ensure the heat pump has a long lifespan.
- Connecting the units
The installers will connect the outside and inside units using a system of pipes.
A refrigerant liquid is used within the piping system that circulates between both units, absorbing heat through the ASHP outside (even in the cold) to provide heat for your home.
These pipes will be covered with insulation to prevent heat from escaping whilst the refrigerant is cycling in the system.
- Time to test
Once all connections are made, it is time for some tests to be ran to ensure the air source heat pump installation has worked correctly.
Temperature and pressure will be checked and issues that arise will quickly be fixed.
Installers will also show you how to operate your new system; how to control it, set heating schedules, and any other features.
And with that, the installation of your brand new heat pump is complete!
What are the Benefits of an Air Source Heat Pump Installation?
You may be thinking why you need to go through that whole process and the answer is simply – heat pumps are hugely beneficial!
- Energy Efficient
Air source heat pumps provide heat to your home and use less energy to do it!
- Energy Cost Savings
Using less energy means spending less on your energy bills.
- Environmentally Friendly
Heat pumps produce fewer greenhouse gases, resulting in a low carbon footprint.
- Low Noise
Heat pumps operate quietly, only making a low-hum sound that is no louder than the fridge in your kitchen.
- Government Energy Upgrade Incentives
As mentioned earlier, air source heat pump installations can be free through ECO4. If you haven’t already applied, it’s not too late. Click the button below to start saving on your energy bills!
Thanks to government backed energy grants like ECO4, heat pumps could be absolutley free to you.
Air source heat pumps are a permitted development right meaning you can install with with needing approval from your local authority.
The process involves selecting a suitable location, installing the heating unit, connecting to the electrical system, then finally connecting the indoor and outdoor units.
At most, heat pumps will give of a continuous hum when in operation. Therefore, this should not be much of a problem. If it is, a noise assessment can be carried out.
