installation
Understanding the basics of heat pumps
installation
How is a heat pump installed?
If you’re contemplating upgrading from a fossil fuel boiler to a heat pump, it’s essential to understand the process thoroughly. In this comprehensive guide to heat pump installation, we cover everything you need to know before making the decision to switch. From understanding the technology to assessing your specific requirements, we provide valuable insights to help you make an informed choice about replacing your boiler with a heat pump.
cost and timescales
How much does it cost to install?
The cost of installing a heat pump can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type of heat pump and the specific requirements of your property.
As a rough estimate, the Energy Saving Trust suggests that the installation cost for an air source heat pump typically ranges from £7,000 to £13,000, while ground source heat pumps may cost between £14,000 and £19,000.
Moreover, if you’re replacing a fossil fuel-powered boiler with a heat pump, you might be eligible for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers grants of up to £7,500 towards installation costs. This scheme is part of the government’s Net Zero strategy and is expected to run until 2028.
It’s important to consider potential additional costs associated with switching to a heat pump, such as installing a hot water cylinder and potentially upgrading existing radiators to ensure optimal performance. Consulting with a qualified installer can provide a more accurate cost estimate tailored to your specific circumstances.
How long does it take?
Each system is different and has its own set of requirements, so no two installations are the same. Air source heat pumps are the quickest and easiest to install, as they don’t require any groundwork.
A basic installation will take a couple of days whereas more complex systems may require longer to complete. When assessing your home for suitability and providing a quote, your installer will be able to advise you on the expected installation time.
installation
Heat pump installation steps
1.
Initial assessment
To determine if a heat pump is suitable for your home and specify the system needed for effective heating, your installer conducts a heat loss calculation during the quotation process. This calculation assesses your home’s heating requirements, guiding recommendations for the heat pump system. Alternatively, you can obtain an energy performance certificate (EPC) from an independent energy assessor to inform your decision on heat pump installation.
2.
Choosing your heat pump
After the assessment, our installer will outline the details of the recommended heat pump system. This includes determining the size and power of the heat pump and identifying the initial heat source location. Discussions will also cover optimal component placement to maximise system efficiency while minimising disruption to your home.
3.
Pre-installation recommendations
Prior to installation, it’s crucial to address any recommendations identified during the initial assessment to enhance the efficiency of your heat pump or ease the installation process.
This may involve enhancing home insulation, upgrading existing radiators to larger ones, or obtaining necessary planning permissions (though not always mandatory for all heat pump types).
4.
Installing the outside unit
The process for this step varies depending on the type of heat pump being installed. For air source heat pumps, the outside unit can be swiftly and securely mounted either on the ground using anti-vibration feet or on the exterior wall of the building. However, for ground or water source heat pumps, installation involves extensive excavation and laying of pipes.
5.
Connection and Testing
Following the positioning of both components of the heat pump, your installer proceeds to connect them to each other and integrate them with the rest of your heating system. Subsequently, a series of checks are conducted to ensure proper functionality and safety before the system is deemed ready for use.