Air Source Heat Pump Installation - Complete Guide in
the UK.
How Does the Installation Process Work?
As with any property improvement project, a typical air source heat pump installation process has a set of steps that’s installers like us follow. While every property requires customisation, we have a guide to explain the basic process of installing an air source heat pump and advice you through the steps before, during and after the installation process, just so we can ensure your experience is the best possible. Let’s begin!
As we know, air source heat pumps are a low carbon heating technology that is growing in stature and popularity in the UK. An air source heat pump has many advantages for your property and for the wider environment. With a huge focus put on encouraging energy efficient renewable systems and the banning of gas boilers in the near future, heat pumps have come into the limelight and will continue to be there moving forward.
The process of installing an air source heat pump can be slightly different depending on whether it’s a retrofit or a new build. However, there are 3 main steps involved in the whole process:
- Pre-installation – Onsite survey, assessing the suitability and designs.
- Installation – Installation of the indoor and outdoor units and connecting them.
- Post Installation – Finishing touches and maintenance moving forward.
Air Source Heat Pump Installation Diagram.
This diagram below illustrates the installation process and layout of an air source heat pump in the average house. The initial process remains the same whether you choose to install an air-to-air heat pump or an air-to-water heat pump. The system consists of a standard outdoor unit that varies in size both physically and output. The indoor units vary depending on the type of air source heat pumps and can be connected to radiators, underfloor heating or other means to heat your buildings. A floor standing hot water cylinder will also be used for the storage of hot water for your water supply.
Pre-Installation Work: On-site Survey and Preparation.
The first step after you have contacted Heat From Air, will consist of an onsite inspection to check the suitability of your property in order to install the chosen heat pump.
Here at Heat From Air, we are also trained to safely remove any existing system such as a gas or oil boiler. Heat loss calculations will be made to determine the size of the heat pump that needs to be installed. The inspection is an important step in planning the installation correctly!
Once this is done, we will prepare and design a report with sketches of the property for efficiency installation of the system. Depending on the size of your property, heating needs and how well your home is insulated, a recommendation will be made to an appropriate type and size of an air source heat pump. After you are happy and we have everything we need to progress safely to the next step, the installation process will begin. Your path to a green future officially begins!
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Installation: Indoor and Outdoor Units.
Air source heat pump installation is a relatively uncomplicated process as the heat pump controls and pipework are fairly similar to traditional boiler systems. The system consists of indoor and outdoor units that need to be installed as previously mentioned.
The outdoor unit is the large unit outside the property that you can typically see, similar to an air conditioning condenser unit. This unit sources air from outside and compresses it into warm air. The indoor units such as the hot water cylinder are then installed and connected to either radiators, underfloor heating, and/or hot water pipes. The hot water cylinder will typically be located where the old boiler system was (if applicable) as it requires a similar amount of space. They can be quite large physically so space will be need but we will handle all of this for you during our design and planning stage.
While installing the outdoor unit, we will make sure to choose an area where there is ample airflow with minimal obstructions. The unit will be bolted to the ground and secured with brackets so that it does not move even when windy. Being an air source heat pump, airflow is crucial to make this system work efficiently so the location of this outdoor system is vital.
Connecting the Units.
The indoor cylinder and the outdoor unit need to be wired and connected. The indoor unit will be connected to the radiators and other units where heat is released from within the property. Depending on your building and the distance between the indoor and outside units, wiring will need to be made by usually drilling a hole in a wall. We will then connect them through refrigerant lines and electrical wires. Don’t worry however, these holes, wires and connections will all be performed to the best of standards, with any mess cleaned up and no traces left!
Post-Installation Work - Finishing touches and Maintenance.
Once the installation has been completed, there will be some finishing fixes to be made to ensure the efficient working of the heat pump system. Most air source heat pumps come with sensors, so these need to be installed so that the heat pumps can send temperature signals to your thermostat. This is a very important step as the accuracy of the sensors/heat pump system needs to be spot on.
At this point in time, you can also talk to us about the maintenance requirements. Though air source heat pumps have low maintenance requirements, we strongly advise to keep checking the filters and cleaning the fans from time to time. This can be done by using the Heat From Air maintenance plans to ensure that the heat pump is running efficiently throughout its long lifespan which can reach up to 25 years!
Or if you would prefer to look through our handy maintenance tips guide, we have that linked here!
How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Installation Cost?
The average cost of installing an air source heat pump typically costs between £8,000-£18,000 for an average size house. This cost is determined by various factors such as the size of the pump, type and the complexities involved in the installation process. If you are looking to install an air source heat pump along with similar home improvement projects such as underfloor heating or new air conditioning units, the installation cost can be lower.
Air Source Heat Pump Installation Cost.
Total Cost: £8,000 – £18,000
Time taken for Installation: 1-3 days
Lifespan of an Air Source Heat Pump: up to 25 years
Heating Capabilities: Endless 🙂
What are the Funding Options in the UK?
The cost of installing heat pumps is becoming more affordable with grants and incentives introduced to promote low carbon technologies. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is one such funding option where homeowners and small commercial property owners can receive a £5000 grant to help pay for the initial costs of an air source heat pump.
Find out more about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
In the UK, heat pumps are expected to be the most efficient replacement to traditional fossil fuels in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Heat and Buildings Strategy provides plans on incentivising homes to make the switch to low carbon heating systems, both in new builds and retrofits.
Can You DIY Air Source Heat Pump Installation?
Installing a heat pump includes several steps and not all of them can be installed yourself. In order to reduce the installation cost you can choose to install the outdoor and indoor units yourself, although this may require some experience and you may not get the same results as using a professional.
However, in order to connect the units and wiring them, you will need to get it done by a certified installer with trained experience, as it can be a complex process. Since the lifespan of an air source heat pump spans over two decades, it is best to invest in proper installation that will not cause problems and increase your costs over the years. This is where it becomes important to have a licensed electrician and installer do this for your property. Moreover, in order to be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, it is essential to get your heat pump installed by an MCS certified installer.
How Long Does it Take to Install an Air Source Heat Pump?
It can take between 1 – 3 days to install an air source heat pump depending on the complications that may occur during the installation process. You will not be disturbed for that long as part of the installation is done outside the house.
Most heat pumps also do not require planning permissions but it best to get this checked before installing it in your home. If you’re a small property the installation can even finish within one day, so it ultimately depends on your specific property.
How to Choose the Right Heat Pump Installer?
Choosing the right heat pump installer is one of the most crucial decisions to make as they will stick with you during the lifespan of your heat pump. Also, it’s essential to make sure the installer is certified and has good customer service post installation. Contact our team, read our testimonials, and view accreditations if you need any more proof as to why Heat From Air is the correct choice for you. After all, Your Green Future Starts Here!
Get in touch to request a call back!
Article Content
- How Does the Installation Process Work?
- Air Source Heat Pump Installation Diagram
- Pre-Installation Work: On-site Survey and Preparation.
- Installation: Indoor and Outdoor Units.
- Post-Installation Work - Finishing and Maintenance.
- How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Installation Cost?
- Can You DIY Air Source Heat Pump Installation?
- How Long Does it Take to Install an Air Source Heat Pump?
- How to Choose the Right Heat Pump Installer?
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