As often happens, a second generation of new technology provides better results for the user and so, although installers and training still require some updating, we decided to make use of the offers currently in place and see what was involved for a Heat Pump installation.
For qualifying properties and systems, there is a Government grant of £7,500 (BUS) and we went with a scheme which also allowed a ‘free’ survey (£200 payment which either is refunded or goes towards the final cost of install) and an opt out right up to the days before installation.
Our survey was arranged in a few days and a surveyor arranged an appointment to measure and review the property. The survey suggested a heat loss just under 9kW and so the plans revolved around a 9kW heat pump installation. We currently use a condensing gas boiler for our heating and hot water and part of the survey looks at the pipework and radiators to check their suitability. Our outcome was that the pipework was ok but 6 out of 12 radiators would need upgrading - another benefit to our timing of the exploration was that the cost of the new radiators and installation would be covered in the overall quote.
Positioning of the heat pump was the next consideration as there are regulations on noise levels and property borders. Planning considerations are also needed to be reviewed along with cabling for the electrical supply and positioning of the hot water cylinder.
Further requirements might be materials in situ, especially with an older property and so possible additional surveys might be required.
A property EPC (energy performance certificate) is also a requirement of the government grant. Many properties will already have this in place but as we have been resident for almost 20 years and no plans to move, ours didn’t have this in place. It is quick and easy to get this updated.
Applying for the grant, planning permission (if required), additional surveys, other changes to existing pipework can be a fair bit to cope with but again, with our offer, much of this was organised by our supplier.
One other trigger for us to look at swapping our heating system was that a review of recent years showed that approximately 96% of our property’s carbon emissions were the result of our gas usage. Ultimately we decided to go ahead, after researching other installs and so in a few weeks time, we will be having our system installed.
Part 2 will look at the install itself.
