Nearly any property, new build or retrofit, can benefit from renewable technologies.
We’ve put together a simple 5-step checklist to help you assess your project for renewables:
1. How old is the property and how well is it insulated?
Insulation is extremely important when installing a heat pump as they operate at their most efficient when producing lower flow temperatures. The more insulation you have, the less heat that is lost. Houses built with original cavity wall insulation are most likely to be suitable for an heat pump.
If you are renovating an older property then it’s essential that the insulation is upgraded to a high standard to ensure the heat pump is as efficient as possible. In this scenario, you will need to consider the costs of insulating your property versus the benefit of installing a heat pump.
2. Does the property have access to mains gas?
Heat pumps are ideally suited to properties without access to main gas as you’re likely to see a greater return on investment when compared to electric and the fluctuating prices cost of oil and LPG fossil fuels. A heat pump is still be a viable eco-friendly solution for a new build property that is on the gas grid, as the high levels of insulation mean that the heat pump will operate very efficiently.
3. Does the site have plenty of free land?
When it comes to choosing a heat pump, the site plays a big part in the type of unit required. A ground source heat pump requires free, accessible land that is approximately 3 times the total floor area of the property to accommodate the ground loops. There is also the option of drilling boreholes, although this is considerably more expensive. If space is not available, an air source heat pump is a good, cost-effective alternative.
4. Will the property require planning permission?
It’s important to check if your property requires planning permission before installing an ASHP. There is varying criteria for different Planning Authorities, so it is best to obtain clarification on planning permission. The main consideration is around the heat pump’s proximity to neighbouring properties and also the noise levels emitted. The majority of installations will fall under permitted development and one of the checks for this is that the heat pump is sited more than 1 metre from the edge of the property’s boundary (3 metres in Wales).
Solar is also covered by permitted development rights, however you must check with planning if you are in an AONB, a Conservation Area or if the building is listed.
As a GSHP unit is situated inside the property, and as they fall under permitted development rights, planning is not required.
5. Electricity supply
Most heat pump installations should only require a standard single-phase electricity supply. For larger properties, usually over 330m2, where a ground source heat pump over 12kW will be specified, it is likely that a three-phase supply will be required. You would need to contact your electricity supplier for more information.
Qualifying for the BUS
One of the big appeals of a renewables system is that the installation cost can be offset by applying for the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. In order to qualify for the scheme the system must meet strict design and installation criteria, something that Nu-Heat can help you and your installer with.
Find out more about whether a heat pump is right for your project by watching ‘Everything you need to know about heat pumps‘.
You can speak to our expert team on 01404 5440650.
