The project: A rural 3-bed holiday home used for holidays and weekend escapes. Due to recent rising electricity costs, the couple were keen to reduce the running costs of their electric boiler which provided hot water and heating to the radiators.
The challenge: Orangehouse Renewables were tasked with supplying a replacement system that would be more efficient, cheaper to run and provide effective heating and hot water. The small boiler cupboard was the only available internal space so the replacement equipment had to be specified to fit within there. To minimise the loss of use or rental income the work was scheduled in and completed swiftly while the property was vacant.
The solution and benefits: Following detailed design calculations a Vaillant AroTHERM Plus 5kW air source heat pump was specified, along with a combined heating and hot water cylinder. The cylinder had a combined buffer tank as this would allow excess solar or cheap rate electricity to be stored as warm water reducing the need to buy expensive electricity from the electricity supplier.
The small and quiet outdoor unit was sited in a discreet position adjacent to the property. The original electric water heating unit was removed and the new indoor equipment installed within the old boiler cupboard. The radiators were reviewed and upgraded where required for performance or aesthetic reasons. An outside tap and warm water dog wash were also installed!
What was involved? Once protective floor coverings had been laid, the existing system was drained down and the electric heater disconnected and removed. The outdoor unit was positioned and provision made for managing the condensate. This is needed as during cold weather ice forms on air source heat pumps and when the automatic defrost cycle runs the ice melts and condensate is produced. Pipework was installed for the outdoor unit and once this had entered the building the new cylinder was positioned and piped in. The radiator works were done while the electrician wired up the system and then it was filled, tested, and commissioned. The installation took our engineers 4 days to complete.
The government Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant contributed £5,000 towards the cost of the heat pump system. Planning permission was not required and the system was fully certified, along with Building Regulation registration.
Client feedback: Mr and Mrs P were very happy with the neat tidy installation and the system is working well. Crucially their electricity bills reduced as expected
Taking into account common concerns about heat pumps:
Noise
The outdoor unit is small and although it is quiet, to further reduce the risk of noise disturbance it was sited away from sleeping areas and in a position where it would not disturb neighbouring properties. The site Manager was “pleasantly surprised” how quiet it was!
Warmth and comfort
There is a plentiful supply of hot water when required and the property was kept warm during cold weather.
Energy costs
For every unit of electricity used to power the electric boiler unit it made one unit of heat – 100% efficient. Every unit of electricity consumed powering the heat pump generates four units of heat (400% efficient) – the three extra units of heat are harvested from the outside air. This means 75% of the electricity costs should be saved potentially worth £000s per year.
The high quality Vaillant heat pump has a 7 year parts and labour warranty, but should last around 10 to 12 years. Adding a solar PV array or electricity batteries will further help reduce running costs.
