What Size Air Source Heat Pump Do I Need?

 

There are three key areas to think about when you are considering the installation of an air source heat pump system for your commercial property.

 

1 Do you need planning permission?

2 Do you have suitable place to put it? 

3 Is your building well insulated? 

Air source heat pumps fall into a similar category to micro wind turbines. Once the legal technicalities have been resolved, it is expected that air source heat pumps will be given permitted development rights status. Further clarification on this legislation is expected later this year.

Until then, you must consult with your local authority regarding planning permission for the installation of a system.

Please note that the permitted development rights are not extended to listed buildings which are covered by other planning regulations.

 

You'll need a place outside your house where a unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It will need plenty of space around it to get a good flow of air.               

 

Since air source heat pumps produce less heat than traditional boilers, it's essential that your residential property is insulated and draught proofed well for the heating system to be effective. This can vary greatly due to differences in insulation, air-tightness, basement size, solar access, wind exposure, etc. Multiple, smaller systems are more efficient than one large, central system and are recommended if more than 6 tons of heat pump capacity are required.

 

Air source heat pumps can range in power capacity from 3 kW to over 100 kW. There are several key things which you need to consider before you choose the right size air source heat pump, including the level of insulation, the area to be heated, the window area and the climate.

 

Heat pump selection depends on a number of factors, and the outside climate can be one of the greatest considerations in the selection process. Very cold climates require heat pumps to work harder and more frequently, making larger heat pumps more appropriate because they can pump a greater volume of hot air into the property. The lower end of the operational range of an air source heat pump is -15°C / -20°C if it is fitted with a supplementary direct electric heater which boosts the output at low air temperature to around 55°C, but this can be as much as 65°C.

 

Second to the residential property's general environment, the rate at which a residential property loses heat is a primary factor in heat-pump selection. A number of factors, ranging from the amount of insulation in the property to the number and size of windows, and the types of materials used in the property’s construction contribute to a property’s heat loss.

 

 

The physical size of an air source heat pump unit will vary depending on the output and type but will be larger than a gas boiler of the same capacity. Typically a 12KW (heating) single package unit will be about 1500x1200x750mm. SIG Sustainable Solution’s knowledgeable and qualified professionals can produce a thorough estimate for your home to help you choose the right solution with only minimal hassle and best, most cost effective outcome.

 

Contact us by email or call on 0845 873 8612.