Heat pumps

An alternative heating source

Terms and conditions apply and will be subject to a property survey. Your system is being provided by UKFM Renewables Ltd, you will need to enter into a contract directly with UKFM Renewables Ltd for its supply and installation. In such case, npower does not warranty or represent and is not responsible for the quality, fitness for purpose or otherwise of the heat pump system or its installation and any other equipment provided by UKFM Renewables Ltd, nor for the actions or omissions of UKFM Renewables Ltd or any installer used by UKFM Renewables Ltd npower is a registered trademark and the trading name of Npower Northern Limited (Registered in England and Wales No. 3432100) . Registered Office: Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 6PB. npm10339/RF11973/10.12

Contents
Introduction - Benefits How does a heat pump work? - Air source heat pump - Ground source heat pump Differences between air and ground source heat pumps Renewable heat incentive - What is it? - How can I benefit? Is your home suitable? - Maintenance - Planning permission Running costs and benefit comparisons - Costs - Savings - Why choose npower and UKFM? What are the next steps? 3 4

Introduction
Did you know that well over half the money you spend on your fuel bills goes towards providing heating and hot water? With fossil fuels being consumed at a great pace, and ever rising fuel prices its important we all look for more sustainable ways to power and heat our homes. One way of doing that is utilising free and sustainable energy all around us. A heat pump uses natural resources such as the air, ground or water to produce heat and hot water. A heat pump can absorb low grade heat from the air or ground and compress that into higher, useful heat which can be used for hot water, radiators or underfloor heating. With a heat pump you could get 3kW of heat output for every 1kW of energy input, so they can supply more energy than they consume. Often making them more efficient than a standard boiler that is 90% efficient.

6 7

10

Benefits
Save money on your energy bills Reduce your carbon footprint Provide heat using lower temperatures over much longer periods No longer have to rely on oil, LPG or solid fuel deliveries Be eligible for income through the Governments Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

11

Source: Energy Saving Trust, October 2012

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump works like your fridge freezer in reverse. At the heart of both is something called refrigerant, a fluid that can be rapidly transferred from gas to liquid. To transfer heat, all you have to do is compresses the refrigerant to make it hotter and release the pressure to cool it. Absorbing heat from the atmosphere is the starting point for the whole circuit, it does this by: 1. Energy Source: Air source heat pumps Outside air is sucked across a heat exchanger in the heat pump. The refrigerant will then absorb low grade heat from the air causing it to boil. Ground source heat pumps Heat is absorbed from the ground through a water, brine or antifreeze fluid that is circulated through ground loop. This heat is then transferred to the refrigerant via a heat exchanger in the heat pump unit. 2. In a gas state, the refrigerant is pressurised and circulated through the system by a compressor. By reducing the volume and increasing pressure of the refrigerant, this leads to an increase in temperature. 3. On the other side of the compressor, the hot and highly pressurised gas is cooled in a condenser. The heat in the refrigerant is transferred to your heating system. 4. Once condensed, the refrigerant is now a high pressure, liquid. Pressure and temperature is lowered even further through the expansion valve allowing the cycle to repeat itself. 5. This is a closed loop which means only the refrigerant passes through the heat pump cycle. Once the refrigerant is hot and highly pressurised, your home is heated much the same way as a conventional boiler. Heat from the refrigerant passes over a heat exchanger that warms water in your central heating system circuit. 6. This heated water is distributed through your home and can be also used to provide domestic hot water through a hot water cylinder.
Low - pressure, Low - temperature vapour

Heat pump cycle

2
Compressor

High - pressure, High - temperature vapour

Flow Environmental energy Evaporator

3
Condenser

Heating energy

5
Heat Exchanger Return

Low - pressure, Low - temperature liquid

High - pressure, High - temperature liquid

4
Expansion valve

6
Hot water cylinder

Heat pump Under oor heating

Differences between air and ground source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps
How does the pump produce heat? How efficient is a heat pump? Can a heat pump provide all my heating and hot water needs? How much space does it take up? Energy is extracted from the air via a fan Typically runs at 300% efficiency Yes, it can provide all your heating and hot water requirements so no back up boiler is needed Usually situated on an outside wall of the property with no inside space required

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a Government initiative that rewards homeowners who use a renewable source of heat for their home. If you use the sun, wood or a heat pump to heat your home, then the government will pay you every year for how much clean heat you use. The RHI starts next summer, but in the meantime this is how you could benefit. If your home is heated by oil, LPG, electricity or some form of solid fuel; you will qualify for a cash rebate called the Renewable Heat Premium Payment worth up to 1,250 From next year the Renewable Heat Incentive will reward you even further, with cash payments every year depending how much renewable heat you generate. The scheme will be finalised in the New Year, but its likely the payback of your heat pump system will be under 7 years* All npower heat pump installations could be eligible so enquire now to find out if you could qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Ground source heat pumps

Energy in the ground is extracted through ground loops or a borehole Typically runs at up to 400% efficiency Yes, it can provide all your heating and hot water requirements so no back up boiler is needed The heat collectors and heat pump unit are about the size of a dishwasher. However the space needed for the ground work should be about twice the size of your property A steadier level of efficiency occurs due to under ground temperatures being more stable than air The internal unit operates at 40 decibles

Will it work at low temperatures? How noisy is a heat pump?

Efficiency levels will vary with outside air temperature Around 45 decibels. As it is located outside there is a planning requirement that noise levels must be below 45 decibels at 1m from the nearest habitable window Up to 20 years

How long does a heat pump last? Is the installation disruptive? How much does it cost?

The heat pump will last up to 20 years and the ground work up to 50 years More intensive work is required for the heat collectors Installation cost will depend on the space needed for the ground loop or borehole and geology your home sits on

Air source pumps are quicker and less obtrusive to install Generally cheaper to install than a ground source pump

Source: Energy Saving Trust, October 2012

*Source: www.decc.gov.uk

Things to consider if your home is suitable

Do you use gas to heat your home?
A heat pump can replace any current heating system; however, the greatest benefits will be to those homes that are not connected to mains gas. Replacing your LPG, oil and direct electric heating will offer the greatest reductions in running costs. If you have a gas boiler that is under 10 years old, we wouldnt recommend replacing it with a heat pump. With current gas prices the cost savings of replacing an efficient, modern gas boiler with a heat pump would be nominal compared to other fuel types. If youre looking to replace your gas boiler already, and youre thinking about a renewable alternative, then speak to one of our advisers to see if a heat pump is right for you.

What level of Insulation do I need?

Before you consider installing a heat pump, we always recommend that you look at your insulation levels first. To qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive your home must have 270mm of loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (where practical). From 2013, were able to see if any energy efficiency measures would be suitable through the Governments new Green Deal scheme.

How much space do I need for a ground source heat pump?

There are two different types of pipe work that can be used with a ground source heat pump. A ground loop which is laid shallow and flat, or a bore hole which is drilled narrow and deep. Typically a ground loop will require twice the area of your property, so if space is limited then a bore hole will be best. Bore holes will vary from 50-120 meters depending on the size of your heat pump. Access will also be required for drilling or digging equipment.

Do I need planning permission?

Heat pump installations in Northern Ireland and Wales do require planning permission. In England and Scotland heat pumps come under Permitted Development, and dont usually require planning permission. However, some restrictions do apply, such as: Listed buildings or buildings in a conservation area or buildings in an area of outstanding natural beauty may need permission from the local authority The noise level should not exceed 45dB at the nearest habitable room This is not a comprehensive list of criteria. Therefore, npower recommends that anyone considering installing a heat pump contacts their local planning office prior to installation. Our recommended technical installer is able to assist in this process.

Can I check if my insulation is suitable?

There is a simple test you can carry out over winter; by turning your current heating system down to run at 45C this will give an indication of the approximate temperature of a heat pump. If comfort levels inside the property are maintained then this could show that the property is insulated enough and will maintain the correct heat levels in your home.

How often do they need to be serviced?

The heat pumps we recommend come with a five year manufacturers warranty. A professionally maintained system is estimated to have a working life twice that of an ordinary boiler. However, to ensure optimal performance and validation of the manufacturers warranty it is recommended that heat pumps undergo an annual service. This maintenance package can be provided by our fully accredited installation partner.

What type of radiators or heat distribution system do you have?

Heat pumps work best when they are run constantly and at low temperatures, which is perfect for underfloor heating and modern radiators. If you have an older central heating system with older radiators, it may be necessary to install new, larger radiators to get the most out of your heat pump.

How much space do I need for an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps should fit most properties. All we require is some, unobstructed, outside ground space close to your home. At this stage its not possible for us to install heat pumps to flats or maisonettes.

Source: Energy Saving Trust, October 2012

Running costs and benefit comparisons

Costs Costs for installing a heat pump start at 6,000 for air source and 9,000 for ground source. Costs can vary depending on a number of factors - including the size of your home, how well insulated it is and what room temperatures you are aiming to achieve. Savings How much you can save will also depend on your homes current heating system. These are the savings you might make every year when replacing an existing heating system in an average three-bedroom semi-detached home with a typical installation: Existing heating system Gas Electric Oil Solid Annual savings for a heat pump performing at 300% 130 610 310 330

What are the next steps?

Step 1
If you are interested in finding out if your property might be suitable for an air or ground source heat pump please call our Home Energy Solutions team on 0800 975 3199 or visit npower.com/heatpumps

Why choose npower and UKFM?

npower is working with UKFM Renewable Technologies Ltd, a specialist in providing micro renewable energy solutions, to the social, domestic and commercial market place. Together our main focus is on delivering the most suitable renewable energy solution for each customer. UKFM cover all aspects of heat pumps; from design and installation to planned and reactive maintenance. Brands you can trust A heat pump is a twenty year investment so you want an installer you can call on in years to come. All heat pumps installed by UKFM come with a five year manufacturers warranty. There is always someone close by UKFM group offer national coverage through six regional offices in Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Rotherham and London. Service you can trust We only use products registered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) from the most recognised manufacturers.

Step 4
If youre happy with the quote, UKFM installers will arrange a date to start the work. If theres any ground work required, this will be managed by a project manager assigned to your install.

Step 2
Well arrange for an MCS accredited engineers to conduct a full site survey, and advise you on the most cost effective system for you. Youll also be advised on any planning requirements there may be and how to go about contacting your local planning office.

Step 5
After your installation UKFM will provide you with all the details of your new heating system, who to contact if you have any queries and your five year manufacturers warranty.

Step 3
Youll receive a full design and quotation to you based on the site survey. This will be dependent on your current heating system and any other requirements you discussed during the site survey. You will also be provided with an estimate, inline with MCS guidelines, of the savings you could expect on your energy bill.

For further information call

0800 975 3199

npower.com/heatpumps

or visit

Lines are open 8am - 8pm Mon to Fri and 9am - 5pm Sat

Find out more about how we made these calculations, visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Source: Energy Saving Trust, October 2012

Phone calls: Calling us on a 0800 number is normally free when you call from a landline but charges may vary if you use a mobile. Calling us on a 0330 number will cost you no more than 01 or 02 numbers from landlines or mobiles. If you get inclusive minutes with your package, calls on a 0330 number will be part of these.

10

11