Can a heat pump system help me?
This is the killer question. We promise not to tell you "Yes" to this question if we are not absolutely certain you will benefit. There are a number of factors to consider which include:
- How well insulated is your home? There is no point installing a new heat pump system only to let all that lovely warmth escape through the draughty old windows you have. We are not glaziers so it's not a sales ploy to get you to replace your windows, however we will advise on any extra measures you can take to ensure you get the best from your new heat pump system.
- The size of your garden - If you have a large house which will require a large heating system and a small garden there may be an issue. This doesn't mean you can't install a heat pump system, it is often possible to install the pipes vertically where you dig deeper rather than wider. This all depends on the type of ground your house is built on, if it's not too sandy, there shouldn't be a problem. Alternatively an air source heat pump system may be more suitable if there is enough distance between yours and any neighbouring property.
- Are you installing the system in a new development? - If you are planning on installing a heat pump system in a property that hasn't been built then you can drastically reduce your costs by combing it with the build phase.
- What type of heating system are you replacing? - If you are replacing an older system such as oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or an older electric heating system then it should pay for itself relatively quickly. If you are replacing a newer electric/gas system it may take longer to recover the costs.
- Find out for yourself - The Energy Savings Trust have a web site which helps you identify the technology that may be most suitable to your home or property. Check out their web site http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewableselector/start/
