and the towel rails at just 32oc , and we ’ ve turned off our weather compensation because the levels of insulation mean we just don ’ t need it .”
The system has been amazing in the production of hot water . There ’ s never a shortage and it all happens without any intervention from me .
In practice , the radiators are rarely used , as the underfloor heating and towel rails , which run on the same circuit , together provide enough warmth for the entire space . In the living areas , the heating is set at 19.5 oc , meaning the circuit comes on at 18.5oc and goes off at 20.5oc . In 2021 , albeit when the cost of electricity was much lower than at the time of publishing ( March 2023 ), this costs around £ 160 per month in the winter ( as at February 2022 ) and £ 65 per month in the summer . A mechanical ventilation system , meanwhile , provides fresh air for the bedrooms and sitting room .
“ It all works really well ”, enthuses the homeowner . “ The system has been amazing in the production of hot water . There ’ s never a shortage and it all happens without any intervention from me .”
Surrounds The ASHP ’ s outdoor unit is located at the back of the smaller of the two buildings , in a structure built by the homeowner using left-over cladding , so it ’ s in keeping with the rest of the property . “ Many , many hours of thought went into what it should look like ,” says the
homeowner . “ Once I ’ d decided on my design , I waited until the heat pump ’ s first service before building it , to check it through with the engineer . He told me that a lot of people put panelling
over the front of the pump , and this forces the air down the back of the machine , making it work harder as it ’ s taking colder air in . By allowing cold air out the front and new , warmer air in the back , my surround allows our ASHP to work more efficiently .”
Funding and support
As the heat pump was installed in 2021 , the homeowner was able to claim Renewable Heat Incentive ( RHI ) funding before the scheme closed in March 2022 . Although , at £ 780 per year for seven years – the level was relatively low due to the building ’ s high level of insulation – it is helping to offset the purchase and running costs of the heating system .
The RHI grant was secured through Viessmann ’ s MCS umbrella scheme , Viessmann Access , which aims to support installers to navigate the funding system and secure MCS accreditation for heat pump installations . An installer worked with Viessmann through the scheme to correctly size and commission the ASHP and claim the RHI on behalf of the family .
“ Overall , we ’ re very pleased with our heat pump ,” the homeowner summarises . “ It ’ s going to keep us warm for many years to come !”
42 - www . refurbandrestore . co . uk