SECTOR INSIGHT
The hot topic of energy efficiency in buildings
» READERS OF THE LOCKSMITH Journal will no doubt be more-thanfamiliar with energy efficiency when it comes to the fabrication and fitting of safety and security products . In relation to doors and windows - and their hardware - sustainable manufacturing and responsible recycling is the topic du jour ( second only to Smart technology perhaps ). From locks to letter plates , window handles to door hinges ; hardware and ironmongery brands that supply to - or work with - the fenestration sector in particular - are well aware that keeping heat in and bills down has become the holy grail of housebuilding and the raison d ’ être of refurbishment . Governmentfunded incentives have further fuelled the motivation to make energy efficient changes for everyone in the chain from the fabricator to the fitter ; and for home and business owners alike .
For a building that meets every safety measure and security is top notch ; when all the installations are as energy efficient as possible from top to bottom of the building , from A rating to u-Value , and it seems there ’ s nothing left to improve , Air Source Heat Pumps are not only the next logical step for renewable heating ; they also offer a very handsome incentive to those having it installed ( a possible Government grant of £ 13,000 no less ) and , as Eco Footprint Limited is about to explain , a highly lucrative business opportunity for fenestration companies and their business affiliates too …
First things first , what is an Air Source Heat Pump ?
In the words of a famous fence paint , the name is pretty much how it sounds ; using air from the outside to heat water - and therefore radiators - by pumping it into a building . That ’ s the simple ‘ what it says on the tin ’ explanation . The pump itself uses a method similar to the way a refrigerator works but in reverse .
The Air Source Heat Pump takes in air from outside to heat a liquid refrigerant . Using electricity , the pump compresses the liquid to increase its temperature . This then condenses back into a liquid to release stored heat .
Heat is sent to radiators or underfloor heating ; the remainder is stored in a hot water cylinder to be used for showers , baths and taps .
For the property owner , this means a future-proof heating solution for the home or business . Air Source Heat Pumps tick all the boxes for eco-conscious home and business owners as they provide efficient , green energy without the use of fossil fuels . In terms of economical savings , the everyday cost of heating and hot water is lower , which is something that no bill payer will ever turn down . And , if further incentive is required , due to the Government ’ s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme , property owners having an Air Source Heat Pump can claim more than £ 13,000 towards the cost of the switch over , tax-free .
Warming to the idea ?
There are a few pointers to keep in mind when property owners are thinking of an Air Source Heat Pump , and different options to consider when the building is old or new , domestic or commercial …
Unlike installing a new boiler or oilpowered heating system , Air Source Heat Pumps can be subject to Planning Permission . If a property - such as a commercial site or farm for example - requires more than one unit , planning will need to be applied for .
Secondly , under Permitted Development regulations , an Air Source Heat Pump noise level must not exceed 42dB ( A ) 1m away from a neighbour ’ s nearest room . Due to the method by which the Air Source Heat Pump operates , the outdoor part of the system does have a fan which draws the air across the internal components and this will make a whirring noise in operation .
For this reason , in order to comply with Permitted Development regulations - and enjoy a hot bath in peace and quiet - property owners will prefer a higher quality , ‘ Ultra Quiet ’ system that can be up to three times quieter than the original models of Air Source Heat Pumps .
Last but by no means least , the installation of the Air Source Heat Pump can span over several days depending on the type of the property and whether the unit is being installed by itself or if a new heating system of radiators / underfloor heating , water cylinders etc , need to be replaced .
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JUL / AUG 2021
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