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Frequently asked questions

You’ll find a list of commonly asked questions below, alternatively get in touch and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

Costs

One of the first things homeowners are concerned about is the initial heat pump system cost. Interestingly, heat pump systems are not as expensive to install as many people think. And, after the initial outlay, the energy savings that come with the system will, in the long run, outweigh the initial cost of central air source heat pump.

Plus who wouldn’t like to increase the value of their home? Air source heat pumps have been proven to add significant value to a property. Should you want to sell your home several years down the road, your heat pump system will be one of the major selling points.

Efficiency

Switching from your traditional heating system to an air source heat pump can result in massive energy savings.

Heat pumps have an average coefficient of performance (COP) of 350%. This means that they produce 3.5 kilowatts of heating or cooling power for every 1 kilowatt of electrical energy they consume. Given that conventional gas boilers have a COP of 70-80%, air source heat pumps are the undisputed winners in the heat pump vs. gas debate when it comes to energy efficiency.

How cool is it to have one system for both your heating and cooling needs? That’s an optional extra if you install a heat pump system.

The system can provide space heating or cooling at the touch of a button using a remote, a wall monitor, or a phone app. Due to the nature of its design, air source heating system works very quickly. Once the system has heated or cooled a space, it can sustain the desired temperature for as long as you want.

Servicing and maintenance

Once you’ve installed a heat pump system, how much work should you put in to make sure that the system stays in top shape for a long time? Fortunately, heat pump systems are a lot easier to maintain than combustion heating systems.

Firstly, heat pump systems usually come with a warranty of up to seven years. Their workmanship warranties can also last for years, and you can often opt for a warranty extension for a fee. Should the system develop a problem, the warranty takes care of it.

The typical air source heating system requires a professional service every year. Such regular maintenance is enough to make the system operate for 25 years or more.

Yes, we are able to service all Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps installed by ourselves only.

In order to ensure you get the maximum performance from your Heat Pump throughout its working life, you need to arrange for the system to be regularly serviced and maintained.

  • Clean outdoor unit
  • Anti-freeze check
  • Cleaning of filters
  • Removal of any trapped air
  • Check pressure
  • Check flow rate and adjust where possible
  • Check and optimise controller settings

Home services FAQ's

Depending on the scope of your outdoor space, a ground source heat pump system can be installed vertically using boreholes or horizontally using trenches.

The size of your outdoor space is a consideration when making plans for a ground source heat pump.

Trenches are the most cost-effective way of installing a ground source heat pump.

Pipes need to be located under the frost line at around 1.2m deep and trenches are roughly 1m wide. For context, an average 4-bedroom house may need 350 linear metres of trenching to provide enough heat transfer for the property’s heating and hot water demand.

If space is at a premium, boreholes tend to be a better option. This involves drilling down vertically (approx max depth 150m/hole before starting another) creating a 6-8inch hole. Each borehole is spaced apart and covered to leave no trace.

The internal plant equipment (GSHP, hot water cylinder and buffer tank) takes up more room than a traditional boiler system so consideration will need to be given as to where to site the heat pump kit.

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) absorb heat from the ground outside your home, whereas air source heat pumps (ASHPs) absorb heat from the air.

ASHP’s can be simpler and cheaper to install than GSHPs, but they are often less efficient due to the temperature variations of the outdoor environment.

Without a doubt. Ground source heat pumps forego the use of fossil fuels, utilising only small amounts of electricity in order to operate.

This makes them the most environmentally friendly option available on the market.

According to a WWF and Scottish Power report, ground source heat pumps have been proven to add value to a property thanks to a growing demand for renewable energy among potential buyers.

Running costs can be difficult to predict, as they depend on various factors such as the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance, EPC ratings, heat pump sizing, design and flow temperatures, hot water usage, occupancy patterns, ventilation, and climatic variations.

Cooling using heat pumps is definitely an option but for most people, it’s a false economy.

In most cases, if you’re looking for a cooling system we recommend standard air conditioning as a straightforward way to cool a space

A heat pump system heats your home without burning anything, eliminating the risk of carbon monoxide filling your indoor air.

Unlike air conditioning systems, heat pumps don’t dry out the air, so there’s a better balance of humidity and comfort in your living space.

Heat pumps also tend to “hold” a property at the desired temperature rather than rely on spikes or bursts of heating. This ensures your home and its contents are protected from constant changes in temperature

Heat pump systems are a lot easier to maintain than combustion heating systems.

A typical ground source heating system requires a professional service every year. Such regular maintenance is enough to make the system operate for 25 years or more.

A ground source heat pump is no noisier than a modern boiler. When an older boiler starts up or the external flue goes, both these sounds are louder than a ground source heat pump. 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government-funded subsidy that provides an upfront grant of £7,500 to support the installation of heat pumps. This is available to all homeowners.

Visit our Grants & incentives page for more information.

An air source heat pump should ideally be installed outside your property in a location that has good airflow and minimal obstructions. This is to ensure adequate heat absorption from the air.

Air source heat pumps are the undisputed winners in the heat pump vs. gas debate when it comes to energy efficiency.

With an average coefficient of performance (COP) of 350%, air source heat pumps can deliver 3.5 kilowatts of heating or cooling power for every 1 kilowatt of electrical energy used.

This far surpasses the performance of conventional old gas boilers, which typically have a COP of 70-80%.

According to a WWF and Scottish Power report, air source heat pumps have been proven to add value to a property thanks to a growing demand for renewable energy among potential buyers.

Running costs can be difficult to predict, as they depend on various factors such as the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance, EPC ratings, heat pump sizing, design and flow temperatures, hot water usage, occupancy patterns, ventilation, and climatic variations.

Absolutely. When it comes to heating your home, heat pumps are currently the most environmentally friendly option available on the market.

They don’t produce carbon emissions directly as they don’t rely on combustion for heat generation. The only carbon emissions associated with heat pumps occur during electricity production which is minimal.

Cooling using heat pumps is definitely an option but, for most people, it’s a false economy.

In most cases, if you’re looking for a cooling system we recommend standard air conditioning as a straightforward way to cool a space

A heat pump system heats your home without burning anything, eliminating the risk of carbon monoxide filling your indoor air.

Unlike air conditioning systems, heat pumps don’t dry out the air, so there’s a better balance of humidity and comfort in your living space.

Heat pumps also tend to “hold” a property at the desired temperature rather than rely on spikes or bursts of heating. This ensures your home and its contents are protected from constant changes in temperature

Heat pump systems are a lot easier to maintain than combustion heating systems.

A typical air source heating system requires a professional service every year. Such regular maintenance is enough to make the system operate for 15 to 20  years.

All heating products make some noise, but heat pumps are usually quieter than fossil fuel boiler flues.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government-funded subsidy that provides an upfront grant of £7,500 to support the installation of heat pumps. To be eligible, you must own the property you’re applying for and be replacing a fossil fuel heating system like oil, gas, electric, or LPG.

There are also some banks who offer HP funding for renewables as part of their mortgage schemes. Visit our Grants & incentives page for more information.

A south-facing roof works best as it receives the most sunlight throughout the day.
East or west-facing roofs can also work well in the UK.

Our solar experts will let you know the best position for your panels and advise you on the electricity output you can expect throughout the year.

The power output of a solar PV system depends on several factors, including the size of the system and the amount of sunlight it receives.

Generally speaking, most of today’s PV solar panels are rated to produce between 250 and 400 watts each per hour.

You don’t need battery storage for your solar panels to work but, depending on your requirements, battery storage can help you get the most out of your solar PV system.

Solar PV systems can store excess energy in batteries for use when the panels are not producing electricity, such as at night or during periods of low sunlight.

Systems of 10 panels or less are normally pre-approved for grid connection. This makes for a quick and easy process and can significantly speed up installation lead times.

If you want to investigate larger systems we can apply for permission on your behalf.
It can take a few months to gain approval (and it’s not always given) so it’s important to start this process early in the journey if you want a larger system.

On average, a solar PV system can last up to 25 years.

Solar panels can still produce electricity on cloudy days, albeit with a reduced output.

Solar panels require very little maintenance in order to perform. They typically need periodic checks and cleaning to remove dirt and debris.

If you have a residential mortgage with Barclays, you may be eligible for solar funding through their Greener Home Reward.

Typically, level 2 chargers, which are the most common home chargers, require 240 volts, which is similar to a clothes dryer or oven.

If your property has a 3-phase power supply, you can opt for a car charger up to 22KW.

Depending on the battery capacity of your vehicle, it typically takes 4-6 hours to fully recharge an electric car using a home EV charger.

Yes. The model of your electric vehicle can influence the type of EV charger you should install.

Contact us for your free energy consultation and one of our experts can help you establish the best EV charger installation for your home.

There are several government grants that fund EV chargers for landlords, flat owners and renters.

Learn more

Where a heat pump may not be appropriate, high heat retention storage heaters, particularly when paired with solar, are an excellent option for almost any home.

The number of HHR storage heaters you need will depend on your home’s size, insulation, and heating needs.

One of our energy experts will be happy to guide you through the best options for your household. 

Absolutely. HHR storage heaters typically come with built-in thermostatic controls so you can adjust the temperature to suit your comfort levels. 

Many HHR storage heaters also have programmable settings which let you set specific heating schedules and boost your heating efficiency even more. 

Depending on your usage, most HHR storage heaters will last for a good 10-15 years.  

HHR storage heaters can be used alongside other heating systems to provide supplemental heating or to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

HHR storage heaters are far more efficient than traditional heaters.

They have heat retention stones integrated into the body of the radiator that store heat during off-peak times when electricity rates are lower (if you’re not using solar that is).

They radiate heat to warm your home during peak hours making them an efficient and cost-effective heating solution. 

Maintaining a HHR storage heater is simple and straightforward, Regular checks and cleaning to ensure the heater is free of dust and debris is generally all you need to do. 

Upgrading your home’s insulation is an excellent investment with far-reaching benefits which include:
–   Improving your home’s comfort by reducing heat loss
–   Enhancing energy efficiency
–   Reducing your carbon footprint
–   Increasing your property value
–   Creating a barrier against external noise
–   Preventing issues with condensation and damp

Absolutely. The amount you save is dependent on the insulation upgrade/s you choose and will be greatly enhanced when combined with a renewable energy solution.

Contact us for your free energy consultation and one of our experts can help you establish whether your home would benefit from an insulation upgrade.

This can vary greatly depending on the size of the area being insulated and the type of insulation being installed. However, for an average-sized home, our specialist installers can typically complete your installation upgrade within 2-3 days.

Our specialist insulation upgrades should last anywhere from 80 to 100 years.

Insulation may need to be replaced sooner if it’s exposed to excessive moisture, pests, or physical damage.

The Great British Insulation Scheme offers free insulation improvements to those on low incomes or in receipt of benefits. Funding is also available to homeowners with a low-efficiency rating on their property and a council tax band of A to D.

Commercial services FAQ's

The duration of a study depends on the premises and activity of your business, plus the complexity of the project. 

An average feasibility study will usually take between 4-6 weeks, with 8-12 weeks for a follow-up technical study. 

The cost of a feasibility study varies based on the size and nature of your business.

Contact us for a free energy consultation and one of our experts can talk you through the feasibility study process and give you an idea of cost.

The power output of a solar PV system depends on several factors, including the size of the system and the amount of sunlight it receives.

Under optimum conditions, every 1kW of panel output will generate around 1,000kWh’s of clean energy per year.

A typical installation would consist of 10 x 425W panels totalling a system output of 4.25kW’s. this equates to savings of around £950 a year.

Assumptions
35p per kwh
65% self-consumption

Whether or not you need a battery is dependent on when you tend to use electricity in your business. If most of your usage is during the evening, then a battery would benefit the system.

A battery will increase the ‘self-consumption’ of the system (the amount of your generation you utilise at your business premises). This in turn will reduce your electricity bills and your reliance on the grid.

Heat pumps are uniquely suited to benefit from solar panels. This is because they harness the electricity generated from the panels and use this to heat your property.

Instead of the excess power being sent back to the grid, heat pumps will allow you to maximise the value gained from your installation by ensuring as much of the electricity generated is used within your premises.

Systems of 10 panels or less are pre-approved for grid connection. This makes for a quick and easy process and can significantly speed up installation lead times.

If you need a larger system, we can apply for permission on your behalf.

Inverters last 10-15 years

Batteries last between 5-15 years, very dependent on how often it is filled and discharged. SolaX batteries have a cycle life of 6000 cycles.

Panels will easily last 25 years

In a nutshell, utilising as much of your generation in your business as possible is key to getting the most value out of your system.

Whilst you are paid for whatever energy you send back to the grid. On average the price you pay to import electricity from the grid is 5 times more than what you get paid to export electricity.

To this end, anything that allows you to use more of what you produce, such as batteries or even a heat pump will benefit your business, and your bottom line exponentially.

Assumptions
35p Import
7p Export

Solar panels will always perform as well as the worst performing panel in the string.
If you were to cover one panel, then every panel would perform as if it is also covered.

Therefore, in areas where one or more panels will be shaded, we will optimise the system allowing every panel to operate to its full potential.  

Solar panels require very little maintenance in order to perform.

They typically only need periodic cleaning to remove dirt and debris.

There are renewable energy grants for businesses which you may be eligible for.

We will help you with the application process to try and secure funding.

What does a customer’s journey look like?

We help our customers find the right solution for their property – it all starts with a conversation.

Consultation
We start with a free, no-obligation phone consultation

Tell us what you want to achieve from improved energy efficiency and we’ll talk you through the best options for your property.

Design
We design your energy-saving solution

We'll visit your home or business to carry out a design survey. This is a paid service where you will receive a tailored renewable energy solution that meets the unique needs of your property.

Installation
We install your energy-saving solution

Whether you opt for a renewable energy source, insulation upgrade, or both. Your new energy-efficient system will be expertly installed by us.

Support
We support you from start to finish

We’re here to guide you throughout your journey and help with anything you need. This includes an annual service of your renewable energy source.

Get a free, no obligation consultation

Are you ready to improve the energy efficiency of your home or business?
We would be delighted to guide you through your options.
Email us at [email protected], call us on 0333 444 5 444, or click here to book a free no-obligation consultation.

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