FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It is likely that an air source heat pump can work effectively as long as your property is well-insulated. Insulation is critical because it prevents heat from escaping, allowing the heat pump to function effectively at lower flow temperatures.

An air source heat pump is around 300% efficient. This is because for every unit of energy it uses to extract heat from the air, it typically outputs over 3 units of heat energy into the property.

The air source heat pump unit is fitted outside of the property. You will need some space inside for the domestic hot water cylinder, buffer tank and the other components.

For heat pumps up to 12kW, you need a footprint around the same size as a standard hot water cylinder – similar to a large airing cupboard.

The exact distance between a heat pump and a neighbouring property is determined by the heat pump model installed as well as any fences, hedges, walls, or other obstructions between the heat pump and the assessment point. MCS020 covers this, and we’ll take care of it for you.

Yes. If your property is insulated to the required standards and the system is installed to the correct specification then a heat pump can more than meet the heating demand of your property. A heat pump is designed to deliver constant comfortable living temperatures.

Heat pumps are generally quieter than the flue of a gas boiler. The compressor noise transfers through the fan and accounts for the majority of the noise created by a heat pump. Modern heat pumps run at different rates depending on demand, so when they’re delivering at a lower demand, they will be quieter.

The design of the full system can be configured based on the position of the heat pump, however we recommend sitting the outdoor unit as close to the plant room as possible. You should also avoid very enclosed areas or close proximity to windows and doors.

Yes. Heat pumps can be used all year long. Air source heat pumps absorb accessible warmth from flowing air and they are able to extract useable energy from the outside air at temperatures as low as -20°C.

The majority of air-source heat pumps do not require planning permission, as they fall under permitted development under MCS020.

Planning permission will be required if the property is listed, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Conservation Area, or if the outdoor unit exceeds 0.6 square meters in volume.

In homes without access to mains gas, a heat pump may be a more cost-effective alternative because it typically produces three times as much heat for every unit of electricity it consumes.

Heat pumps can work in all properties, providing there is an effective level of insulation in the property. Pipework and heat emitters may also need to be upgraded.

The insulation should meet current Building Regulation standards to ensure that the heat pump heats the property effectively and efficiently.

Heat pumps are at their most efficient when operating at lower temperatures, making this technology a perfect partner for underfloor heating (UFH). However, radiators are still highly effective but may need to be oversized in order to heat the property adequately.

Yes. As part of our design process we will advise the required heat requirements for each room so your installer can ensure your radiators are suitable for the lower flow temperatures.

Underfloor heating powered by heat pumps works best with highly conductive floor coverings such as stone or ceramic tiles, vinyl or lino. If the floor covering is thermally conductive, underfloor heating can operate at a lower flow temperature for optimum efficiency.

Yes. The most efficient way to provide domestic hot water (DHW) for your home is to allow the DHW cylinder to remain ‘topped up’, with the heat pump operating to replace the used hot water.

Most heat pumps can be set to switch on a standby electric immersion heater to ensure that you always have hot water when you need it.

Most heat pumps have straight forward controls similar to that of a gas boiler. Typically more advanced monitoring and parameters are available on a heat pump to allow your installer to optimise your system for best efficiency.

Any plumber with the necessary qualifications can install an air source heat pump. HP2G will ensure the design and products are suitable and verify a satisfactory install at commissioning.

HP2G offers a unique air source heat pump MCS support package. This includes an on-site commissioning visit from one of our engineers who will check that the ASHP has been installed and configured correctly.

The install will usually take between 3-5 days for a typical property in the UK.

A heat pump should be serviced annually to maintain its warranty and to ensure it is performing as it should. The cost of an annual service is typically around £200-£300.

Heat pumps are most efficient when they maintain the temperature of the fabric of the house. They’ll automatically switch on/off throughout the day depending on the heating and hot water demands.

When designed, installed, and configured correctly, the life expectancy of an Air Source Heap Pump should be well in excess of 10 years.

Yes, you can, but we would advise against it. This is because an air source heat pump is designed to work as a weather compensation system, running as and when needed to heat the home, rather than at predefined times.

We can help you to find an installer for your heat pump through our Registered Installer Network.

If you already have an installer in mind, we can support heating engineers to fit heat pumps to Microgeneration Scheme standards, offering a range of commissioning packages.

An air source heat pump is a low-carbon, efficient renewable technology. A big benefit is that it offers a cleaner and greener way to heat a home – no fossil fuels.

Aside from their eco credentials, air source heat pumps are also eligible for a £5,000 grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme or MCS is often described as the renewables equivalent of Gas Safe. You will need your heat pump system to be MCS compliant if you wish to benefit from any government grant, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.