- Do I need to change my pipework when installing a heat pump?
We will assess the existing pipework by evaluating its carrying capacity against the calculated heat demand. Our experience shows that homes built in the 1980s and later generally require little to no pipework upgrades, depending on their current insulation levels. We can provide guidance on this to help avoid any unnecessary disruption – hopefully meaning you won’t have to lift your plush new carpet.
- When will heat pumps get smaller?
There is a trade-off between Air Source Heat Pump sizing and noise pollution. Air Source Heat Pumps work by drawing large volumes of air across a plate heat exchanger. To keep noise at a minimum, the fan blades on the outdoor unit need to spin as slowly as possible, but as you slow the fan speed the size of the blades themselves need to increase. Manufacturers try to balance having the outdoor units as small as possible, whilst also keeping noise levels to an absolute minimum.
- Can heat pumps cool?
This is a growing demand we’re seeing from our clients and some heat pumps we offer do have cooling capabilities, yes. The heat pump will essentially run in reverse – cool your emitters whilst heating the air around the outdoor unit. We do offer cooling on some of our products, however we have stricter guidelines on installation to avoid condensation and general damage to properties. Since cooling is not the primary function of a heat pump, its cooling capacity is significantly limited, resulting in reduced output and efficiency.
- Can heat pumps be wall mounted?
All heat pumps will function the same whether they’re wall or floor mounted. Some manufacturers will refuse to service heat pumps that are wall or roof mounted, but a local 3rd party engineer might be happy to do so. There are strict minimum clearances for every heat pump to ensure normal operation, but this also extends to it being accessible for maintenance.
- How do heat pumps work in winter?
As the outside temperature drops, the heating demand of your property will increase. This means a heat pump will need to work harder to keep a property at the desired temperature. Inevitably, the running cost of a heat pump will increase, similar to a boiler. Every property we MCS has been designed to sub-zero running conditions. We ensure that all our systems will still perform in cold conditions, with a slight buffer to allow for those all time record cold days – or when someone sneakily changes your thermostat 2°C higher.
- Which heat pumps are the best?
Much like choosing a new car – everyone will have different opinions when it comes to look, function, and cost. We value performance, longevity, and customer experience. As such, we won’t offer every manufacturer of heat pump – only the ones we would be proud to have in our own home.
- Do I need to change my emitters when installing a heat pump
This is such a common question, we’ve designed software to allow us to quickly and accurately size both UFH and radiators to your property. One way to check if you need to replace your current radiators is to lower your fossil fuel boiler’s flow temperature down to 50°C for a week or two during winter. If you your property is still maintaining its target temperature, its more than likely there will be no need to upsize your radiators. Alternatively, speak to our team and we can simulate this for you anytime time of the year.
- When will heat pumps be mandatory?
Currently, all new builds in England and Wales need to be sized for a heat pump. This means ensuring all pipework and emitters are sized correctly for low temperature heating systems. Gas boilers aren’t currently being banned, however the current trajectory is to ban all fossil fuel boiler sales by 2035.
- Will heat pumps get cheaper?
Since starting trading over 10 years ago, we’ve noticed a wide range of products appear on the market which naturally spreads the price range of the products. Whilst its difficult to say whether heat pumps will get cheaper, we always try to offer a wide range of units at varying price points. Generally speaking, the larger the property, the greater the cost, but comparative to the running cost of your existing fossil fuel source, we see a ROI (return on investment) within 5-7 years. We can vary refrigerant types and system design to accommodate for all budgets.
- How do heat pumps work?
Heat pumps work in a similar way to your kitchen fridge. The inside of your fridge is kept at a low temperature, but the coils on the back of your fridge are kept warm. Heat pump’s refrigerant system works in the same way. They operate by sucking in ambient air through the back of the unit to heat up refrigerant which is then compressed to increase its temperature, and fed across a heat exchanger filled with the water used to heat your radiators, UFH, and hot water cylinder coil.
- Are heat pumps worth it?
In our eyes, yes. We often see homeowners happier with more constant temperatures, due to their heat pumps producing more balanced heat through their property. We also have feedback that homeowners appreciate the technology our heat pumps offer compared to their old fossil fuel systems.
However, the biggest value of heat pumps, in our opinion, are the reduced running costs and reduced carbon footprint of your property, which will future proof your home in years to come.
- Are heat pumps cheaper than gas?
Typically, due to the attention to running cost we give, our installs either match or reduce running costs when switching from mains gas to a heat pump. Further reduction can be achieved with intelligent heating strategies, and the implementation of batteries for charging and discharging during peak/offpeak hours. Our sales consultants will calculate estimated running costs based on your property’s size and usage at the point of quotation.
- What heat pumps qualify for tax credit?
If we are commissioning your project, we can offer all heat pumps and associated materials (such as radiators, UFH, and fittings) at a reduced VAT rate of 0% for new build, self-build, retrofit, barn conversion, and village hall projects. Commercial projects will includ 20% rated VAT, but can be claimed back after the fact from the government on appeal that the system is renewable/low carbon solution.
- Are heat pumps noisy?
Generally, heat pumps aren’t loud. There will always be some discrepancy depending on the manufacturer of heat pump. We prioritise customer satisfaction when choosing our manufacturers, therefore our heat pumps typically don’t exceed 46dB(A) from one meter away. To put this into reference, these noise levels sit between a Library and a fridge.
- Can heat pumps provide hot water?
Yes. Most air and ground source heat pumps can be installed to provide both space heating and hot water. They work in a similar way to regular and system boilers, in which they supply hot water via a hot water cylinder. The heating and hot water circuits we supply are controlled by a three-port diverting valve allowing the heat pump to keep both heating and hot water at your desired temperatures.
