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A Step-by-Step Guide to Heat Pump Installation

Heat pumps are an increasingly popular choice for home temperature control. Offering warmth in winter and cooling in summer, they provide an energy-efficient solution for year-round comfort.

Air source heat pumps are the most common type of system installed in the UK.

Ground source heat pumps are also available, but they’re less common due to higher upfront costs and the space needed for installation. 

This guide will focus on the more widely used air source heat pumps and the steps you need to take to have an effective system installed in your home.

1. Understand Your Options

There are two main types of air source heat pumps:

  • Air-to-air heat pumps: These systems extract heat from the outside air and distribute it indoors through fans. They’re great for homes needing both heating and cooling, but they don’t provide hot water.
  • Air-to-water heat pumps: These systems extract heat from the air but use it to heat water, which can then be circulated through radiators or underfloor heating. They can also supply hot water for your home.

Both systems work even when outdoor temperatures are low, making them ideal for the UK’s climate.

Learn more about how these systems work. 

2. Get a Professional Survey

A professional survey is essential to ensure your home is suitable for an air source heat pump. The survey will check:

  • Insulation levels: Heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated homes. Poor insulation could mean heat loss, affecting both performance and energy savings.
  • Outdoor space: The unit will be installed outside your home, so it’s important to have enough space for proper airflow. For air-to-water systems, the outdoor unit must be placed close to your heating system.
  • Heating system compatibility: For air-to-water pumps, your current radiators or underfloor heating must be compatible with the lower water temperatures the pump provides. Larger or more efficient radiators may be required.

3. Review Your Quote Carefully

After your home survey, your installer should provide you with a detailed quote. It’s important to review this carefully, making sure you understand all the costs involved.

Your quote should include:

  • System type recommendations: Your installer should assess your property and suggest the best equipment based on your heating needs and the layout of your home.
  • Cost breakdown: A clear breakdown of all costs, including labour, equipment, and any potential upgrades to your current heating system.
  • Timescale: Estimated time for the full installation, from preparation to testing.
  • Warranty and aftercare: Details about warranties and ongoing support should be provided, so you know what to expect after installation.

4. Check if You Need Planning Permission

Most air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps don’t need planning permission, but there are exceptions. If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, or if the unit is particularly large, you may need to check with your local council. 

It’s always worth confirming the rules for your area before installation starts.

5. Prepare Your Home

Before installation begins, you’ll need to prepare your home to ensure your heat pump runs efficiently:

  • Insulation: Boosting insulation in your walls, roof, and floors helps the heat pump work at its best. Without proper insulation, you may lose heat and not see the energy savings you expect.
  • Heating system: If you’re installing an air-to-water pump, you may need to upgrade your radiators or underfloor heating to ensure they’re compatible with the lower temperatures produced by the heat pump.

6. Heat Pump Installation

Once your home is ready, a professional will begin the installation. The process typically involves:

  • Mounting the outdoor unit: The heat pump unit is installed outside, usually on a flat surface near your home. For air-to-air systems, the unit connects to fans inside your home. For air-to-water, it connects to your central heating system.
  • Indoor system setup: For air-to-air pumps, indoor units are installed in each room where you want heating or cooling. For air-to-water, an indoor heat exchanger will be installed to connect to your radiators or underfloor system.
  • Running pipes: In air-to-water installations, pipes are installed to circulate hot water from the heat pump to your radiators or underfloor heating.

7. System Testing

After installation, the system will need to be thoroughly tested to ensure it’s running properly. This includes:

  • Setting temperature controls to match your home’s needs.
  • Checking system pressure and flow rates to ensure the pump is working efficiently.
  • Distributing heat evenly throughout your home to avoid cold spots.

Your installer will also show you how to use the system’s controls and adjust settings to get the most out of your heat pump.

8. Get Your Installation Certified

In the UK, heat pump installations must comply with building regulations. Installers who are registered with the Building Engineering Services Competence Assessment (BESCA) can self-certify that the installation meets all required standards. 

This means you won’t need to involve your local authority, which can save time and money. 

Before hiring an installer, make sure they have the necessary qualifications and are part of a scheme that ensures a safe and legal installation.

9. Set Up a Maintenance Plan 

Heat pumps require minimal maintenance, but it’s important to keep them in good condition to ensure long-term performance:

  • Annual servicing: Arrange for a professional to inspect the system once a year. They’ll check refrigerant levels, clean the filters, and ensure everything is working efficiently.
  • Outdoor unit care: Keep the outdoor unit free from debris like leaves, snow, or dirt, which can affect its performance.

Heat Pump Installation in Loughborough

Looking to install an air source heat pump in your home? 

Our team of experienced, TrustMark-registered installers are experts in both air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps. 

And as members of the BESCA Competent Persons Scheme, we ensure that every installation meets UK building regulations. 

Contact us today to arrange your free home site survey >>

Loughborough Air
Conditioning Ltd
243 Derby Road,
Loughborough,
Leicestershire
LE11 5HJ
United Kingdom
 01509 238 446
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