How to Get Your Home Ready for Air Source Heat Pump Installation

In 2021, 1.48 heat pumps were installed per 1,000 households in the UK. However with the boiler upgrade scheme (BUS) in place the number of heat pumps being installed are expected to increase.  Between August and October 2022, 3,984 air source heat pumps have been installed using the BUS. 

The government is also aiming to phase out boilers from all new builds by 2025 and overall by 2035, helping to increase heat pump installations.

With the boiler shortage expected to carry on until 2023, it is likely to increase the number of heat pump installations per year.

Due to air source heat pumps taking time and planning, if you’re thinking about having one installed here’s how you can prepare to get the best results.

What to include when applying for a quote 

Before you do anything, you’ll need to get ballpark figures together to understand costs from suppliers and installers. Below is a list of information you should include in your quote application to help you get a the most accurate quote:

• If you have access to your home's floor plan, you should attach it when filling out your quote application, as it allows companies to understand the specifications your home needs to install an air source heat pump.

• Including your heating usage within your quote application helps companies understand how an air source heat pump can benefit your home and what your requirements are for the project.

• Gaining an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) will allow us to understand the energy efficiency rating, allowing us to give you a more accurate quote.

When you receive a quote from Enula, the quote will cover everything from installation to purchase of equipment. 

Check your insulation 

Checking your home's insulation before installing an air source heat pump is important, as it will help keep the warmth in. This ensures you don’t waste any energy your air source heat pump produces. 

Installing double glazed windows and using wall and loft insulation will help you keep the warmth in, while reducing your negative environmental impacts.

Around ⅔ of heat is lost through a standard window glazing as the inside pane absorbs heat and passes it through to the cooler outside pane. Installing double glazed windows will help reduce heat loss.

Think about the types of emitters needed

Because air source heat pumps work at a much lower temperature than traditional boilers, standard radiators may be too small. If your current radiators aren’t the right size, you could consider other types of heat emitters to use in your home. 

This includes: 

• Underfloor heating 

• Larger traditional radiators

• Smart radiators that use a small fan to blow air around the room

Find a spot outside

Air source heat pumps make minimal noise, however you want to choose the perfect spot to place your heat pump to avoid noise nuisance and ensure you can fully use your garden. When finding a spot for your air source heat pump you should ask yourself a few questions:

• Have you got enough space for your heat pump to be serviced?

• Have you got space to place your air source heat pump away from windows to avoid hearing any noise produced by your heat pump?

Find the right installer

Checking company reviews, doing your research and asking questions such as ‘are you MCS accredited and do you have a certificate to prove it?’ will help you discover whether an installation company is right for you and your project.
Here at Enula we are MCS approved and will ensure your heat pump is installed properly to ensure the project goes smoothly and produces the best possible outcomes. Get a quote today.