Heat Pump Survey’s Explained
As more and more households become environmentally aware, phasing out fossil fuels is becoming increasingly popular. Old-fashioned boilers which burn natural gas are being switched for newer, eco-friendlier alternatives. And many families are even choosing air source heat pumps as a standalone heating solution or to work as part of a hybrid system. Heat pump installation can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. So let’s check out what happens during an initial heat pump survey.
What Does a Heat Pump Survey Cover?
A heat pump survey must be thorough to ensure the right system is installed for your property. When you invest in a heat pump, a surveyor will look at the following.
- Property Measurements
A surveyor needs to understand the heat loss of your property. They’ll take detailed measurements of all rooms, windows and measurements for an assessment. In a house that’s particularly big or draughty, a hybrid system may be recommended. This pairs a heat pump with an efficient boiler to ensure your house always stays warm and cosy. The boiler only kicks in when necessary to allow for optimum efficiency.
- Placement of Heat Pump
Heat pumps are placed outside the property, making it easy for them to draw in air and use the heat energy to warm your home. Engineers will find a convenient place for your heat pump, such as outside the back door in the garden. While most heat pumps are floor mounted, wall mounting might be an option in some cases.
- Hot Water Cylinder
If you already have a hot water cylinder, this could be incorporated into a new air source heat pump setup. An engineer will be able to tell you this for sure. If you don’t already have a water cylinder, experts will advise you on how much one will cost and where it could be installed.
- Radiators
Heat pump surveyors will look at the size of each of your radiators to see if they’re big enough to work alongside an air pump system. If they’re not, replacement recommendations will be made and you can decide on how you wish to proceed.
- Electricity Load
All properties must be assessed to see if they’re suitable for heat pump installation. Part of this assessment involves checking out your electricity load and metres.
- Sound Assessment
Air source heat pumps should not be a nuisance to you – or your neighbours. They must be quieter than 42dB, measured one metre away from your closest neighbour’s door or window. Most fridges have a volume of around 30-50dB, so heat pumps are surprisingly quiet.
- System layout
Design teams will ensure the layout of your heat pump system is spot on. Special considerations will be taken into account such as solar panels, underfloor heating and more. Flow temperatures and settings will also help decide which type of heat pump system you need.
If you’re looking for a heat pump installer in the South of England, contact Aura Heating. Gas Safe engineers operate across Surrey, Sussex, Dorset, South London, Berkshire and Wiltshire, installing efficient boilers and heat pump systems. You can also get heat pump cover for heat pump servicing and repairs, so get in touch today.