If you are considering transitioning to green heating, you may have started to look into what size heat pump is correct for your home. You may have seen adverts while scrolling on Facebook or browsing on Google with deals for different-sized systems. This post will cover how your heat pump is sized and what factors impact the size heat pump you need to help you understand our sizing process.
Is a home survey required first?
We can provide an average price for a 2-bed home, a 3-bed home, etc, but the truth is, we will never know the exact price until we have carried out your home survey. A myriad of factors play an integral role in determining what size ASHP you need, and these must be assessed during your home survey. This survey allows us to look at your household energy requirements, the heat loss in your rooms, and your insulation. We come away and do our calculations and design and only then do we feel comfortable that we have sized the correct heat pump for you that will keep you comfortable all year long!
How big is an Air Source Heat Pump?
The size of an Air Source Heat Pump is usually stated in terms of its power output, not its physical size. Just like boilers, ASHPs are available in a range of power outputs to fit all homes. Most UK heat pumps range from 4kW to 16kW, with an average 3-bed home requiring anywhere from 5-8kW and a larger home potentially up to 16kW. Most models are roughly the size of a washing machine and are designed to fit neatly outside your home.
How do I choose the correct size heat pump?
You don’t have to! Our energy experts at Global Eco will design a bespoke system for your home based on all the information gathered during the home survey. Informed by your heat loss and hot water demand, we will ensure your system will keep you comfortable all year round. As a company, we take pride in never installing a heat pump that has not been designed bespoke for your home and needs based on a home survey. We advise you to stay clear of any company that provides an instant quote without inspecting your home. ASHPs are not one size fits all!
Does sizing matter for my heat pump?
For your heat pump to be a worthwhile investment and keep your home comfortable all year round, sizing is integral. If your heat pump isn’t sized correctly, you will feel the impacts in terms of comfort, longevity and efficiency. An oversized heat pump means higher running costs as you are generating much more heat than you need. On the other hand, an undersized heat pump means your financial outputs are lower, but so is the efficiency. Your home will not reach the desired temperatures, and due to the constant strain on your heat pump, you will more than likely need to replace it much sooner than if correctly sized!
The house is now lovely and cosy for a lower cost, despite us now going into winter!
Flo, Customer
What factors impact the sizing of my heat pump?
Insulation
A well-insulated home may require a smaller ASHP than a poorly insulated one, as it will need to work harder to keep the heat. This is why we highly recommend sorting any insulation works prior to installing your ASHP. If you upgrade insulation once the install is complete, your system will likely end up oversized for your needs and therefore you are paying more than you should be!
We offer insulation services through our sister company Global Eco Installations, keeping the process as seamless as possible for you. You will only have one team to deal with for all elements.
House Size
Your household and home size are vital considerations. The number of people living at home (and how long they like their showers and baths!) has a great impact on the hot water and heating demands on your ASHP.
Location
As part of Scotland’s Net Zero targets, there is plans in place to phase out gas boilers fully. As of yet, there has only been a date put on the ban of gas boilers within New Builds but it won’t be long before this is including retrofitting in all homes. At this point, it will become a requirement for your home to be ran on renewable energy.
This will more than likely skyrocket the prices of the ASHP equipment and this is why we recommend beating the craze and being forward thinking!
Windows and Doors
If you have older doors and windows or their materials are just less airtight, your home is a little more difficult to heat.
To conclude…
We hope we have helped you understand the importance of home surveys in regards to your heat pump. Without looking at your existing insulation, radiators and heat loss, your quotation will be based on guesswork. One thing you don’t want to rely on guesswork for is your home!
Working with Global Eco means being in safe hands – doing it right the first time. On that note, just a reminder that we are offering FREE surveys! Whether you are located in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayr or Perth – we are your trusted installer in Scotland.
Claim yours here: https://global-eco.co.uk/free-quote/
If you would like to read more on this top, visit these trusted sites:
https://www.cse.org.uk/news/why-measuring-home-heat-loss-is-important-before-choosing-a-heat-pump/
