Description
An affordable low-carbon heating solution
Residents of apartment blocks increasingly need to replace aging, inefficient heating systems. Older heating systems are approaching the end of their natural lifespan, and people are looking for an alternative that offers long-term affordability and environmental sustainability.
Why heat pumps are the ideal solution for apartment buildings
Heat pumps are a popular option for people living in apartment buildings, especially those who rely on electric heating.
They come in a variety of models and sizes and can be fitted with systems optimized to meet the specific characteristics of the property as well as the unique heating needs of individual residents.
In apartment buildings with limited outdoor space, modern air source heat pumps that operate entirely internally, without the need for an external fan unit, can be used.
Also, they were once criticized for being "too loud", but the latest heat pump designs can operate at noise levels well below those required for "allowable development" in residential environments.
In addition to sharing labor and other associated installation costs, another benefit of replacing heating systems for multiple residents at the same time is the economies of scale that can result when buying from a heat pump supplier.
A reasonable replacement for an aging public heating system is a ground source heat pump, which can be installed on land close to apartment buildings.
Ground source heat pumps extract latent heat from the ground and transfer it for use inside the property. They are larger and more powerful than air source heat pumps and provide a reliable source of heat all year round.
The cost of installing public ground source heating can be shared among residents, who will all benefit from modern, low-carbon, affordable heating.
Things to Consider When Considering Installing a Heat Pump in Your Apartment Building
While heat pumps provide an excellent alternative to existing heating systems, they must never be viewed as a simple "like" exchange.
For example, while most heat pumps are capable of delivering high-temperature heat when needed, they are designed to operate most efficiently at lower but consistent temperatures. This is in stark contrast to traditional gas-fired boilers, which rapidly release high heat when fired. For this reason, it is absolutely essential to ensure that your building is as thermally efficient as possible to contain the heat transferred from your heat pump.
Because of the way heat pumps are designed to provide heat, you may want to look at the cooling system in your home as well as in common areas. For example, for optimal performance, you may want to replace your existing thermal storage heater with a more efficient radiant panel heater or underfloor heating system.
If you're considering replacing your utility boiler with a heat pump, it's important to make sure you have the support of all your residents. Not only will this result in maximum cost efficiency, but it will also avoid any complications later in the installation process. We know this level of support is difficult to achieve without an indication of costs and the impact on the bill. That's why Leomon will conduct an economic analysis as part of any feasibility study to give residents a clear picture of the financial impact of any changes.
The benefits of installing a heat pump
A heat pump is an efficient form of electrical heating that can meet the requirements of almost any property type.
They are a proven heating solution that has been around for decades, providing a reliable source of heat to millions of homes in some of the coldest countries.
Heat pumps have been identified by the government as a key technology to support their heating decarbonisation strategy for a number of reasons:
1. They can reduce energy bills by 60-70% compared to the current cost of traditional “peak” electric heating
2. They are powered by electricity, which is easier to decarbonize than gas or oil heating
3. They are versatile and can meet the heating needs of almost all property types and customer needs.
When properly designed, heat pumps can provide an efficient heating alternative for a variety of buildings and towns.
Heat pumps will provide significant carbon savings, comfortable temperatures, affordable fuel bills and long-term satisfaction if time is spent researching and properly sizing equipment prior to installation.
However, heat pumps are not a homogeneous replacement for existing heating systems and require a comprehensive understanding of the energy profile or characteristics for best results.
Is an air source heat pump right for my property?
Here are a few things to consider when looking for an air source heat pump system for your property:
1. Do you have outside space to install the heat pump?
Apartments often have air source heat pumps installed on structurally supported balconies or exterior walls, if allowed - it's best to consult a reputable installer to see if this is right for you.
2. Is your home well insulated?
Sustainable production of heating and hot water is only beneficial if you increase the efficiency of your home. Every property is unique, but it's important to understand what other things you can do to reduce heat loss in your home. Looking at attic insulation and whether you have double-glazed windows would be a good start, but consult a professional for further guidance on what's possible for your home
3. Are you replacing your heating system, or are you building a new home, is this the first heating system to be installed?
Replacing an aging heating system will bring quicker benefits due to increased efficiency. However, for new builds, it's worth talking to your installer about how your heat pump system will work throughout your home - this includes the choice of underfloor heating or radiators, and the appropriate controls to operate it
Interested in installing an air source heat pump in your home?
Get in touch with Leomon and we'll give you a free no-obligation quote. We will investigate your property and recommend the perfect heating solution for your heating and hot water needs.
