Air Source Heat Pump Case Study by Martyn Kille.

 

 

Our Air Source Heat Pump was installed in late 2014 and I have kept some records of installation and running costs. The first thing to understand is that we live in a thatched cottage, most of which is old and a lesser part is a relatively new extension. In the older part the walls a single skinned and some have a secondary layer system. The thatched roof comes half-way down the bedroom walls and provides good insulation and the roof space has a deep layer of insulation. The house is not listed so all the windows are double glazed. The installer assessment was for a 16Kw Heat Pump to serve our needs but also to replace all the old radiators and hot water system. The complete installation cost approx. £10,000 which includes £7,600 for the Air Source Heat Pump (two 8Kw units – see photo). 

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We decided to go ahead with a very disrupting installation (we went on holiday for 2 weeks while the work was being carried out) by identifying that we could apply for the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. This required a Green Deal Assessment in advance and the installation to be Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS) certificated. The RHI scheme repays all the costs quarterly over 7 years. 

 

I have done my best to compare running costs taking in to account rising prices of both oil and electricity and, in our case, there is no great change. We were spending about £1,200/year on oil and the costs of our electricity is now about the same.  The main benefit has been a more efficient heating system as a result of the renewing of the radiators and hot water system as well the Air Source Heat Pump. Also that all the costs of having the work done is being paid back by the RHI. Written for the Hambledon Greening Campaign.