A homeowner in Shropshire is enjoying a significant reduction in heating bills and the added comfort of constant room temperatures following the installation of a MCS Approved, 16kW Firebird Enviroair Air Source Heat Pump.
Installed by EGE Energy Ltd, the Enviroair Air Source Heat Pump was added to the existing gas-fired boiler and solar thermal panels to create a trivalent heating system. Designed to reduce running costs whilst achieving high levels of efficiency, the system maximises the use of renewable energy and minimises the use of the existing boiler.
The five-bedroom detached property was particularly suited to this type of heating system as the existing boiler can be used to support the Enviroair Air Source Heat Pump when the weather is particularly cold and the ambient air contains less heat energy. Furthermore, installing the Air Source Heat Pump as part of a trivalent system had the added advantage of being able to utilise the existing radiators.
Homeowners installing an air source heat pump are also able to take advantage of changes to the domestic RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) and receive increased tariffs of 10.18p/kWh (previously 7.63p/kWh) for seven years. As Enviroair Air Source Heat Pumps perform well even at low temperatures, these RHI payments are maximised, says the manufacturer.
Once installed, the heat pump was set at a target external temperature to suit the heating requirements of the property. When this external temperature is reached the gas-fired boiler will automatically come into use to assist the heating system. Anything above this target external temperature is easily catered for by the heat pump.
The utilisation of a Firebird Low Loss Header ensures that delivery of the required temperature water to the heating system is maintained, whilst the system controller automatically runs the entire heating system and incorporates RF thermostats for each heating zone which can also be operated remotely. Desired temperatures are therefore easily maintained in each heating zone; for example, 22 oC downstairs and 18 oC upstairs.
The system also incorporated two solar thermal panels which were linked directly to the Enviroair Air Source Heat Pump. The unit monitors the temperature of the DHW and determines whether there is sufficient heat being generated by the solar panels, or whether it needs additional support from the heat pump or gas-fired boiler. A Firebird Envirocyl-HP Heat Pump Cylinder which has been designed specifically for use in conjunction with a heat pump was also installed. The cylinder features a purpose-designed coil which allows maximum heat transfer of renewable energy into the stored water.
Steve Webster, Managing Director of EGE Energy Ltd said: “Having already completed two retrofits with the Firebird Enviroair Air Source Heat Pump we knew it would be trivalent ready ‘out of the box,’ with no additional hardware required. We also knew that the controller menu would deliver maximum gain from the renewable technologies, plus it would be easy for us to setup and more importantly for the customer to understand. Having all wiring terminating at the heat pump clearly marked, avoided any mistakes being made when combining the three technologies.”
Commenting on the installation, the homeowner went on to add: “We are quite literally over the moon with our new heating system. Our home is at a constant temperature throughout and to achieve this we are actually saving money on our heating bills.”
The Enviroair range of Air Source Heat Pumps is said to boast ultra-quiet operation, with the COP producing in excess of 5kW of energy for every kW of energy used to power the heat pump.
Efficiency is achieved by utilising DC Inverter Technology which keeps temperature fluctuations to a minimum and ensures heat output matches the heating load of the property. Available in single phase outputs from 7.5 kW to 16kW, the range provides a compact solution as a single Monobloc unit is installed outside the property.
For further information, visit: www.firebird.uk.com
