But do Aira have all the certificates and accreditation's to know how to not design and install heating systems correctly?

@derek-m let's hope so, and we'll certainly find out in a few month's time.

@derek-m Heating on the “never-never’? Regards, Toodles (Glad to be able to post again! (Sigh)

I must admit that I was filled with confidence when I read the following line, and also saw that Aira appreciate the benefits of buffer tanks. ☹️ 

Outdoor unit

The outdoor unit draws in and compresses fresh air to heat your home and water. 🙄 

No data sheets or produce literature yet, but a very glossy product launch. It's a branded Vaillant product, so it should be good. I'm not a great fan of the beige box look of most outdoor monobloc ASHPs, but that Aira washboard front grille, it'll take forever to keep clean! The beige box wipes clean in 30 seconds. 😉

I share Derek's concern, the Aira product itself can't offer any guarantees of efficiency, energy saving and life cycle cost reduction, but here's another brand doing exactly that via their web site with a few clicks of a mouse. As a system it is only as efficient as it's weakest part, which for retrofits (and far too many new builds) is the hydronic circuit it is connected to and the competency or otherwise of the installer.

In 10 years time ASHPs will have either revolutionised the European & UK domestic heating market, or become the latest mass mis-selling scandal. Time will tell.

Posted by: @derek-m

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I must admit that I was filled with confidence when I read the following line, and also saw that they appreciate the benefits of buffer tanks.

Yes, the dreaded buffer poses a potential challenge, but my understanding is that Aira plans to employ its own team for installing these units. Interestingly, I spent some time this weekend talking to an installer who advocates for the benefits of buffer tanks, believing they can be effective when properly balanced. I'm hopeful that Aira will ensure their installers are well-trained, likely adhering to Vaillant's protocols. The 15-year comfort guarantee they offer, at least on paper, significantly reduces the risk associated with botched installations and the inefficiencies of a poorly implemented buffer. Like I said, time will tell.

Posted by: @allyfish

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In 10 years time ASHPs will have either revolutionised the European & UK domestic heating market, or become the latest mass mis-selling scandal.

This very thought has crossed my mind. The only heartening thing to take away is that they definitely work when installed correctly. We just need more competent installers. 

@derek-m They wish to impress upon us that the fresh air is free (I’m not so sure about the ‘fresh’, especially after the latest UK government announcement that they wish to build some more gas-fired power stations, Arrrggh) and if HMRC get to know about air still being free - who’s to say how long before new legislation is introduced…? I think their copy writer needs to work with a proof reader too! Regards, Toodles, back with a vengeance!

There's a lot of "inspired by", "timeless elements", "facilitated by", "leveraging" and "disrupting the market" in this marketing blurb. If I was playing bull***t bingo I'd have called out already.

Whilst I'm aware they want to sell the product, my main issue is that there is a lot of implication it's a product designed for use in Scandinavia (which would be a good thing considering how robust they need their kit to be) but nothing in there that actually claims it directly. 

• "With its roots in Sweden..."
• "The design, inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics..."
• "Signature Scandinavian design..."
• "Ensures a comfortable temperature even on the coldest days..." (how cold is coldest?)

It may well walk the walk too but all I'm seeing at the moment is smoke and mirrors riding in on the coat tails of real Scandinavian ASHP installations. The consumers making up the current UK heat pump market are confused enough already without having to wade through weasel words.

Posted by: @toodles

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@derek-m They wish to impress upon us that the fresh air is free (I’m not so sure about the ‘fresh’, especially after the latest UK government announcement that they wish to build some more gas-fired power stations, Arrrggh) and if HMRC get to know about air still being free - who’s to say how long before new legislation is introduced…? I think their copy writer needs to work with a proof reader too! Regards, Toodles, back with a vengeance!

Hi Toodles, have you been away?

I was more concerned about Aira's obvious expert knowledge 🙄  of how heat pumps work, rather than whether air is free or not. So if it is only necessary to compress this 'free' air to heat your home, why do they bother using a refrigerant gas?

Perhaps Aira staff need to attend one of the MCS training courses?

@derek-m 🤣 Toodles (The security system took a dislike to me)