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Help me keep the faith with my installation

 
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
Last Post by JamesPa 9 hours ago
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 AdamK
(@adamk)
Estimable Member Member
319 kWhs
Joined: 1 month ago
Posts: 46
Topic starter 29/03/2025 2:05 pm  

i knew when setting out on this road it would be a challenge i just didnt know how much of one it would be.

after having many quotes some i couldnt fathom why they were so high i thought id sorted an installer. problem is they are 72miles away so first issue was doing a remote heat loss which has been back and forth several times to get it more or less correct, but still have one room thats 2m2 smaller than what i measured. anyway the next issue was getting the 28mm primaries in before the new kitchen ceiling goes in. they sent a plumber that proceeded to bugger the job up as the wall sleeve kit hadnt been supplied to him. so sent him on his way. was promised the sleeve kit the next day and i said my plumber could fit it to save them sending an engineer. next day no kit.

add to this all the mods im having to do to pipe work to maximise efficiency and im seeing why the take up is tiny in the UK.

im not naming the company as they are a recommended one and have apparently done good work else where but maybe thats in there local area.

i know living in Boston creates its own issues being miles from any proper trades so if someone asked me would i recommend getting a heat pump in my area id have to say no. theres just not enough skilled trades where i live.

This topic was modified 2 days ago by Mars

   
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Mars
 Mars
(@editor)
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Posts: 3072
29/03/2025 2:57 pm  

You’ve captured why heat pump installations require patience – it’s not just the technology, but the logistical hurdles that catch people out. @toodles had supply issues too, which he discussed during one of our podcast episodes. It does happen.

Remote surveys, coordinating trades and last-minute supply issues become even trickier when you’re outside an installer’s usual operating area, as you’ve found with your 72-mile gap.

It’s frustrating when even recommended companies stumble on basic execution, whether it’s missing parts or miscommunication with subcontractors. Your situation highlights a real problem: the UK market still lacks enough local specialists to make these installations smooth nationwide. Having said that, it’s better to have teething issues with a reputable installer than a flawless run with an incompetent one. At the end of the day, the quality of the install is paramount.

That said, your hands-on approach with the pipework modifications shows exactly the kind of engagement that gets the best results. I’d suggest sticking with it, even if the road tests your patience.

This post was modified 2 days ago 10 times by Mars

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 JamesPa
(@jamespa)
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11737 kWhs
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29/03/2025 7:02 pm  

@adamk

I am sorry to hear about your initial troubles.  Can just a) support what @mars says and b) add that, if you get a good installation, which with your monitoring you are hopefully on track to do, you will be pleased with the result.  My heat pump delivers a level of comfort way better than that delivered by my gas boiler (which was only about 15 years old).  The controls do everything I need (which mostly amounts to leave it alone) and the upgraded DHW system is a dream.  i dont have a full seasons cost yet but, between November and February, when heat pumps are least efficient, it was 12% cheaper than my gas boiler would have been over the same period.  

I think the principal things you need for a good installation can be summarised as:

  • Do not permit the installation of a 4 port buffer tank, Plate Heat exchanger of low loss header separating the emitters from the heat pump (2 port volumiser is OK)
  • Do design for the lowest practical flow temperature, 45 or less for rads, 35 or less for UFH
  • Do not design in any 'smart' controls with the sole exception of Homely which is specifically designed for heat pumps (this comment should not be taken to mean that you need Homely)
  • Do if you can, sense check the sizing so you dont over size
  • System design matters more than choice of heat pump but some heat pumps are quieter and have better controls. 

Once its in you will need to tweak the weather compensation curve and possibly balance the emitters, please keep posting if you want any tips.

This post was modified 2 days ago by JamesPa

4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.


   
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 AdamK
(@adamk)
Estimable Member Member
319 kWhs
Joined: 1 month ago
Posts: 46
Topic starter 31/03/2025 3:01 pm  

is it ok to heat the HW tank using a plate exchanger? as they want to use one just for the HW tank.


   
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 JamesPa
(@jamespa)
Illustrious Member Moderator
11737 kWhs
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Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 2227
31/03/2025 3:44 pm  

@adamk 

Yes, it's a good way and an alternative to (or supplementary to) the coil.  Some say it's better and, other than the need for an extra pump, it's a reasonable argument.  It will need an auxillary pump to circulate the dhw through the phe.

4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.


   
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