Potential questions to ask installers. - Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Morgan — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:35:31 +0000

@witchcraft

Thanks witchcraft. So I now have two ‘smart’ control systems to ask about.

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

witchcraft — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:33:38 +0000

Have a look at Honeywell Evo Home rad valves (and UFH controls) every room/rad can then call for heat, interface works well and its reasonably priced

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Mars — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 15:17:09 +0000

@Morgan, fair enough. Tado have a similar system to Hive then. We were going to install Tado across our property but when I called them to get pre-sales support they were extremely rude and unhelpful, so I didn't want to support them. Maybe they've gotten better now. But that may be an alternative to Hive.

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Morgan — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 16:32:25 +0000

@derek-m

Very interesting. I will have to ask my installer if he’d be okay doing this. Thanks Derek.

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Derek M — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:35:54 +0000

Hi Morgan,

It may be useful for you to watch the following video which details the Drayton Wiser system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuxWDCRwIuc

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Morgan — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:48:43 +0000

@editor

I like the idea of the Hive system because each rad fitted with a Hive TRV can ‘call’ for heat and fire up the pump. They don’t however get exactly rave reviews on Amazon. Something similar however that can independently call for heat rather than rely solely on the controller, normally placed in the entrance hall, being cold enough to start the process and allow the other rooms to warm up.

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Mars — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 09:26:07 +0000

@Morgan, your idea to have a separate call for heat in the bathroom is a good idea - not so helpful in the winter, but great in the summer. Our ASHP has been off this summer, so our towel rail does not come on at all. This was never an option for us because of the plumbing we inherited, but worth looking into if you have the choice.

As for controllers, we've never used Hive. We have a heat miser solution that works very well for our UFH.

TRVs – we use Eve Thermo TRVs. Cannot speak highly enough of them. But you do need an iPhone as they're HomeKit enabled only. They have a Thread version coming out this summer. Controllers for heat pumps can be tricky, and we covered this topic in this video, relating specifically to out house: https://youtu.be/vbLc99LSHuo

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Kev M — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 05:41:35 +0000

@morgan, I can't answer your questions with any authority so I won't try! I think your questions would be valid for any CH, not just an ASHP system.

We have 2 zones with standard dial TRVs and it works for us. Our bedroom zone is always set to lower temperature but I think you could achieve a similar effect with one zone and TRVs. Both our controllers are portable so we can move them around if we want; in practice we don't.

Good luck with the installation.

Kev

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Morgan — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:21:56 +0000

We have pushed the go button on an ASHP installation and now awaiting appointment for the full technical/design survey having accepted the quote and paid the initial deposit. Some questions. My quote includes a Megaflow tank and it’s previously been suggested I ask the installer re the possibility of a Mixergy instead which I intend to do. With that in mind I’m considering other aspects and some advice and recommendations will be appreciated please.

1. Initially opted for a complete single zone. Now thinking I might like the bathroom radiator to be separate in order that it can ‘call’ for heat independently of the master control situated in the entrance hall. Thoughts?

2. Thoughts on the make/type of controller in the hall. In my previous house with gas CH I had Hive so something along that route will be advantageous.

3. TRV’s. I want more control than simply a number on a dial so with that in mind advice and recommendations re TRV’s that can be set at a temp per rad as opposed to just a hit or miss number.

I’m bound to have forgotten loads so may be adding questions but your thoughts and recommendations from experience will be very welcome.

TIA Morgan.

RE: Potential questions to ask installers.

Bea1060 — Tue, 18 May 2021 16:13:32 +0000

@phil38 hi I have just had a 260 litre installed along side my air source heat pump as there are 5 of us in the household so I would say seems about right

kind regards Bea