Hi all - I'm diving into the world of ASHPs and I am trying to source reputable installers in my area. I have used the chat bot and it has recommended Good Energy but they say they are not installing in my area. Leighton Buzzard - Bedfordshire. I have currently received a quote from Emerging Living Technology Heat which looks reasonable at first glance but hasn't gone into too much detail about the install - albeit they confirmed that they have initially designed the system for a flow temperature of 50 degrees which means that I wouldn't have to replace any rads in my property (it's a 1970s) build which I have insulated as much as I can. Current EPC rating of a C, which i've been advised is as high as we will be able to get it.
Quote is attached - would welcome feedback from experienced members.
My advice is reject unless they will delete the buffer tank.
Its also one of the cheaper heat pumps with some of the poorer inbuilt controls for not a particularly cheap price given that there is only 1 rad change. Absolutely nothing wrong with the Samsung Gen6 as a heat pump but the UI is poor, controls relatively inflexible and many people fit Homely to supplement these. Many people get away happily without Homely but I think you should seriously consider it if you go with Samsung.
Interesting that they are suggesting in the schematic to retain the existing DHW cylinder and plate loading it, something that I and a few installers have long advocated should at least be considered. The proposal shows a replacement DHW tank however, doesn't say what size.
If they will delete the buffer tank and secondary pump then its worth pursuing to the next level else dont go there.
Designing for 50 isnt great but not a disaster, I would push them and anyone else to do an alternative design for 45 or less so you can compare. Since most of the radiators are apparently already oversized for 50 its likely that it will require only a couple additional rad changes. You might even be able to get down to 40!
Running at 45 and deleting the buffer tank will reduce running costs by 30%.
PS have you tried British Gas & Octopus. They tend to do the simpler jobs but I would thing your house might well qualify. Octopus can be very cheap if you can stand their purple unit.
PPS - a few ideas to find installers:
1. Contact the manufacturers and ask for the names of recommended/approved installers nearby. Thats how I found mine in the end and he turned out to be less than a mile and a half away.
2. On the MCS website you can get a list sorted by distance. Email those within 10-15 miles. Tell them your rough requirements and pre-filter by saying that proposals involving a buffer, or any other separation between heat pump and emitters, will not be considered (2 port volumiser is OK).
3. Consider these guys. They operate through a network of partner plumbers; I know they have one in Cambridge with is likely close enough. I went a long way down the path with Peter and Josh who clearly not only know their stuff but actually understand it. They were very reasonably priced, no nonsense. I would have gone with them, with considerable confidence, if I hadn't happened upon the guy a mile and a half away who was essentially offering the same proposition, but from a mile and a half away which is helpful for service!
This post was modified 1 week ago 8 times by JamesPa
@jamespa Thanks for the advice - very helpful. I had already seen your numerous posts RE buffer tanks so that is something that I will keep a close eye on as I progress with design and installation. Will keep you posted once I've had a proper heat loss survey done and had a few alternative designs come through
