Even if you haven’t watched our Homeowners’ Q&A podcast before, make sure you catch this episode. Huge thanks to Barry Sharp, Rob Stevens and Rick Clark for making it not only informative but also a lot of fun. Definitely worth a watch.

Check it out here:

@editor Very interesting and entertaining; well done, Bernard Cribbins would have been proud!

Thanks for having me on the show Mars; was a delight to be part of and discuss with such knowledgeable professionals. Looking forward to the next one.

Excellent, fun episode.

Its interesting what Barry says about the problems with the way we measure heat loss and the inaccuracies in assumed air changes and U values.  For some while I have been posting here and on buildhub the opinion (with such evidence as I can muster) that, for retrofits, we should be either replacing or at least complementing the 'fabric spreadsheet' method with experimental measurements and there is a lively discussion going on about it on this thread  Graham Hendra also commented on a podcast that I joined that the current method is a precise method based on rubbish data.  Fundamentally it was designed for newbuilds where the fabric is known, not retrofits where we frequently dont know what the fabric is and where the fabric itself has multiple variations.

It seems that there are people in the industry that recognise the problem with the fabric spreadsheet method more or less mandated by MCS.  The question is, why is MCS not doing something about it, or at least making it clear that other methods are acceptable, so we can all move on?

Posted by: @jamespa

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It seems that there are people in the industry that recognise the problem with the fabric spreadsheet method more or less mandated by MCS.  The question is, why is MCS not doing something about it, or at least making it clear that other methods are acceptable, so we can all move on?

Maybe it will change when MCS Mk II comes online sometime next year (or just wishful thinking?).  In the meantime householders have no option but to accept what is, in effect, a poorly designed system if they want to benefit from the BUS financial assistance.  It's crazy.

@editor you probably have a long list of potential topics. But thought i'd kick of a thread to suggest additions.

My top suggestion "what I wish I had known before buying an ashp - questions to ask" the installer

Might include:

1. Heat loss calcs. Read & understand..  avoid under/over sizing. Use this forum to help!
2. Controls: insist use weather compensation from start
3. Controls: make sure any internal thermostat(s) are installed to support weather compensation. E.g. install in suitable room and not a warm bathroom
4. Consider current and likely future e.g. solar, batteries, ev
5. Solar diverters typically not useful with export tariffs e.g. Octopus fixed 15p 
6. Consider best tariff. Almost certainly a "time of use" tariff will be best. In case of Octopus Cosy? Agile? especially with batteries
7. Consider using setback temps during peak tariff. Probably just 0.5 or 1deg.
8. Consider using Increased temps during low tariff. Probably just 0.5 or 1deg.
9. Generally do not use programmer on/off times. Use 24x7

I may edit!

Big up @heacol for the bicycle pump explanation in the latest 'Can Heat Pumps Work in the Cold Q&A' video.  😁 

@lucia completely agree. Love some of @heacol analogies. This is definitely one of the better ones.

Our latest episode of Homeowners' Q&A is just for Mitsubishi Ecodan homeowners, driven largely by questions from Ecodan homeowners from these forums:

We’re looking for a homeowner to join us on the Homeowners’ Q&A podcast this Friday, 17 January, at 10:30 AM. The episode will be recorded remotely online, so you can join from the comfort of your own home.

The topic is: How to Educate Your Family About Heat Pump Benefits & How to Make the Shift

We’ll be discussing how to make the adjustment to a heat pump and get everyone on board with the new way of heating.

We’re specifically looking for someone who has recently installed an air source heat pump and is going through their first winter with it. We’d love to hear about your experiences, how it’s different from your previous heating system, and any challenges or successes you’ve had in explaining the benefits to your family.

If you’re interested in joining the panel, drop me a message. It’s a great opportunity to share your story and help others in the community who are considering making the switch.

Are heat pumps more affordable to run than gas boilers? In this episode of Homeowners’ Q&A we welcome Max Waddingham, Rob Stevens and Barry Sharp to break down the real costs of running heat pumps compared to traditional boilers.

📢 Calling All Heat Pump Homeowners! 🎙️

We’re looking for heat pump owners to join an upcoming Homeowners’ Q&A podcast episode: "Real Home Case Studies – Heat Pump Performance Year-Round."

📅 Recording Date: Friday, Feb 28

🕥 Time: 10:30 (Recorded Online)

If you’ve got real-world experience (good, bad or surprising) about how your heat pump performs across the seasons, we’d love to hear from you!

Drop me a DM or email editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk to get involved.