Top Plumb can supply and install a variety of heat pumps in the Hemel Hempstead area and beyond. We are F-Gas certified — a legal requirement for any heat pump installer— and also offer repairs and maintenance for existing heat pump systems.
All our heat pump installations start with an extensive survey where we carry out a room-by-room heat loss calculation. This provides us with the solid data required for us to design your bespoke heat pump system. We also take into account building regulations, the MCS standards, and your personal usage requirements, before finalising the designs and a quotation.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump extracts heat energy from the air or ground, even when it is cold outside, and uses it to warm your home. Heat pumps are very efficient. A well-designed heat pump system transfers around three to four times more energy into a property as heat than it uses to extract it.
There are two main types of heat pump:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps are the most popular option as they require little space and cost less to install. Because of the land required, ground source heat pumps are generally better suited to larger sites.
How does a heat pump work?
How do Air Source Heat Pumps work?
Air source heat pumps use the external temperature to extract heat and are the most common type of heat pumps. They are even suitable for use in flats above ground level. Some electricity is required, although it is only around 25% of the total energy used during the process.
An Air Source Heat Pump unit looks like an air conditioning unit and is mounted outside the property. Although it will not take up too much space, the unit will be visible from the outside of your property, and the fans make some noise. They are generally very quiet.
How do Ground Source Heat Pumps work?
Ground source heat pumps use a system of pipes embedded into the ground to extract heat. Therefor, there needs to be enough space in the land outside the building to allow installation of either a ground array or borehole system.
The pipework is not noticeable once completed. Some electricity energy is needed to drive the system, but it is only around 25% of the total energy used during the process.
Planning considerations
Air source heat pumps usually fall under ‘permitted developments’ so do not need planning permission. However, if you live in a national park or listed building check with your planning authority.
Find out more about heat pumps
Our manufacturing partners have a wealth of information on their website about their renewable energy systems. Click on the logos to find out more.
You can also read more on the Energy Saving Trust website.
Heat loss survey
A heat pump installation needs to start with a thorough room-by-room heat loss survey to calculate heat loss. This provides the solid data required to design an efficient heating system.
Looking for heat pump installation in the Hemel Hempstead area? Contact Top Plumb
