Tony Hird looks at why an air source heat pump manufactured specifically for the UK environment is the most efficient choice for domestic and commercial properties – and why it can help the industry overcome prejudice.

Making air source heat pumps that are specifically calibrated for the British climate is essential to the future of this area of the UK heating market. Heat pumps are not new products in the UK, but their history has been plagued by accusations of inefficiency and higher fuel bills. So how does a product group overcome a shaky start to take its place among the mainstream of heating?

The answer is by ensuring that we are not allowing inefficient products or bad installation to taint the reputation among the wider pool of potential end users.

One problem, which has undoubtedly affected the way heat pumps are perceived, is that products that are less compatible with the UK environment do not provide optimal efficiency. Climate-specific products can make a big difference to the efficiency of operation and the bills of those who use them – as well as the wider reputation of heat pumps.

The efficiency of air source heat pumps is affected by the climate, temperature levels and humidity, meaning that a product manufactured and tested in conditions different from those in the UK will not perform as well.

At Ebac, we saw an opportunity for a UK manufactured air source heat pump and decided that if we were to enter the market then this was what we needed to produce.

Optimising the performance of a heat pump to a climate involves many different parts of the design. The size of the evaporator and condenser coils, the amount of refrigeration, the size of capillary action and the airflow all interact with each other. At Ebac, we test our heat pumps against a range of the most extreme conditions found in the UK and then fine-tune the design to achieve the best efficiency possible.

A lot of manufacturers don’t take the climate into account to the extent that they should, but it makes a huge difference in the efficiency of the product, and when you are looking at technology which is essentially made for the green market, that is a big deal.

Nearly all of the problems encountered by end users in the past were caused by incorrect sizing and installation of the heat pump, and manufacturers have got to be realistic about the coefficient of performance (COP) their heat pumps can achieve in the UK climate. One of our key selling points is higher than average COP, as well as being solid and reliable, and simple to use and maintain. This is not just about the product, it is about ensuring installers are educated about the products and given the tools to deal with any issues that arise.

For all manufacturers, the reputation of the products is hugely important, so it is important to minimise the risk of damage by supporting the chain that links them to the end user – the installer. At Ebac, we offer free training to ensure that they know how to correctly size and site the heat pump, how to install it and how to maintain it. Additionally, through wireless systems, maintenance has been made as easy and quick as possible.

The industry has got to focus on the customer by specifying the correct size of heat pump, and installing it correctly. Paying attention to the small details such as insulation, condensate drains and maintenance is also very important. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a good step forward because it unifies the industry into a common set of goals and standards. It is essential that installers and specifiers get these things right.

Offering installers advice on how to manage the home owner’s expectations of living with a heat pump, which is another very important element of making sure air source heat pumps work, is another way to ensure that the product is delivering what is expected of it in a way that it actually can.

Naturally, with technology, problems can occur. It is how quickly and efficiently they are dealt with that determines the effect on the reputation of the product and manufacturer – as well as that of the installer.

As awareness of the benefits of heat pumps increases, and confidence grows, they will gain a greater share of the heating market. The more heat pumps that are installed correctly and work properly, the more the myths about not being able to perform in very low temperatures or that back-up heating is required will slowly start to be disproved. The introduction of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will also boost the market as it now makes even more sense to consider an air source heat pump.

We have even seen the European Commission scrap plans to label heat pumps with a sticker suggesting they are not suitable for use with radiators. This acknowledgement of compatibility opens up whole new areas because radiators will continue to dominate the new homes market, as well as replacements in existing properties.

The main challenge for the industry is to overcome the concerns and doubts about heat pumps and help customers to realise that air source heat pumps are indeed a better long-term solution to heating your home and providing hot water.

For Ebac, it’s about building strong relationships with our trade customers and demonstrating not only our expertise in manufacturing heat pumps but also our commitment to the heat pump industry. We also want to keep innovating our products – we will continue to look at how we can deliver better products and better value for money.