FAQ's (Aquae - Renewable Energy Heating and Plumbing Worcestershire Gloucestershire) - nbsp heat pumps solar systems panels pump source uk plate

HEAT PUMPS

Why don’t we hear more about Heat Pumps in the UK? Are they new?

The use of heat pumps is common in the USA and several parts of Europe. They were actually invented more than 50 years ago, and continuous developments have greatly improved their efficiency and reliability. They are now a proven, cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. With the increasing interest in renewable energy and rising fuel costs, heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

How noisy are heat pumps?

Heat pumps are very quiet with noise levels equivalent to that of a fridge. They should ideally be sited in a separate plant room or utility room, or at the back of a garage.

How does the efficiency of a ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps compare?

The COP of air source heat pumps is typically lower than ground source systems. Whilst air source heat pumps are designed to achieve an average COP of 3.5 to 4.0 in the UK climate ground source heat pumps can achieve a COP of over 4.

Can the systems provide cooling?

Yes, some of our systems can provide additional cooling, utilising the lower temperature of the ground on warm days to extract heat from the house. There are also reversible models in the range able to provide ‘dynamic’ cooling.

Will a heat pump work with radiators?

Radiators can be connected to heat pumps very effectively but are less efficient than under floor heating. This is because radiators require a higher flow temperate which will cost more to run. Our consultants will be able to advise on the suitability of radiators in your property, as well as give details on more efficient radiator systems that are available on the market.

What size heat pump do I need?

The heat pump sized to meet the full space heating losses from your building. The better insulated your house, the smaller the heat pump you will require – and the less money it will cost. It may prove cost effective for you to improve the insulation of your building and have a smaller heat pump system. In order to make an accurate calculation of the heat pump you need, you will need to ask your building service professional (builder, architect etc.) what the heat losses are for your home. Alternatively, Ecovision can work out these calculations for you.

Can I install trenches on a downward sloping site?

Yes, provided you can physically dig the trenches, a moderate downward slope is not a problem. Consideration needs to be given to purging air from a system with ground loops higher than the heat pump.

What about the servicing and maintenance of heat pumps?

There is no need for regular servicing or annual safety checks and maintenance is very low. All our systems come with a 1-year parts and labour warranty. Extended warranties are also available on request.

If the temperate drops below zero will my air source heat pump work?

No problem. Our air source systems can operate efficient down to temperate as low as -20°C

SOLAR PANELS

How effective is solar water heating in the UK?

Solar water heating is now very efficient. About 4m² of good quality panels on a roof should provide the average family with around 50 – 60% of their hot water needs spread throughout the year (100% on good sunny days, 10% on gloomy days)

What use are solar heating systems when the sun is not shining?

Over half of the energy falling in the UK is in the form of diffuse sunlight. On a cloudy day when there is little or no direct sunlight there may be 300W/m³ of diffuse light falling on a flat horizontal surface. This is sufficiently intense to be usefully collected by specially-designed solar collectors.

Whilst the highest amounts of monthly solar radiation are obviously experienced in the summer months, there is enough radiation coming from the sun in spring, autumn and winter to make a very useful contribution to a household’s energy needs. A property sized system can be expected to provide the following:

· 80 – 90% of all summer hot water needs.

· 40 – 50% of spring and autumn hot water needs.

· 10 – 15% of winter hot water needs.

How should solar panels be fitted for maximum efficiency?

For maximum efficiency, solar panels should be mounted on a south facing roof at 30°C angle with the horizontal and away from trees, surrounding buildings and chimneys. Fortunately, the average tilt of a UK house roof is about the optimum for receiving solar energy in the UK.

Which system is most popular, evacuated tubes or flat plate collectors?

In Germany, where both types of solar systems have been used for over twenty years, the market originally favoured evacuated tubes and flat plate panels were considered as second best. Today vacuum tubes comprise only 18% of the market, with flat plate panels taking a massive 82%. The end users find panels just as efficient, more aesthetically pleasing but also longer lasting with fewer faults and service calls required.

What servicing and maintenance do solar collectors require?

Installations with vacuum tubes usually require more service calls than installations with panels owing to the more fragile construction of tubes. Tubes can experience stress fractures caused by the expansion and contraction of the glass in tube systems which means that the vacuum fails. The whole of the heat systems in flat plate panels is made of metal, glass covers the absorber plate but resists on a washer which allows differentials in explosion and contraction. Well engineered flat plate panels are much more robust than tube systems.

Is planning permission required?

Planning permission is not generally required for the installation of solar panels. However, it is always worth checking with your local planning authority, especially in conservation areas and other architecturally sensitive locations.