Image by Andrej Lisakov on Unsplash
Many people will be familiar with air source or ground source heat pumps, but a relatively new technology has emerged called “ambient temperature heat pumps”. These are mainly for groups of homes where circumstances prevent individual heat pumps being installed in each home. The system is similar to a ground source heat pump in that refrigerant is circulated to absorb heat from the ground. The key difference is that the refrigerant is now circulated to each home and each home has a small compressor in it to extract heat for space heating. This avoids having a single central compressor doing all the work and then pump hot water to each home. Some of the benefits claimed by manufacturers / installers are:
- Electricity for the small individual compressors is paid for directly by the resident – this means there is no need for a landlord to pay high electricity bills and then recharge this to residents
- No hot water is circulated in the building – this means less heat loss, more efficiency and less risk of overheating
- The individual compressors are small and very low noise
- Lower carbon emissions
In one of our SHIFT assessments visits we found out that one of our clients had installed such a system on one of their blocks. We had the pleasure of interviewing David Malsom from Salix Housing to find out more about their experience.
Why did Salix choose this system over a simple boiler replacement?
Salix opted for ambient temperature heat pumps to decarbonize their heating systems and align with Greater Manchester Authority’s 2038 carbon neutrality goals which Salix has signed up to.
What challenges did Salix face during the retrofit process?
Procuring the right contractors, robust customer engagement and addressing resident reluctance were key challenges. We still haven’t been able to carry out retrofit assessments in 5 flats as the tenants won’t let us through the door.
How did Salix manage disruption for residents during installation?
Installation was organised floor by floor to minimise disruption, with each unit experiencing only a few days of disturbance. Furthermore, we try to carry out as much of the work as possible all at once, including things like external wall installation and ventilation works.
How did residents respond to the new system?
Residents transitioning from old electric storage heaters generally welcomed the change.
What should others consider when adopting this technology?
Forward planning, robust customer engagement strategies, and addressing cost implications, including for leaseholders, are crucial considerations.
How does Salix address the needs of leaseholders in retrofitting projects?
Salix explores options like ECO4 funding to assist leaseholders in installing systems, considering long-term cost implications transparently. Leaseholders are responsible for installation costs, so exploring options like ECO4 funding helps get them on board.
What are the challenges in managing costs and competition in adopting new technologies?
Limited competition and fluctuating material costs pose challenges, necessitating careful planning and consideration of long-term investments. For instance, pre-Covid, installation costs per unit were £8,000, this has risen to nearly £30,000 due to increased material costs, highlighting how essential forward planning is.
What impact does resident behaviour have on the effectiveness of the new system?
Resident behaviour, such as energy usage habits, can influence the cost-effectiveness of the system, highlighting the importance of customer engagement and behavioural change initiatives, to maximise the efficiency of the new heating systems.
Overall, how does Salix navigate the complexities of retrofitting projects?
Salix emphasises strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and transparency to overcome challenges and achieve successful outcomes in retrofitting projects.