Experienced a heat pump for 7 years, detailing modifications implemented and further alterations planned ahead.

In 2018, David Hilton made a significant change to his home's heating system by installing an air source heat pump. This decision was prompted by the need to relocate the heating during his home extension.

Previously, the property was heated by an oil-fired boiler, but location issues and the need to retire the oil boiler due to its placement made the air source heat pump an attractive option. The new garden shed, which was to replace the oil tank's location, was another bonus.

Living with an air source heat pump has been a journey of mixed outcomes for David. The heat pump produces a lower amount of heat delivered over a very long period of time, making it efficient. However, the temperature inside the home can modulate according to the outside air temperature, which could lead to some temperature inaccuracies.

The main reason for these inaccuracies comes down to evaluating the heat loss of a building accurately. The calculations for heat loss in existing homes often overestimate the heat loss of a building, leading to oversized heat pump equipment and inefficient operation.

To improve the efficiency of his heat pump system, David made some changes. He reduced the flow temperature of the system from around 48 ºC to 43 ºC, and he changed extra radiators and increased the pipe size delivering heat to two other radiators. These changes have helped lower the system's flow temperature and improve its efficiency. As a result, the system now runs at a more comfortable and efficient 38 ºC.

The key phrase for heat pump systems is: low, slow, and all about flow. Lowering the flow temperature, slowing the heat requirement, and increasing the flow of water through the radiators optimizes the system. New refrigerants in heat pumps have lower global warming potential and can reach higher flow temperatures, allowing for higher hot water temperatures and potentially more efficient operation, even with older radiators or central heating pipework.

In the future, homes should be managed and monitored remotely for optimal comfort and efficiency as family needs and lifestyles change. Some heat pumps are now designed to be part of a home energy system, managing the energy requirements of the whole home as a single, harmonized system. However, there are no specific publicly available details about David Hilton's future plans to fully automate, remotely monitor, and optimize his heat pump system.

Another aspect that contributes to home comfort and efficiency is increased home insulation. This is an effective way to reduce heat loss, which can further improve the performance of the heat pump system.

Lastly, a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system ensures air quality and low humidity, even in older homes. This system recovers heat from the exhaust air and uses it to preheat the fresh air coming into the home, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while saving energy.

In conclusion, David Hilton's journey with an air source heat pump offers valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of this eco-friendly heating system. As technology advances, it is expected that heat pump systems will become more efficient and easier to manage, making them an even more attractive option for homeowners.

Experienced a heat pump for 7 years, detailing modifications implemented and further alterations planned ahead.