Heat pumps are increasing in popularity, but they are still not the most well-known of modern energy sources. Around 13% of homeowners who live somewhere with a heat pump inherited it from the previous householder and may need a little guidance on understanding how it works.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from outside to inside a house through a process of evaporation, compression condensation, and expansion. Renewable energy specialists such as https://gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/cheltenham can install air source heat pumps Cheltenham and inspect and service older inherited models.
Running costs
Some heat pumps use standard tariffs, while others have time-of-use tariffs that can be adjusted to account for busier and quieter periods of the day. You should research carefully before deciding on a tariff and will want to know about the usual running costs of your inherited heat pump and whether you can claim Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (DRHI) payments.
Heating pattern
This is about when you turn up the heat and when you turn it down again. Your needs may not be the same as the previous owner’s, but you should still ask them about their usual patterns to help you decide on how to use the pump to obtain the most comfortable temperature.
Overall heating setup
You need to consider the heat pump in relation to other parts of the heating system, such as radiators or underfloor heating, in addition to the hot water supply. Which elements are used in which parts of the house? Were any parts upgraded to enable them to work better with the heat pump? How does the control system work?
Warranty and certification
Your heat pump should be inspected at least once a year and have a viewable service record. The District Network Operator (DNO) is legally mandated; without it, you may have to uninstall the pump. Quality assurance schemes include the MCS Microgeneration Installation Database and the TrustMark Data Warehouse.
Inspect and test any heat pump you inherit before using it, and ensure you do your research thoroughly.
