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EST calls for new guidelines on heat pump installations
10/09/10
Edited by Bob Witham.New guidelines and standards of best practice are needed for the installation of air and ground source heat pumps to ensure they become a mainstream option for residential property owners, a new report has concluded.
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) compiled the study, which involved the largest field trial of heat pumps ever undertaken in the UK.
It found that of the 83 sites inspected, most delivered a good standard of energy efficiency - although the performance of the 54 ground source pumps was weaker than European trials.
The EST added that in a number of early installations, the devices had been incorrectly designed or set up, suggesting training needs to be improved for tradesmen involved in green home improvements.
It recommended a review of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme to include product and fitting standards for heat pumps.
Furthermore, the responsibility for installation - and ideally after-sales service - should fall on a single company, the trust said.
EST head of business development Simon Green commented: "We have a responsibility to make sure that customers' investments are spent on measures that lead to the greatest potential to save carbon and reduce energy bills."
In related news, Stewart Purchase of Geothermal International recently argued that government grants such as the Renewable Heat Initiative will be essential to the adoption of heat pumps as they will cover the cost of installation.
