What to Expect During Your Heat Pump Installation Week

Initial Survey and Heat Loss Calculation

The process begins well before any physical work starts. A thorough survey of your property is conducted by our experienced engineers. This involves assessing its construction, insulation levels, window types, and existing heating infrastructure. Crucially, a detailed heat loss calculation is performed. This determines the precise heating demand of each room, which is vital for correctly sizing the heat pump and its associated components. This foundational step ensures the system is tailored to your home's specific requirements, aiming for comfort and efficient operation.

• Property construction assessment.
• Insulation and window evaluation.
• Detailed room-by-room heat loss calculation.

Emitter Changes and System Preparation

Following the heat loss calculation, we may advise on necessary adjustments to your heating emitters, such as radiators. Heat pumps typically operate at lower flow temperatures than traditional boilers, so larger radiators or underfloor heating are often recommended to provide sufficient warmth. This stage involves draining your existing system, removing old emitters, and installing new, appropriately sized radiators. System flushing may also be performed to remove sludge and debris, preparing your pipework for the new heat pump. Gas safety checks are performed on any gas lines if an existing boiler is removed or capped.

• System drain and existing radiator removal.
• Installation of larger, more efficient radiators.
• System flush to prepare pipework.

Indoor Cylinder Installation

A key component of many air source heat pump systems is the hot water cylinder. Unlike traditional combination boilers, heat pumps often require a dedicated hot water storage cylinder, typically a unvented cylinder designed for heat pump use. This unit stores hot water for your taps and showers. We will position this cylinder in an appropriate location, often replacing a previous cylinder or in a utility space. This involves plumbing connections to your domestic water supply and the heat pump flow and return pipes.

• Positioning and securing the hot water cylinder.
• Connecting to the cold water supply.
• Integration with the heat pump's heating circuit.

Outdoor Unit and Base Installation

The outdoor unit, which extracts heat from the air, requires a stable, level base. This is typically a concrete slab or purpose-built frame positioned in an appropriate location outside your property, considering clearances and noise. Our team will install this base and then carefully position the heat pump unit on it. Refrigerant lines, electrical cabling, and condensate drainage pipes are then run between the outdoor unit and the indoor cylinder or hydrobox, ensuring all connections are weather-sealed and secure. This work is completed to industry standards.

• Preparation and installation of a level outdoor base.
• Mounting and securing the external heat pump unit.
• Connecting refrigerant lines, electrics, and condensate drain.

Commissioning and Testing

Once all physical components are installed, the system moves to the commissioning phase. This is a critical technical stage where the heat pump is brought online. Our engineers will fill the heating system, purge air, and carefully configure the heat pump's settings according to your home's heat loss calculations and your preferences. We perform extensive testing to ensure all components are functioning correctly, including pressure checks, flow rate verification, and electrical safety tests. This ensures the system operates efficiently and safely, meeting all regulatory requirements.

• System filling, purging, and initial startup.
• Configuration of heat pump operating parameters.
• Comprehensive testing for performance and safety.

Handover and Controls Training

The final stage is the handover. We will walk you through the installed system, explaining how each component works. Crucially, we provide detailed training on how to operate your new heat pump controls. This includes setting schedules, adjusting temperatures, and understanding any system messages or modes. We answer any questions you may have about day-to-day use and maintenance. You will be provided with all relevant documentation, including user manuals and system schematics, giving you confidence in managing your new, efficient heating system. We can advise on Gas Safe requirements for any gas appliances.

• Explanation of the complete heat pump system.
• Comprehensive training on operating the controls.
• Provision of all system documentation and manuals.

Common questions