Question 1

Where are your heat pump engineering services available?

Accepted Answer

If you live in Dorset, Hampshire or Wiltshire we have an expert EnviroRight engineer available for a broad range of heat pump specialist services.

We will consider large heat pump jobs and heat pump installation contracts outside of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, subject to availability and negotiation of rates.

Question 2

Why have a heat pump?

Accepted Answer

There’s a whole host of reasons why you might consider having a heat pump in your home or business. Generally an air source heat pump is our most popular option, although a ground source heat pump system is a great option too.

Here are our top 5 reasons why we would recommend heat pump technology:

Energy Efficiency - Heat pumps can be more efficient than traditional heating systems. Effective design and installation of heat pump systems, can produce up to three times more heat than the electricity that they use.
Manage Energy Bills - The prices of gas and oil are volatile and unpredictable. If you currently heat your home using traditional gas or electric heating systems, then switching to a heat pump may help you to reduce your energy bills and protect you against the price hikes associated with gas. With the cost of a heat pump in the UK coming down and heat pump grants available, more and more people see this as a cost effective option. 
Reduce your carbon footprint - Many homeowners want to play their part in the fight against climate change. It can be hard to know where to start, but choosing an air source heat pump (or a ground source heat pump), can be a simple and effective way to reduce the amount of carbon you produce at home. 
Incentives that help with the cost of heat pumps in the UK - Heat pump costs in the UK are an important factor for many. The good news is that there are heat pump grants and incentives that can help. We recommend visiting GOV.UK to learn more about the £450m Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Here you will find more information, check if you qualify for a heat pump grant and how to take the next steps. We can work with our trade network, to offer you engineering services, when you choose a heat pump through a scheme. 
Be part of the future - The UK has ambitious targets for the installation of heat pumps as we transition from traditional gas to  cleaner renewable energy solutions. Switching to a heat pump in your home and business now, ensures that you are ready for the future of heating in UK.

Question 3

How do heat pumps work?

Accepted Answer

This can be a little complicated, so we’ll do our best to keep things simple. If you want to deepen your understanding, a good heat pump engineer will be happy to talk to you about your specific requirements and how your heat pump system will work.

In the most simple terms, a heat pump extracts air from an outside source, like the air, ground or a body of water, and then takes it through a process which compresses the heat and produces higher temperatures. Alternatively, this clever technology can extract heat and transfer it outside of your home for cooling.

It’s really important to understand that when you look for heat pump engineer, it’s not all about finding a gas safe engineer. Of course, if you are requiring any work that involves traditional gas supply, it’s important to make sure they’re qualified. However, a heat pump uses refrigerant gas within the process and refrigerants can be dangerous. If you want an engineer who can work with all components within the heat pump system, then you need an f-gas registered engineer.

Question 4

What is the difference between Ground Source and Air Source heat pumps?

Accepted Answer

When you’re choosing a heat pump you can select either an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) or a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP). As explained above, a heat pump absorbs heat and then compresses it to produce higher temperatures for your heating and hot water.

The difference comes down to the source of the low temperature heat that the pump absorbs. So, an Air Source Heat Pump absorbs heat from the (you guessed it...) air and a Ground Source Heat Pump absorbs heat from either the ground or a water source.

To make the right choice in terms of a heat pump, it’s usually best to consult with an experienced heat pump engineer as there are a number of different factors that need to be considered, these include:

The installation cost of an Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pump
Ongoing running costs of Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pump
Whether you need, and are prepared to apply for planning permission
The space required for an Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pump
The carbon emissions and generating capacity associated with the heat pump(s)

Question 5

Are heat pumps worth it?

Accepted Answer

‘Should I get a heat pump’ and ‘will it be worth it’ may be questions on your mind. Invariably our answer would always be YES. We’re advocates of the technology and we have seen many heat pump success stories. However, we’re always upfront and honest and there are a few things we would want all of our own customers to know.

1. Running a heat pump is NOT the same as running a traditional gas heating system. It can take a shift in mindset and the way in which you use your heating system, to really harness the potential and rewards of having a heat pump. A good engineer will be able to walk you through what this means for you.

2. There is no ‘one size fits all’. The design of your heat pump system, whether you opt for an air source heat pump or a ground source heat pump and how it’s run is individual to customers and their property. This is why exploring your options with an experienced engineer is important.

3.   A heat pump, just like a gas boiler, needs a bit of TLC to protect it’s lifespan. If you are going to adopt heat pump technology, be prepared to find an engineer who can offer heat pump servicing and maintenance. We know of customers who have had no trouble finding an installer, but have been out on a limb when something goes wrong. We specialise in aftercare and maintenance of heat pumps and have the experience and expertise to offer these services, even if we didn’t install your heat pump.

Ultimately we cannot say that you should get a heat pump, but there are lot's of reasons we think they're brilliant - a reputable heat pump specialist can help you understand how to leverage the technology to its full potential.

Question 6

What brand of heat pump should I choose?

Accepted Answer

It's hard to advise which brand of heat pump is best, and there are very few we would rule out working with. As with most products, you’ll find entry, mid-range and high end priced heat pump products available. The best thing to do is work with someone who can design your heat pump system with your specific requirements and budget in mind.

Question 7

Are any heat pump grants available?

Accepted Answer

Yes! In the UK the government have a Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant, that home owners can apply for and get up to £7500 towards a heat pump. This can be a huge help against the cost of a heat pump. There are rules that you need to be aware of to ensure that you are eligible for the heat pump grant. For example, it’s called the ‘Boiler Upgrade Scheme’ because you need to be replacing your traditional gas boiler system to qualify. The best place to go for information on the grant is https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/what-you-can-get

Question 8

Do heat pumps break down or have lots of issues?

Accepted Answer

In our experience a well installed heat pump should cause you no more headaches than any other home heating system. However, from time to time, things can go wrong and often cause stress. The good news is an experienced heat pump engineer will usually be able to get you up and running again quickly, so it’s important to have an engineer you trust ready to call in an emergency. Whether you have an air source heat pump or a ground source heat pump, ensuring you have an annual service and respond quickly to any issues is really important to keep your heat pump happy. A few things we advise all heat pumps owners include;

Service your heat pump system annually 
Respond quickly to heat pump error codes
Use an engineer for heat pump fault finding and repairs
Work with your engineer to understand how to get the best performance out of your heat pump system

We can service, maintain and repair if you own a heat pump in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. Visit our services page to arrange a call back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answered by our expert engineer

Got a heat pump question?