Peter Collins
Discusses Heat Pump Growth and Support for Contractors and Developers
HEAT PUMP Q&A WITH GF BUILDING FLOW SOLUTIONS
Here we speak to Peter Collins, GF Building Flow Solutions’ Uponor Territory Sales Manager for Scotland & Northern Ireland, about the growth of heat pumps and how developers and contractors can ensure they get the support they need.
Why do you think heat pumps are so important?
We need lower carbon solutions for heating and hot water if we are to decarbonise, and heat pumps are an ideal fit for several reasons. Their efficiency means that for every unit of energy you put in, you get as much as three units out as heat. Additionally, as an electric heating solution, heat pumps benefit from the increasingly low carbon electricity that we are generating and the expansion of solar PV on both new and existing homes.
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) data shows that Scotland has some of the areas with the highest percentage of properties with heat pumps. Why do you think adoption has been so high?
I think Glasgow hosting COP26 in 2021 was a catalyst for a greater uptake of heat pumps because it was followed by a real push towards decarbonisation by the Scottish government. We have seen changes to planning criteria that mean renewable energy and low carbon heating are now central to planning permission being secured. There has also been increased financial support in the form of the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme.
What are the main challenges for customers?
There are two main challenges with regards to heat pump systems. The first is maintaining the energy that has been generated, with a key area of heat loss being the pipework between the outdoor and indoor units, especially where the heat pump is located away from the house. The choice of pipework with a very low lambda value can make a significant difference. For example, Uponor Ecoflex Thermo Twin HP has been designed specifically for heat pumps. It offers excellent thermal performance and includes conduits for the electrical and sensor cabling alongside the water flow and return within a single packaged pipe. Where even greater thermal efficiency is required, there are products like Uponor Ecoflex VIP, which uses Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) technology to reduce heat losses by up to 60%.
The second challenge is the effective use of that energy within the property. Due to the lower flow temperature of heat pumps, heat emitters need to be sized correctly to ensure the system can meet the heating demand. Underfloor heating (UFH), which performs very well with lower temperature systems, is an effective alternative to enlarged radiators.
What can customers expect from suppliers throughout the procurement process?
Typically, customers will come to us with an initial enquiry and we will give them a detailed quote based on their requirements. If they need some guidance on product selection, we can make a recommendation based on the proposed design and layout. We also provide data sheets and a product overview. We can then direct them to one of the many trusted
distributors we have across the country. Our team will follow this by supporting the customer throughout, including providing on-site support, for example if the installer team is using the product for the first time. We can also help developers and contactors in the early stages of projects with design and specification support.
For simpler procurement and installation, we also offer Ecoflex HP Packs. These contain all the key components required for connecting the heat pump and offer savings of up to 15% over the RRP when compared to buying the components separately.
What should customers look for in a supplier?
The first area to look at is the quality of the product, ensuring it is fit for purpose and thoroughly tested with verified performance data. There are also advantages to selecting a supplier that can be a single source for a range of products including the outdoor pipework, the heating and water distribution pipework inside the property and the underfloor heating system.
Technical support, whether that’s in the design or on-site, is also essential. No project will be totally issue-free and if there is a problem it’s reassuring to know that there is a specific person to turn to for product support.
To find out more about the Uponor products from GF Building Flow Solutions, as well as the service and support available, visit www.uponor.com.