Paul Wakefield, Managing Director of Grant UK, explains how housebuilders in off-gas developments can get the most out of renewable heating solutions.
Thanks to legislation, heat pumps are becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly than ever before. The 2014 EU Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas (F-Gas) Regulations is legislation designed to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons, with the introduction of a series of targets which are designed to limit the use of gases which have the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Grant’s latest ASHPs, the Aerona³ R32 models use R32 refrigerant which has a GWP which is considerably lower than other typical heat pump refrigerants such as R410.
In addition to having a lower GWP figure of 675, R32 is a single-component refrigerant which means it has no temperature glide. Refrigerant blends that have two or more components exhibit temperature glide but as R32 only has one molecule in its formation, its saturated liquid and vapor temperatures are the same. By removing the risk for the refrigerant to suffer from glide, the system can recharge and recycle with greater ease, making it more efficient.
The Aerona³ R32 heat pump is a single phase, DC inverter driven ASHP incorporating in-built weather compensation and a base tray heating element to prevent ice formation. Monoblock in design, the Aerona³ R32 has a simple S-plan configuration which makes for a straightforward electrical set up, helping to significantly reduce the installation time. Each model is also available in a pack format whereby the heat pump is supplied with its key accessories which delivers cost savings while also simplifying the order processing.
The Aerona³ R32 range consists of four models – 6kW, 10kW, 13kW and 17kW. The new units are exceptionally efficient, have compact footprints and operate with low noise levels; both the 13kW and 17kW models have been awarded the Quiet Mark. Grant’s heat pumps therefore have minimal impact on their surroundings both aesthetically and acoustically – a great benefit to end-users. The range is also available with a guarantee of up to seven years (subject to full T&Cs and status) which reflects our confidence in this latest generation of air source heat pumps.
Combining heat pumps and UFH
Underfloor heating provides a pleasant heat throughout the room, leaves walls free for furniture and can add value to a property. It is also easy to install whether you are building a new living space or completely redeveloping a house.
Grant’s Uflex and Uflex MINI underfloor heating systems, for instance, work incredibly well alongside the new Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump range, helping to further improve the overall efficiency of the complete heating system. Both of Grant’s underfloor heating systems are straightforward to work with and are supplied as packs which are specifically suited to meet a property’s requirements.
The Uflex MINI system in particular is suitable for a wide range of developments, including new builds. It utilises self-adhesive panels into which the pipework is clipped in place. The system has a very low profile, being just 15mm in finished floor height, and the design of the panels means that the drying time is incredibly quick – using a self-leveling screed, the floor can typically be walked on in less than six hours and heat can be introduced to the system in just three days thus reducing any disruption to the progress of a build.
Alongside the supply of the underfloor pipework, components and controls, Grant UK can also provide design assistance – including initial system heat loss calculations used for quotation purposes through to full working drawings. From design and quotation through to supply, Grant UK can deliver a complete package offering being a ‘one-stop-shop’ for developers and their installers.
