A curate is full of praise for the air source heat pump heating system which has recently been fitted at his Norfolk home - four decades after he first considered using the technology.
Rev. Derrick Sheppard and his wife Diane had the16kW Danfoss DHP-AQ air source heat pump installed at their house in the village of Garboldisham, which is off the gas grid. It replaced an oil-fired heating system which had been fitted when the house was built for the couple in the early 1970s. Countryside Heat Pumps of Bury St Edmunds installed the new system, which supplies both space and water heating.
Steve Hicks, owner of Countryside Heat Pumps, assessed the energy needs of the property and explained the many benefits of ground and air source heat pumps. Rev. and Mrs Sheppard decided on an air source heat pump to avoid the need for ground works in their mature garden.
“It’s warm and comfortable throughout the house all day long,” said Rev. Sheppard. “It still amazes me that you can take heat from the air and turn it into heat and hot water for use indoors!”
He added: “We first considered installing an air source heat pump 40 years ago when the house was being designed, but in those days it was more difficult to find information about how effective they were, so eventually we opted for oil. However, the rising price of oil and the inefficiency of our old boiler meant it was costing us a great deal to run. When it started to become unreliable last winter we decided that it was time to invest in a replacement.”
In addition to working as a part-time curate, Rev Sheppard is a chartered accountant and runs his practice from his home, which means that heating is required throughout the day. The property also has a significant heating requirement because of its size. It comprises four large bedrooms and a spacious ground floor living area including a former ‘granny annexe’ which is now used for the business.
Rev. Sheppard said: “We looked into heat pump technology once again. After researching the options on the internet I contacted Countryside Heat Pumps Ltd. and they gave us some excellent advice which helped us to make our final choice.
As well as keeping the whole property warm all day, it’s nice to know that by using this technology we are reducing our home’s carbon emissions.”
Chris Dale, Director of Danfoss Heat Pumps UK, explained: “Many homeowners are looking for ways to cut their carbon emissions, as well as a solution to the rising price of oil for heating the home. Our DHP-AQ air source heat pump range is increasingly being specified for refurbishments, such as the Sheppards’ home.
Steve Hicks explains: “The Danfoss DHP-AQ range was ideal for this property because it included a suitably sized pump at 16kW, which was necessary because of the size of the house. In my opinion this model is one of the very best on the market.”
The Sheppards will benefit from the market-leading seasonal performance of the new DHP-AQ, which operates at temperatures as low as -20°C. The pump achieves this via a unique system which constantly controls and optimises three key parameters in the product: airflow (efficient variable speed EC fan), the refrigerant circuit (electronic expansion valve) and heat distribution (OPTI technology). It also includes state-of-the-art defrosting technology designed to ensure full functionality even in very cold weather.
The Danfoss Midi Controller unit and buffer tank were fitted within the property’s existing boiler house, along with a 300 litre hot water storage tank. The external unit was installed in a car port. All 16 radiators in the home were replaced with modern, thermostatically controlled equivalents. Countryside Heat Pumps can be contacted on 01449 736916.
Danfoss Heat Pumps UK has extensive experience in the manufacture of heat pump systems for homes, schools, community buildings, developers, local authorities, housing associations and self builders. The DHP-AQ air source heat pump range has been developed by Danfoss in Scandinavia, a world leader in heat pump technology.
For more information contact Danfoss Heat Pumps UK on: 0114 2703 900 or visit the websitewww.uk.heatpumps.danfoss.com.
