Local authorities are turning to heat pumps to heat not just their housing stock but their offices too, explains Anna Wakefield, Head of Marketing for Grant UK.
Combining exceptional performance, reliability and value, heat pumps can significantly lessen a building’s carbon footprint, reduce heating bills and are an important part of the net zero future. Local authorities are decarbonising their housing stock by installing more sustainable heating solutions and some are now moving to install heat pumps into their offices and depots too.
For instance, four Grant Aerona³ air source heat pumps have been installed at Caerphilly Council Tir Y Berth Depot, providing renewable heating to a number of offices. The installation of heat pumps was part of a wider redevelopment programme by the Council, which has transformed the space to maximise its potential while also reducing carbon emissions.
This project involved three building units that have been refurbished. The first of the properties was an existing office block, which was previously heated by an LPG gas fired central heating system. The other two buildings, which have been transformed into new office spaces, were previously storage units with no heating system. All the units required the installation of new heating systems which the Council stipulated had to be renewable, with air source heat pumps selected as the most suitable solution.
Heatforce (Wales) Ltd, a G1 Installer based in Cardiff, carried out the installation. The G1 Scheme is designed to provide installers with the essential tools they need to successfully fit Grant products — from training through to marketing support. Paul Maddocks, CEO of Heatforce, explains what products were installed to fulfil the requirements of this commercial space.
“In the B9 unit we installed two Aerona³ 17kW air source heat pumps complete with 31 radiators. We also renewed all the pipework and removed the existing LPG heating system. In the other two units, B10 and B11, we fitted another pair of Grant heat pumps, this time 13kW models, as well as 26 radiators complete with new pipework and new plumbing throughout.”
More sustainable alternatives
This project showcases how air source heat pumps are helping commercial environments swap from fossil fuel heating systems to greener, more sustainable alternatives. The combined refurbished office space totals 145m² and Grant’s larger heat pump models are efficiently meeting the heating demand of all the buildings.
Both the 13kW and 17kW Aerona³ air source heat pumps, certified Quiet Mark products, are twin fan units and boast excellent SCOP efficiencies. These models are also compact in size with a small footprint and have been designed for straightforward installation, easy operation and simple maintenance.
“Our client wanted air source heat pumps to keep these refurbished buildings warm and wanted to upgrade the buildings themselves so that their energy efficiencies were significantly improved,” concluded Paul.
“The installation of the Grant heat pumps fulfilled the client’s brief and they are very happy with their new heating systems. In particular, they are very pleased that they chose a renewable heating system, one that will sustainably meet the heating and hot water demand of the offices while also helping them to minimise their impact on the wider environment.”
