Renewable Energy Specialists, Installations and Consultation, New Milton, Bournemouth, Southampton
We are committed to promoting the use of renewable energy solutions. We can advise you on a number of options, which range from Solar Heating, Ground Source Heating and Air Source Heating Systems. All our engineers are Worcester-Bosch Accredited. At Stephen Harris we are able to provide a full service from design to completion.
Air Source Heat Pump Systems (ASHP)
Air source heat pumps are fitted on the outside of your home, preferably in an area that has a good circulation of air. Whilst they range in size depending on the dimentions of the system you choose, most are about the size of a large air-conditioning unit. There are in fact two main varieties, though how they operate is principally the same. The two categories are:
Air to Air and Air to Water
How it works
An ASHP works a bit like a refrigerator in reverse. The process consists of an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser. It absorbs heat from the outside air and the heat pump compressor then increases the temperature of that heat further to create useful heat.
In an air-air system the heat extracted from the outside air is boosted to the appropriate temperature by the compressor in the heat pump and then fed directly into the house. To make this an efficient means of heating your home, an air circulation system must be in place to avoid the pump only heating the area of the home where its exhaust valve is. Clearly, this system can only be used to supply space heating to your home.
Air to Air Heating Systems
Air source heat pumps are suitable for a wide range of installations including apartments, smaller homes and conservatories. It’s operated using a remote control.
An air source heat pump is usually placed outside at the side or back of a property, and takes heat from the air and boosts it to a higher temperature using a heat pump. This heat is then used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems or even warm air convectors and hot water in your home.
Air to Water Heating Systems
Air to water heat pumps use the constant energy available in the air with a refrigerant circuit which allows the temperature to be boosted to a useful level for heating or hot water for the home.
For the air-water model, the heat extracted from the outside air is boosted to a higher temperature and then used to heat water in a tank. This water is then used to run a conventional central heating system either based on radiators or underfloor heating.
Ground Heat Source Heating Systems
A ground source heat pump system harnesses heat from underground by pumping water through it. The heat pump then increases the temperature, and the heat is used to provide home heating or hot water.
The pump needs electricity to run, but the idea is that it uses less electrical energy than the heat it produces. The heat pump performs the same role as a boiler does in a central heating system, but it uses ambient heat from the ground rather than burning fuel to generate heat.
The Worcester-Bosch Greenstore ground source heat pumps we use are suitable for a variety of properties and are designed to be the sole source of heating and hot water in the home.
Installing a ground source heat pump system?
Ground source heat pump systems are made up of a ground loop (a network of water pipes buried underground) and a heat pump at ground level. You’ll need sufficient space for installation of the system, generally with a garden that’s accessible to digging machinery.
Planning permission
Greenstore ground source heat pumps are certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and planning permission for them has been eased significantly – read more about certification and planning permission.
Solar Heating
Solar thermal installations are probably the most cost effective way of incorporating renewable energy sources into existing domestic properties. We have specialist engineers trained in solar thermal installations, energy efficiency and other renewal energy sources.
Renewable Energy Installers for Southampton, Bournemouth, Dorset and Hampshire
Stephen Harris can quote, advise and install renewable heating systems in and around Dorset and Hampshire. We are based in New Milton and currently provide renewable heating services in:
New Milton, Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Lymington, Burley, Brockenhurst and Southampton area.
We also have clients throughout Dorset and Hampshire as well as Dorchester, Winchester, Salisbury and London.
Renewable Energy Facts: : www.which.co.uk and Worcester-Bosch
