8.3.3 Heat pumps

Also see:

8.3.1

8.3.3.3 System design

Heat pumps systems shall be designed to ensure satisfactory performance. Issues to be taken into account include:

  1. location
  2. system design
  3. compatibility
  4. performance
  5. acoustics.

8.3.3.3.1 Location#

Heat pumps, including ancillary components should be located and identified in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Heat pumps when sited in coastal locations should be suitable for the environment. Manufacturers recommendations should be followed detailing maintenance requirements, or any ancillary coatings that are acceptable if not factory treated, to prolong the life of the heat pump.

8.3.3.3.2 System design#

Heat pump systems should be designed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, certification scheme requirements and appropriate standards.

Each system should generally be supplied from one manufacturer as a package and not as individual components or materials. However, where components from more than one manufacturer are used, they should be compatible to ensure satisfactory performance.

The heat pump selected should provide not less than 100% of the calculated design space heating power requirement at the winter design condition and include any energy required for defrost cycles. Any supplementary electric heating shall only operate when the conditions are outside of the standards.

  • all heat loss calculations should be in accordance with recognised standards and guidance, eg CIBSE Domestic Heating Design Guide or other approved by NHBC
  • fabric heat loss calculations to be based on the building design and thermal conductivity of the materials from which the element is constructed
  • the heating designs must include allowances where applicable for thermal bridging
  • design mean water temperature (MWT) of 42.5°C, the design can utilise a (MWT) lower than this
  • the number and sizing of heat emitters eg radiators or size of underfloor system must be sized to the design mean water temperature (MWT)
  • the system pipework or underfloor heating must be sized to the design mean water temperature (MWT)
  • the heat pump must have a minimum coefficient of performance of 3.0 for space heating
  • the heat pump must have a minimum Seasonal Coefficient of Performance of 2.7
  • the heat pump must control the pump operation
  • the heat pump must control any outdoor fan operation
  • the heat pump must control the defrost cycle for the external air side
  • weather compensation or internal temperature control must be adopted with all heat pumps
  • where the dwelling contains other heat sources all control should be done from a singular control unit.

8.3.3.3.3 Compatibility#

Heat pump systems should be installed so as not to adversely affect the performance of the building to which they are fixed, and accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Multiple systems should be compatible with each other.

8.3.3.3.4 Performance#

Heat pump systems designed to contribute towards space and water heating should be designed in accordance with the performance requirements in Chapter 8.1 and 8.3.

8.3.3.3.5 Acoustics#

Design and location should take account of:

  • internal and external noise
  • vibration
  • the effect on neighbouring properties, particularly the positioning of the heat pump in relation to openings.

Last updated: 2nd January 2024

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