Frequently Asked Questions

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Unsure about green energy? We've got you covered! Get clear answers to frequently asked questions about air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage, and more. If your question isn't here, our experts are happy to help – just contact us!

Got Questions About Green Energy Solutions? We've Got Answers!

YES, and we can do the paperwork for you to make the process even easier. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) supports the decarbonisation of homes and small non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. The scheme provides upfront capital grants of up to £7,500 to encourage property owners to replace existing fossil fuel heating with more efficient, low carbon heating systems including heat pumps and biomass boilers.

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are champions of green energy for several reasons:

Renewable Source: They use the free heat from the air, a constantly replenished resource, unlike fossil fuels.
Reduced Emissions: No burning of fuels means lower carbon emissions, combating climate change.
Energy Efficient: ASHPs produce more heating/cooling with less energy, reducing overall consumption.
Less Reliance on Fossil Fuels: They decrease dependence on finite resources, promoting sustainable energy systems.
Renewable Energy Power: Pair them with solar panels or wind power for an even greener footprint.

Not every property is suitable for an Air Source Heat Pump, however we would come and carry out a FREE survey of your property to determine if one would be beneficial to you, and we could give a variation of recommendations to help you make a decision that is right for you and your household. We could also combine different elements of renewable energy solutions to ensure you get the best value for money.

Heat pumps run on electricity instead of gas, therefore with the UK increasing its production of electricity from renewable sources it is predicted that ASHP will play a big part in cutting emissions. Air-source pumps, for example, suck in outdoor air and pass it over tubes containing refrigerant fluids to produce heat.

We’re an experienced local B2B Facilities maintenance and projects company in Shropshire. Based in Shrewsbury (SY2), with over 30 years of experience in commercial facilities management, building services, process engineering and energy services we’re excited to have branched out with Heat Charge Evolution so we can bring sustainable energy to the residents of Shropshire and beyond with supportive and knowledgeable expertise. We will visit your property and give realistic and experienced advice on green energy solutions, empowering you to understand the options for investing in your properties sustainable future, allowing you to take control of your home.

No, a common misconception of air source heat pumps is high noise levels, however this is not the case. On Average air source heat pumps reach between 40-60 decibels as the very most. This is roughly the same as an air conditioning unit, refrigerator humming, or a running stream. A “normal conversation” would usually reach around 50-65dB. If you compare the noise levels to other household items, a lawnmower would be around 90dB and a dishwasher or washing machine would sit around 75-80dB, therefore you can see ASHP are not noisy.

Battery storage empowers you with precise control over both the collection and distribution of your energy resources. By harnessing batteries, you gain the capacity to preserve generated energy, whether sourced from Solar PV or other means. This not only facilitates the retention of surplus energy but also enables leveraging of advantageous off-peak tariffs offered by energy suppliers. With batteries in place, you can capitalise on periods of low-cost or even free electricity to charge them, strategically discharging stored energy during peak-rate periods. This dynamic utilisation allows for optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness while enhancing your energy independence.

Heat Charge Evolution would initially visit your property to carry out an on site inspection to ensure that the property is suitable for a heat pump installation, the expert visiting would make recommendations based on their experience as to what would best suit the home they’re visiting on a bespoke basis. The air source heat pump would be installed outside of the property in a space where there is good air flow, ensuring nothing is blocking the unit.

We recommend an annual service to ensure that your system is running at its optimum efficiency. Air source heat pumps have very few moving parts so they are conventionally more reliable than traditional heating systems, but we do advise annual services to ensure optimal performance.

Yes, with appropriate planning and careful modifications, air source heat pumps can be integrated with existing heating and hot water systems. On survey at your property, our experts will be able to advise on both their recommendations for connection, as well as the course of action that would take place if you were to go ahead with this install.

Both air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are innovative heating systems that extract heat from the environment to warm your home. However, they differ in where they source that heat, impacting cost, efficiency, and installation complexity.

Heat Source:

  • ASHP: Imagine a straw sucking heat from the outside air. It works well year-round, but can be slightly less efficient in very cold weather.

  • GSHP: This straw sucks heat from the ground, which stays a more consistent temperature compared to air. This makes them more efficient overall.

Cost:

  • ASHP: Generally more affordable upfront due to simpler installation. Requires less maintenance, leading to lower long-term costs.

  • GSHP: Higher upfront cost due to the need for digging trenches or drilling boreholes to install underground piping. May require occasional maintenance for underground components, potentially increasing long-term costs.

Installation Inconvenience:

  • ASHP: Less disruptive installation. Typically involves placing an outdoor unit and connecting it to your existing heating system. It might require some drilling through walls, but generally causes minimal disruption.

  • GSHP: More disruptive installation. Requires digging trenches or drilling boreholes in your yard to install underground piping. This can disrupt your landscaping and take longer to complete.

Analogy:

Think of installing an ASHP like adding a new air conditioning unit – a relatively straightforward process. Installing a GSHP is more like adding a swimming pool – it requires more excavation and can disrupt your yard for a while.

Choosing Between Them:

  • Budget: If affordability is a major concern, an ASHP is likely the better option.

  • Efficiency: If long-term efficiency and environmental impact are your priorities, a GSHP could be a good choice despite the higher upfront cost.

Consulting with a professional: They can help you determine the best option for your specific needs and climate. They can also advise you on available government grants that may help offset the cost of either system.

Yes, get in touch today and we can support you in the aftercare of your renewable energy installations.

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