Often seen as a ‘green’ purchase in itself, Kensa is reminding end users that the energy saving merits of heat pumps can extend beyond the efficient heating system, as Stephanie Rees, marketing manager at Kensa Engineering, explains: “For many the motivation to be energy efficient is driven by financial savings. Thankfully ground source heat pumps achieve both, yet there are many actions owners of ground source heat pumps can take to further reduce their energy consumption and bills. The Energy Saving Trust’s Energy Saving Week is an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness of these savvy savings, which when combined could result in further carbon reductions and around £650 saved every year!”
In brief, the following are Kensa’s top energy saving tips for ground source heat pump customers:
1. Get the best out of your heat pump by keeping flow temperatures as low as possible
Estimated saving: £108 per year / 505kg CO2
Tip: Fitting the largest radiators possible will allow you to keep the flow temperature as low as possible to get the best efficiency.
2. Only top the DHW cylinder up to 60°C once per week
Estimated saving: £127 per year
Tip: Arrange the time clock so that this secondary heating occurs immediately after a period of heat pump heating to ensure the secondary heating has less uplift required, and is therefore more energy efficient.
3. Insulate the loft and walls properly before installing a heat pump
Estimated saving: £156 per year / 705kg CO2
Tip: If possible arrange for your property to be photographed with a thermal imaging camera to establish where the heat leaks are.
4. Powerflush the heating system before installing a heat pump
Estimated saving: 25 percent – 30 percent off your heating bill
Tip: Fit high quality lagging to all heating pipes that are outside the heated space.
5. Turn the room thermostat down by a degree and to suit your lifestyle
Estimated saving: £50 per year
Tip: Make sure the room thermostat is correctly wired so that all circulation pumps also switch off when heating is not required.
All figures are based on a 4 bed detached house, circa 1970.