Government announces plans to make it easier for heat pump installation
New changes to government heat pump legislation
Last week, the government announced changes to its legislation to make it easier for customers to make the transition to sustainable heating solutions such as air source heat pumps. These changes come into effect from Thursday 29th May. Here is everything you need to know.
So, what are the changes?
- Removing the 1 metre boundary rule.
- Increasing the number of heat pumps a homeowner can install from one to two for detached houses.
- Increasing the maximum size of air source heat pump allowable under permitted development from 0.6m3 to 1.5m3
- Allowing air-to-air heat pumps that can also provide a cooling function to benefit from the same permitted development rights as air source heat pumps (air to water).
Removal of the 1 metre rule
Previous legislation stated that an air source heat pump could not be placed within 1 metre of a property’s boundary. For homeowners with limited outdoor space, this meant that installing an air source heat pump was incredibly challenging, if not impossible.
The original 1 metre rule was designed to mitigate against any possible noise complaints and how neighbouring properties might be affected. Now that modern heat pumps are significantly quieter (you can read about heat pump noise here), the need for the distance between properties is no longer required.
Whilst air source heat pumps still require clear space around them work to their maximum efficiency, the removal of the 1 metre rule means that many more homeowners will now be able to install an air source heat pump.
Installing larger heat pumps
New legislations means that the maximum size of air source heat pump allowable under permitted development has increased from 0.6m3 to 1.5m3. This means that homeowners can now potentially install larger, quieter models of heat pump in a wider range of homes.
More flexibility for larger detached homes
In some cases, properties may require more than one heat pump to adequately heat their home. This is called a cascade system and means that two heat pumps can share the load for heating and hot water at the same time.
Under the previous rules, homeowners required planning permission to install a second heat pump. Again, this was prohibitive for people in larger detached homes, The new rules means that these homeowners can now install two heat pumps without planning permission.
How loud is an air source heat pump?
You might be surprised by just how quiet an air source heat pump is. Like any machine in operation, air source heat pumps do produce noise – but how much noise they produce is remarkably low, especially with newer models being designed with a focus on low-noise operation. Read more about heat pump noise here.
What radiators are best for heat pumps?
Larger radiators with convectors are generally the best radiators for air source heat pumps, while designer radiators, towel rails, and cast-iron models should be avoided due to their inefficiency with heat pump systems. Careful evaluation and measurement of your existing radiators will ensure that your heating system operates at its best, providing comfort and energy efficiency. Read our full radiator guide here.
Will a heat pump keep me warm in the winter?
While we rarely have blazing hot summers in the UK, we also rarely have bitterly cold winters. An air source heat pump is perfect for the UK climate as it can work off-grid and will still operate when outside temperatures are as low as -28°C. It may work a little harder but you will still be warm and cosy in your home.
Isn’t a heat pump expensive?
As with almost any significant investment into your home, the cost of upgrading your heating system is more complex than a single number.
An air source heat pump heating system is specific to your home and the requirements for any installation vary. Things such as the size of your home, its current heating system, and how well insulated it is, all play a part. Let’s look at installation costs, running costs and servicing and maintenance.
Take a closer look at heat pump cots here in our comprehensive guide.
If you couldn’t install an air source heat pump previously:
If you’ve previously talked to us about installing a heat pump at your home but were prevented from doing so by the 1 metre rule, why not get in touch today to see if you can now go ahead.