Retrofit into heat pump technology for a more sustainable future

Whilst we move into the summer months, now is an ideal time to consider retrofitting your housing stock and to take the opportunity to switch from traditional boilers and move towards more renewable technologies such as air source heat pumps. Paul Taylor, Head of Renewables for Panasonic UK, takes a closer look at the latest developments in heat pump technology for a more energy efficient heating and sustainable future.

Heat Pump technology has developed considerably over recent years, to now have very low noise levels, are quick and easy to install and perform at very high energy efficient levels, with the Panasonic units performing well in the SAP 10.2 regulations. The above factors have been hugely influential in convincing housebuilders and housing providers to transition to this new technology.

Cloud-based Control

Intelligent cloud based tools and controls have been developed to make heat pumps an attractive alternative technology. Functions such cloud-based technology and service support, allowing remote monitoring to advise end users of their energy usage to help save on costs plus the system can be remotely managed by an installer for maintenance purposes. Remote access to a unit to help improve efficiency or to rectify any user errors without having to be physically present and thus reducing travel times and again carbon emissions.

Panasonic has been manufacturing heat pumps since 1973, with a history in R&D and leading the market in renewable technologies. The Panasonic Aquarea range of heat pumps lead with energy efficiency and cloud service technology. Additionally, Panasonic has recently formed a partnership with Drayton to utilise their platform Wiser, with the aim of further enhancing and optimising the energy efficiency of the whole house and improving the overall user experience.

Panasonic offers a wide range of A+++ energy class (average climate at 35°C), rated units that have a SCOP of 5.12 with potential energy savings and costs to the tenant or resident of the property1 and offers an appropriate unit for all sizes of properties. An Aquarea mono-bloc unit can be particularly attractive, housing everything needed for the heat pump in one self-contained outdoor unit, making it easier to install and maintain.

Continuing R&D for a sustainable future

Panasonic is always striving to improve products and find new solutions to help society both have sustainable products and be focused on carbon reduction, the new R290 L range of Aquarea heat pumps that has recently joined the Panasonic line up has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of only 3, this we see will open up the refurbishment market more as they can more easily replace a gas boiler and utilise existing radiators because of they can operate at a high temperature. The retrofit market is a very important market for Panasonic, and thanks to the introduction of the new Aquarea L generation of R290 units, it has never been easier for homeowners and housing providers to switch from a gas boiler to a heat pump and reduce their carbon emissions.

Working in collaboration

It is vital that there is good collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, and housing providers to reach the all-important net zero goals. At Panasonic we keep an ongoing conversation with housing providers, and social housing providers, giving advice on new projects and pre-design work to make sure the right solution is being utilised in each situation. This type of collaboration ensures projects are successful and high energy efficiencies and cost savings are achieved.

Local councils and government are also heavily supporting the decarbonisation of their regions, driving renewable technologies such as heat pumps. For example, Greater Manchester has a large decarbonisation plan, adopting Panasonic heat pumps as a key partner. Schemes like this offer a clear plan for house builders and social housing providers on how they can drive their businesses forward and incorporate renewable technology, reducing carbon and meeting the desire for affordable heating.  

The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP for Welwyn Hatfield and Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero recently visit the Panasonic UK HQ in Welwyn Hatfield and commented, “It was so interesting to learn about and see first-hand the innovative work and high-quality heat pumps which will help reduce our carbon emissions and provide lower energy bills for all. I was also thrilled to learn about Panasonic’s new training and support scheme which launches this month. I want to thank the team at Panasonic and thank them for helping Britain decarbonise.”

It is with this kind of collaboration and support that Panasonic have seen success with large-scale projects and introducing air-source heat pumps into affordable housing developments. For example, Panasonic lead the way in a recent successful trial of the Panasonic Aquarea Mono-bloc air-to-water heat pumps at the Gleeson Homes development in Poolsbrook, which lead to a controlled roll-out of the technology into 100’s of homes in a number of developments. The project involved installing a 5kW Panasonic heat pump and benchmarking its performance against an identical gas boiler heated home located nearby. The trial gave the Gleeson Homes team great insight into the ease of installation and energy efficiency benefits of Panasonic’s heat pump. Since the completion of the project, homeowners are now living in the properties and happily utilising the new technology in their homes.

Training and skills to help meet the demand

Training is also a vital aspect of ensuring that the UK workforce has the skills needed to succeed in the switch to a more renewable future. It also helps ensure that the heat pump installations are of a high quality and provides reassurance in their reliability and high level of energy efficiency which not only helps reduce carbon but also helps reduce energy costs. The focus and commitment to carbon neutrality is crucial if we are to tackle the global challenge of climate change to protect for future generations.

The heating industry is willing to embrace the change to a more renewable future, Panasonic is supporting by delivering training to installers and supporting this transition with up to £500 to newly trained installers .

For more information on the Panasonic range of low carbon heat pumps, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en

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