Heat pumps are taking centre stage as the UK moves from fossil fuel-based heating systems to a low-carbon future.
But let’s be honest – we face a considerable challenge. Achieving the government’s ambitious target of 600,000 heat pumps each year by 2028 requires a tenfold increase in the number of installations over the next five years.
In many ways, the technology itself is not the issue. There are plenty of heat pump options on the market.
Our own het pump range for example extends from an energy-efficient 5kW Ecodan domestic air-to-air heat pumps to commercially sized 1000kW heat pumps that can produce hot water up to 90oC, suitable even for the demands of hotels or leisure centres.
The gap lies more in the expertise needed to correctly design, specify, install and maintain these products.
Some installers are already building their know-how in this area, but achieving over half a million installs per year across domestic and commercial projects means we need more people to take up the opportunity and acquire training.
By ensuring that the system is running at its best, you can help prolong the life of the system
Kevin Wilcott Business Development Manager (Service & Maintenance)
The right application
And heat pump owners, whether householders or building managers, need to understand the importance of working with experts in this area.
The first step is using the right heat pump product for the right application, and this is where education, training and support play such an important role.
It’s not just about installation – the maintenance of heat pumps is just as crucial as the servicing of boilers has been over the past decades.
Householders and commercial building managers must adopt new approaches to upkeep this equipment. Ensuring that heat pumps operate well will enhance their performance and provide years of trouble-free performance.
Gauging the right temperature
One of the critical factors in ensuring that heat pumps run smoothly is to work with domestic and commercial heat pump maintenance specialists who know their way around the products and the systems.
For example, an essential aspect of heat pump maintenance is ensuring that the system runs at the correct temperature.
Heat pumps are generally low-temperature heating systems and require a different approach to maintenance than traditional high-temperature systems such as gas boilers.
A specialist will be able to adjust the system to the correct temperature and ensure that the owner is getting the benefit of the energy-efficient technology.
Trained heat pump maintenance specialists can also identify and fix any issues. This can include anything from a simple clogged filter to a more complex problem, such as a faulty compressor. Again, a specialist can diagnose the problem and have the tools and knowledge to get the job done quickly.
Extending the life of your equipment
Regular maintenance can also help to extend the life of your heat pump. By ensuring that the system is running at its best, you can help to prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of the system. This will save money in the long run and ensure that domestic or commercial owners get the most from their investment.
When choosing a heat pump maintenance specialist, it is vital to look for someone fully trained and qualified. This means they have the necessary knowledge and experience to work with your specific heat pump system.
Mitsubishi Electric is one of the leading manufacturers of heat pumps in the UK, and we have a team of specialists who are fully trained and qualified to work with heat pump products. For example, our maintenance professionals are all REFCOM Elite F Gas certified to handle the refrigerants in a heat pump system.
The UK’s heating landscape is changing. Leaving fossil fuel systems behind is not easy but adopting new approaches to how we heat our buildings is critical to tackling climate change and reaching net zero.
Heat pumps will play a key role in getting to that point.
Kevin Wilcott Business Development Manager (Service & Maintenance)
