Emma Bohan, general manager of IMS Heat Pumps, sat down with The Renewable Heating Hub and explained the difference between ground source and air source heat pumps, and why it’s imperative that homeowners get their heat loss calculations done properly at first time of asking.
Emma also spoke about the importance of insulation, are there any instances where she wouldn’t recommend a heat pump, the difference in government grants and support between England and Scotland, and what point you should consult a heat pump designer when you’re thinking of building or renovating your property.
We would like to thank the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) for sponsoring this interview in the Renewing the Conversation series. We hope that you enjoy the interview.
00:00 – Intro
00:46 – Difference between ground source and air source heat pump systems
03:32 – Are ground source customers typically rural homeowners?
04:48 – What are the ballpark costs for air source versus ground source?
07:20 – Has there been an increase in business demand for heat pumps?
09:15 – Is insulation an issue in UK homes?
13:39 – What are heat loss calculations?
14:55 – Are heat loss calculations subjective?
17:49 – Varying heat loss calculation results
21:02 – Do you need planning permission for ground source installations?
23:19 – Thought process difference between designing air source versus ground source systems
25:28 – Is there an instance when you wouldn’t recommend installing a heat pump?
27:45 – Are the majority of projects retrofits or new builds?
29:19 – What brand of heat pumps do IMS recommend?
31:45 – What are the differences in grants between England and Scotland?
33:22 – If you are building a new home or thinking of renovating when should you contact your heat pump installer to design the system?
35:28 – Conclusion