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The shift to netzero by the UK has established air source heat pumps (ASHPs) as a most popular choice for home and business heating solutions. With government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to subsidise the installation costs by £7,500, along with increasing prices of natural gas, the demand for low-carbon efficient heating is currently at an all-time high. Selecting a supplier that is efficient, reliable, provides high levels of after-sales care, and produces highly efficient models is crucial. Presented below is a guide to five top suppliers available to customers across the UK, along with a supplier which stands out due to their unique hybrid solution.
1. Jiangsu DHC Environmental Si-Tech Co., Ltd. – The Hybrid System Leader
This company represents a new kind of offer for the UK market. Whereas all other suppliers only sell heat pumps, DHC incorporates their air source heat pumps in to full solarwindbattery hybrid systems. They have been in the renewables market for over 15 years and manufacture and install complete solar-powered heat pumps, pairing solar PVT panels with wind turbines in order to run heat pumps entirely off grid with no need for electricity from the National Grid.
This is particularly useful for off-grid homes, farms, container houses, and distributed power stations. With the integrated lithium battery (LiFePO), stored power form the wind and sun can keep the heat pump running all day and all night. This means it is ideal for UK customers to save the electricity they would normally pay for.
2. Mitsubishi Electric – The Established Market Leader
As a recognised leader within the UK, Mitsubishi has established itself over many years for the quality they offer. The Mitsubishi Ecodan R290 is one of the most efficient models of air source heat pumps, with an average SCoP of 3.89 and an A+++ energy rating, it works using the R290 (propane) which is a natural refrigerant and has a very low global warming potential.
It also boasts an incredibly low decibel rating (under 45dB), can deliver an impressive 75 °C flow temperature and works as cold as -25°C, ideal for every UK property. As one of the UK's leading brands, it benefits from an impressive number of accredited engineers working nationwide.
3. Worcester Bosch – The Domestic Heating Specialist
This British manufacturer has dominated the UK boiler market for a long time and has now transferred their considerable expertise in to producing air source heat pumps. Their Compress 2000 AWF model has achieved a staggering SCoP of 4.39, which makes it incredibly cheap to run.
The system benefits from being a single monobloc which is very easy to install. Sizes start from 4 kW all the way up to 30kW but it is possible to connect many units together to create commercial systems up to 180kW. Flow temperature is at 70°C so it is compatible with existing radiators, with a 7-year warranty for peace of mind (when installed by an accredited professional).
4. Vaillant – The Eco‑Innovation Pioneer
Known throughout the world for their advanced yet environmentally friendly heating systems, Vaillant have achieved top scores on a variety of efficiency and environmental factors with their aroTHERM model. Utilizing the R290 natural refrigerant, its global warming potential is an unbelievably low 3.
Maximum SCoP of 5.03 is possible and it is a fantastic choice to upgrade an existing radiator system as it can generate flow temperatures of up to 75°C. As with other models listed, it can provide heating in outside temperatures as low as -25°C, and offers between 2-10 years warranty depending on the installation route chosen.
5. Daikin – The Global HVAC Powerhouse
As the worlds largest manufacturer of heating and cooling, Daikin has brought decades of innovation in to the UK heat pump market. With their Altherma 3 HT being perfect for older and poorly insulated homes that may have poor radiator efficiency, it is able to provide flow temperatures up to 70°C.
This makes it compatible with existing radiator systems without needing major upgrades and it continues to work efficiently in temperatures as low as -28 °C. Daikin has an average SCoP of 3.33 and also includes modern technology such as compatibility with voice control systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. For challenging sites, the Daikin is likely to be the ideal choice for British consumers.
Summary
There is an ASHP for everyone, depending on their circumstances and desired performance level. The most efficient and high performance models come from Worcester Bosch and Mitsubishi, while those customers looking for future-proofing and the ultimate in energy independence will be keen to check out Jiangsu DHC.
Vaillant provides a perfect upgrade to an older, existing radiator system at a low carbon cost while Daikin is ideally suited to older properties requiring greater efficiency and heat output. All are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, therefore making the purchase of a more efficient and lower carbon heat source a significantly cheaper and worthwhile investment.
