To explain, there are two types of systems, both run by a refrigeration system so working in the same way but providing different outcomes and therefore used for different applications.
The first, is the air-to-air heat pump, commonly known as split air conditioning (AC) systems which heat in the winter and provide cooling in the summer. Most well known for being used in offices, shops and hotels but just as well suited to houses as they provide the vital cooling required for the hot summer months and also simple to install in any situation.
The second is air to water, these are the systems that are now being promoted to replace gas boilers. They heat the water for the hot tank supplying the domestic supply as well as the radiators/underfloor heating. They don’t provide cooling and are not suitable for all properties.
Both types of system are included as green technologies, and both are gaining momentum as the way forward to heat our homes.
Air-to-Air Heat Pumps
Can be used to completely heat a home in winter and come in various forms, floor standing systems, wall mounted and ceiling vented. They can be installed in most properties, have the advantage of heating to higher temperatures, are very economical to run and can be less complicated to install.
There are no entry requirements for training so open to anyone who has any practical skills.
As this is a refrigeration system an F Gas certificate is a legal requirement for anyone installing one of these systems but that qualification alone would probably not on its own offer enough knowledge to be able to install such systems, however short additional courses are available.
They don’t however provide the domestic hot water but a combination of this with a water heating system can be installed so heating and ventilation of the space, dehumidification and air filtration can all be carried out by this type of system with smart control of individual room temperatures.
See:- Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (EIRO): Air-to-Air Heat Pumps Review
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
This system replaces the gas boiler and can be air source or ground source. This means an outside system using the air or buried in the ground. Ground source has many limitations due to space and are probably more suited to new builds due to the depth that the pipes need to be buried and most homeowners don’t want their garden dug up!
Air Source systems, using similar to the outdoor unit in the split (AC) system heats the water in the hot water tank and central heating system via the radiators but can involve lots of work to replace radiators, sometimes the pipes running to them and do not heat to the same temperature as current central heating systems so careful design is a requirement.
There are government grants available for appropriate qualified installer of heat pumps. To gain a qualification to obtain the grant candidates must have the prerequisite entry requirement of an NVQ at level 3 in heating, plumbing or oil or documented evidence of suitable manufacturer training and several years experience in conventional heating to be able to enter the course.
As these are non-refrigerant side qualifications, successful candidates cannot install the first type of air conditioning (AC) system without the F Gas qualification and further training.
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