Commercial heating and hot water knowledge articles

Building on Introduction to Heat Pumps: Technology and Principles, this latest CPD focusses on how to select, specify and design considerations for Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) systems, particularly looking at the initial steps of the AM17 process in implementing heat pumps in large non-domestic buildings

Heat pumps are becoming a popular and reliable option for efficient heating, however, larger commercial properties with substantial heating and hot water needs often find a single heat pump unit insufficient. For these high-demand scenarios, a cascade heat pump system may be the ideal solution, offering enhanced efficiency and performance at reduced costs.

When it comes to the provision of domestic hot water (DHW) within commercial buildings, there is no doubt that using heat pumps plays a fundamental role in the drive to improve sustainability. However, with most heat pumps operating at low flow temperatures, how best can we utilise heat pumps to their full potential and ensure they are operating effectively and efficiently?

Need a compact solution that doesn't compromise on power?  Look no further. If you specify or install our Stratton Mk3 wall-hung condensing boilers in outputs of 40 – 70kW, in a cascade on our low height frame and header kit, it’s the most compact cascade solution on the market!

Hamworthy Heating understands the challenges businesses are facing in meeting the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target. While many public sector commercial buildings still rely on fossil fuel-based heating, transitioning to decarbonised systems, like heat pumps, can cut emissions by up to 70%. Yet, funding for low-carbon heat sources in the public sector non-domestic buildings is limited, and navigating eligibility and applications can be daunting. 

The efficiencies of modern modular condensing boilers compared with older atmospheric boilers have improved vastly over the last 40-50 years. By dividing output capacity with greater fuel efficiency, this means that there is often the opportunity to reduce the total number of boilers used in an installation. 

Refrigerants are an essential component to the efficient running of heat pump systems, but with so many types to choose from - each with a formulaic name of their own - it can be confusing and difficult to see how specifying the right heat pump system with the right refrigerant matters for your heating project.

With challenges such as financial demands and space constraints being a key consideration for many heating and hot water projects, compact modular condensing boilers such as the Upton boiler from Hamworthy is a game changer for both commercial new build and refurbishment projects alike.

While the installation of heat pumps will play a large part in helping the Government achieve its net zero target – air source heat pumps (ASHPs) can fit almost anywhere: retrofit or new build, domestic or industrial and commercial, mixed-use developments – but what about the opportunity in buildings that are not ready to rely completely on low carbon heating systems?

The energy efficiency of air source heat pumps is not in doubt; they are up to three times as efficient as a gas boiler. But to maximise the energy efficiency of a commercial heat pump solution, there are four key aspects that need careful consideration: building fabric, building services, heat pump system design, and usage.