In the latest of our spotlight series in partnership with The Heat Pump Association, Michelle Eastty from the elemental team speaks to Tony Lathey, A2W Product Specialist at Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions about heat pump technology.
Why did Panasonic become a member of the Heat Pump Association and what are the benefits of being involved?
Panasonic became a member of the HPA primarily to support the industry at this key stage in the UK for heat pump deployment, to achieve the UK’s carbon emission reduction target. Collectively, we have a larger voice and a clear sense of direction.
What are the key benefits of heat pump technology?
The main benefit of a heat pump over traditional fossil fuelled boilers is the carbon emission reduction that they provide in the generation of heat energy. Heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions by over 70% compared to boilers, and with more electricity being produced by green energy this figure will increase.
How can heat pumps benefit consumers facing rising energy costs?
At present, running cost savings against mains gas is very limited. This is partially due to the fact that electricity levies are so much higher in proportion to mains gas. Energy bills are made up of a number of costs. They’re not just the gas and electricity you use. Currently, 23% of the cost of electricity consists of environmental and social obligation outlay, with numerous government decarbonisation programmes funded through this levy. However, gas figures include less than 2% of environmental and social obligation costs. If you make sudden changes to this, that could put people into fuel poverty. Under the forthcoming energy price cap rise, gas and electricity have gone up by the same percentage rate.
How can consumers/tenants/residents be helped to use a heat pump effectively? (e.g., what are the controls like, will they need access to an app or other tech? etc)
Consumers who wish to control a heat pump in the same way that they would with a boiler, by the means of a standard room thermostat, can do so. Most heat pumps also have an app option, so the end user can also access their system remotely to adjust or monitor it. Panasonic is developing a total smart home system that means you will be able to connect and operate your heating system from one app.
Will a heat pump heat an older property effectively?
Heat pumps can heat an older property effectively and can provide high flow temperatures, if required, above 600C. However, improving the insulation within a home, and upgrading your heating system to a lower flow temperature, will help improve efficiency and lower running costs.
Is a heat pump noisy?
Air source heat pumps generate noise in their operation, but peak noise levels are around 55 – 75 decibels (dB), which is within safe levels. As a comparison, average home ambient noise is 40dB, moderate rainfall is 50dB, conversation in a restaurant is 60dB and a washing machine or dishwasher is 70dB. The peak noise levels for a heat pump will tend to be in winter, when people spend more time indoors. As the unit is outdoors, permitted development rights require a noise assessment is carried out to ensure the unit is not an issue for your neighbour, as the noise is always pointed away from your property.
What heat pump technology innovations does Panasonic offer? For example, can you tell me about the launch of Aquarea range and how it’s changing the industry?
The Panasonic Aquarea heat pump has been around in the UK for 16 years and the range has since grown extensively. The first air source heat pump developed by Panasonic was back in 1973. Nearly fifty years later, it has been developed into one of the most efficient and quietest heat pumps on the market.
Can you tell me more about the Aquarea Designer, online tool for installers, architects, designers etc, how it works and how it helps them?
The Panasonic Aquarea Designer tool enables installers, specifiers and consultants to provide a full in-depth report on the performance, running cost and carbon emission savings of the Panasonic unit selected. This is based on inputted parameters including location, installation design, solar gain, domestic hot water (DHW) requirements and the heating system connected.
What factors need to be considered when recommending and installing a heat pump system?
Selecting a heat pump that covers the design requirement, might sound obvious, but is important. You need to factor in the heating load, which measures how much heat is required per hour to heat a given space, and to maintain the desired temperature. Next is selecting an efficient heat pump, along with low noise levels. With our vast Aquarea range, we offer the perfection solution to all requirements, with models to suit all design projects.
What heat pump training and support do you provide for installers to expand their understanding of heat pump technology?
Panasonic offers a range of training courses, both online and face to face. The Heat Pump Association recently launched an Ofqual accredited course, and Panasonic offers this training to installers. We also provide dedicated Panasonic product training and continuing professional development training. Booking this training is managed through Panasonic’s PRO Club.
Panasonic is making its debut as an exhibitor at InstallerSHOW 2022 which will be co-located with our debut elemental expo. What are the primary reasons/benefits of being involved?
InstallerSHOW 2022 gives Panasonic an ideal opportunity to connect with key companies and personnel attending the show and help raise awareness of the full offering Panasonic can provide and our installation support, and aftercare help. Panasonic will showcase various Aquarea air source heat pump models on the stand, along with smart system control apps.
What are your thoughts on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, aiming to launch in spring this year? How would you like to see it work? Are you encouraging installers to get involved, and would you like to see more funding available?
All grants that benefit the support of installing heat pumps are welcomed. Having a fixed grant (£5,000 for an ASHP – Air Source Heat Pump ) upfront via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme allows the end user to benefit from the financial support from day one and makes the transition from a fossil fuelled system more comfortable.
What potential funding streams/models are available for social housing and local authorities and what are the pros/cons?
The social housing sector and local authorities have their own funding schemes now that The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is closing. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) supports the product and installation cost. The government has committed to £800 million across three years, based on applications. The second wave of applications for the funding will open from April 2022.
How can heat pumps improve the EPC rating of a dwelling and how can this help housing associations/local authorities meet the deadlines set out by government?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A-G, A being the most efficient. This mainly covers the insulation standards of your building, but also the heating efficiency of the heating system. The EPC will show the amount of CO2 emissions produced by that property in tonnes, and will advise on the amount this could be reduced by upgrading the insulation standards or installing a heat pump to replace the boiler.
With the cost of electricity going up, how can housing associations/local authorities ensure choosing heat pumps for their tenants isn’t going to push them into fuel poverty?
At present, the running cost of a heat pump should be no higher than the fossil fuelled boiler it replaces. A correctly installed heat pump will enhance the delivery of heat, creating a more comfortable living environment. The heat is more seamless than a fossil fuelled boiler, as it is on a constant, low temperature basis, rather than on a time clock with high flow temperatures, where the house goes hot and cold.
Do you think we are on course to meet the government’s heat pump targets of 600,000 a year by 2028?
The target is going to be hard to achieve, with a number of mitigating circumstances out of our control, including COVID-19. Having legislation in place is key to achieving the UK’s carbon emission targets, which heat pumps can support.
What do you want to see from the government to hit these goals?
Legislation is the most important action the government can take. This will give manufacturers the confidence to invest more in the UK going forwards to support decarbonisation.
Are there any more government reports or updates that you are aware are planned for this year that the industry needs to look at?
The most important date in 2022 is June 15th, when the updated building regulations will come into effect. These regulations will reduce the carbon emissions levels for new builds by 31% compared to current standards. By using a heat pump in a new build the regulations can be met, without the need for additional energy saving products to be installed.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
Given the unfortunate situation we find the world in today, with high fossil fuel prices, this highlights that the UK needs to move away from being fossil fuel dependant as soon as possible. The quicker the UK generates its own energy through renewable technology, alongside the increase in nuclear energy, then the UK can move to a larger electrification system to heat our properties. Heat pumps can support this move, due to their high efficiencies.
For more information about Panasonic visit aircon.panasonic.eu\GB_en\ and for the Heat Pump Association visit heatpumps.org.uk/
