What is the best heat pump for my home?
Did you know that there are different types of air source heat pump? In this article, we look at the differences between the main heat pump models we install, and help you decide which is the best heat pump for you.
What heat pumps do Good Energy install?
The two heat pump models currently installed by Good Energy are both manufactured by Midea – a popular brand also installed by Worcester Bosch. We mostly install Midea R32 heat pumps, but we now also offer the newer Midea R290 model. Here’s a quick overview of their similaraties and differences.
Midea R32 heat pump
- Uses R32 refrigerant gas
- Cheaper to install than R290 heat pump
- Only installed at a low flow temperature, achieving an average efficiency of 360%
- Lower running costs than gas and oil boilers
- Ideal for homes that want to improve their existing central heating system to make it more efficient
- Can be installed in a wider range of locations
- Ultra quiet operation
- Remote monitoring as standard
- Majority of installations are eligible for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
- 10 year warranty if serviced annually
Midea R290 heat pump
- Uses R290 refrigerant gas
- More expensive to install than R32 model
- Configured at a wider range of flow temperatures, including up to 75-degrees
- Higher running costs when configured at high flow temperature
- Suited to homes that can’t or don’t want to upgrade other central heating elements
- More limitations on install location due to additional clearances required
- Ultra quiet operation
- Remote monitoring as standard
- Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7,500 grant when it achieves minimum efficiency of 280%
- 10 year warranty if serviced annually
What is the best heat pump model for my home?
At Good Energy, we specialise in designing bespoke heat pump systems that keep your home at a comfortable temperature in as efficient a way as possible. As part of your bespoke design consultation, we’ll discuss your priorities for your heating system and assess your heat loss per room to make our recommendation about the best heat pump model for you.
Both the R32 and the R290 heat pump models can be configured at a flow temperature of around 55 degrees. This temperature will provide all the hot water you need and would keep most homes at a comfortable 18-22 degrees.
R32 heat pumps are cheaper to install and have less limitations on their install location. They are highly efficient, and lead to low ongoing running costs for the customer. However they are best suited for customers that are happy to undertake a more comprehensive upgrade to their heating and hot water system.
You may opt for the R290 heat pump due to the refrigerant gas’ lower global warming potential. The R290 heat pump looks more modern, but it does need additional clearances around it to work effectively, meaning there are more limitations on the install location.
This heat pump model can be configured to heat your home at a higher flow temperature, making it more suitable for harder-to-heat homes. However, higher flow temperatures come with higher running costs; and you can only access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7500 Grant when the installation will achieve a minimum efficiency of 280%.
When might we recommend a heat pump with a higher flow temperature?
While heat pumps with a flow temperature of 55 degrees can be installed in the majority of homes, some properties may require more work to ensure your home reaches your target temperature.
If you are not able or do not want to undertake recommended upgrades to your central heating, you can choose to install an R290 heat pump configured at a higher flow temperature of up to 75 degrees. This means the heat pump is more compatible with heating systems designed around boilers – generally smaller radiators that emit higher levels of heat for shorter bursts.
The benefits of this includes a simpler and quicker installation. However, your ongoing running costs will be higher because the heat pump will require more energy to reach the higher flow temperature.
If you were to upgrade other areas of your home at a later date, such as adding insulation or new radiators, then your heat pump flow temperature can be brought down to reduce your running costs.
The government Boiler Upgrade Scheme cannot currently be used for a heat pump installation that has an efficiency lower than 280% – which a high flow temperature would be unlikely to achieve.
Speak with our heat pump experts
If you’re not sure which heat pump is right for you, the best thing to do is speak to our heat pump experts. We can make recommendations based on your goals around upgrading your heating, as well as answer questions you may have about making changes to your property to accommodate a heat pump.
