With British Summer Time already becoming a distant memory in 2024, experts are predicting this could be the biggest winter yet for the installation of heat pumps in commercial premises.
Heat pumps have been at the forefront of the government’s campaign for the decarbonisation of UK homes, including a £7,500 grant on offer to homeowners in England and Wales as part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
But the need for decarbonisation in business premises, including the use of heat pumps, has generated less noise.
Now, however, as increasing number of businesses announce Net Zero plans and climate road maps, scrutiny on whether they turn those plans into reality is growing – and with it an interest in heat pumps.
Craig Moreton, Controls and Heat Pump Systems Lead at Trane UK, a company which manufactures, sells and rents commercial heat pumps, expects that trend to continue.
He said: “We are seeing increased interest from businesses in heat pumps, especially in the rental market which allows them to try out heat pump systems without dipping into their capital expenditure budget.
“Our view is that rental could be the key to encouraging businesses to decarbonise the heating of their premises and to overcome the myths and misconceptions that have been holding them back until now.
“There’s no doubt that heat pumps have been adopted more quickly in the domestic market and have earned more headlines, too.
“But the Net Zero argument is possibly the biggest driver of all when it comes to persuading businesses to make the switch and that’s reflected in an increase in enquiries.
“Our view is that this winter could be a turning point in the market.”
Some of the biggest reasons for businesses to consider a heat pump include:
Commercial heat pump technology is moving fast. The latest heat pumps can switch quickly from heating to cooling, are fast to install and can heat water to the same temperature as a gas boiler. That means there may no longer be a requirement to change radiators when you switch from boiler to heat pump.
Rooftop heat pumps, suitable for larger premises, can use warm air to heat a building without the need for radiators or boilers.
Modern refrigerants used in heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than the past, adding to their carbon reduction credentials.
Heat pumps can lead to energy cost saving because they are up to four times more efficient than a gas boiler.
Renting a heat pump system is now possible. Installers can effectively tap into the current system, bypassing existing boilers. A Thermal Management System (TMS) takes over the running of the heating once installed.
Craig said: “When you consider how many business premises there are in the country, commercial heat pumps could have a huge part to play in helping us reach Net Zero. It is time they were given greater focus.”
