FAQ’s
How much space do I need to install a Ground Source Heat Pump?
This depends upon whether you choose horizontal ground loop or vertical borehole installation and the Heat Loss of your home.
Horizontal ground loops need the most space – typically at least three times your total floor area (including ground and upper floors).
Vertical boreholes can be installed on a smaller plot, but there are restrictions as to how close these can be sited to buildings, so it is best to check with an expert before making a decision.
Don’t forget to account for space within your home for the GSHP, cylinder and buffer tank – most people choose to locate these in a separate plant room if an option.
Is a Heat Pump difficult to maintain?
No, it’s quite simple. You are advised to regularly check that the air inlet grill and evaporator are free of leaves and debris and have an annual Service carried out as you would with any heating appliance.
What is meant by Coefficient of performance?
ASHP’s Coefficient of Performance, or COP, refers to the amount of energy produced by the Heat Pump compared to the amount of energy used to run it. The higher the COP, the more efficient the technology.
For example, an electric fire using 1kWh of electricity to generate 1kWh of heat would have a COP of 1 – making it 100% efficient as it uses the same amount of energy as it generates. A HP that uses 1kWh of electricity to generate 4kWh of heat would have a COP of 4 and is 400% efficient, extracting an additional 3kWh of heat from the Air/Ground to provide heating and hot water.
Can I use a Heat Pump with underfloor heating?
Absolutely! Underfloor heating (UFH) is at its most efficient when operating at lower flow temperatures – HPs provide a low-level, constant heat, making them a perfect partner for UFH.
Are there grants available for installing a Heat Pump?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants to encourage property owners to replace existing fossil fuel heating with more efficient, low carbon heating systems including Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps and, in limited circumstances, Biomass Boilers.
You can get:
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£7,5000 off the cost and installation of an Air Source Heat Pump
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£7,500 off the cost and installation of a Ground Source Heat Pump
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£5,000 off the cost and installation of a Biomass Boiler
These grants help property owners overcome the upfront cost of installing a low carbon heating system.
How much will I save on running costs?
This depends on your usage pattern and what system of heating you currently use. For oil, LPG or direct electric heating the savings will be considerable and for the lifetime of the Heat Pump.
Do I need bigger radiators for a Heat Pump?
Potentially yes however what does ‘bigger’ mean. In most circumstances your existing radiators may be suitable, and this will be established after a Technical Heat Loss survey on your home. If however you do require some upgrading a lot of the time this just means from a single panel to a double panel with convectors therefore not actually increasing the footprint of the said radiators.
How many solar panels and batteries do I need on my home?
The solar energy you generate through your Solar Panels and store in your Solar Battery can make a significant contribution towards powering your home and greatly reduce your annual energy bills.
In terms of the ideal number of Solar Panels or Batteries for your home, it will depend on your home energy profile and the available space on your roof.
How long do solar panels last?
The life expectancy of a Solar Panel is 25-30 years, though there will be some degradation over time resulting in a decrease in energy output.
Abacus offers tier-one rated panels which come with a 25-year ‘power output warranty’. This typically guarantees they’ll still be producing at least 80% of their initial rated peak output after 25 years. So, the output is expected to decrease by an average of less than 1% per year.
What is your complaints procedure?
MAKING A COMPLAINT
If you’re not completely happy with our service we’d like to hear about it so we can do something to put it right. We do everything we can to make sure our customers get the best products and service possible. However, sometimes we may not get things right the first time.
We would like you to tell us what went wrong so we can put matters right.
HOW AND WHERE TO COMPLAIN
If you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service or products, you can tell us about your complaint in the following ways:
In writing – write to us and address your letter to Alex Johnson, Abacus Energy Solutions, Unit 7, Olympic Way, Sefton Business Park, L30 1RD.
By telephone – call us 03301 244 299 during our office hours and ask for Complaints.
By email – info@abacusenergysolutions.co.uk
WHAT TO EXPECT
We aim to resolve your complaint straightaway but if we can’t, we will keep you informed on a regular basis. If you need an update, please call us on 03301 244 299 and ask to speak to the person handling your complaint.
When we reply to your complaint, if you consider our response doesn’t fully address your concern, please let the person handling your compliant know so we can see if there is anything further, we can do.
IF WE CANNOT REACH AGREEMENT
Our aim is to resolve all complaints. However, if you are not satisfied after receiving our final decision letter, or if eight weeks have passed you have the right to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Their contact details are shown below.
Please note: Only complaints relating to the sale of financial services should be referred to FOS.
Financial Ombudsman Service can be contacted in writing:
Financial Ombudsman Service
Exchange Tower
London
E14 9SR
Tel: 0800 023 4567 (free for most people ringing from a fixed line) or 0300 123 9123 (cheaper for those calling using a mobile) or 44 20 7964 0500 (if calling from abroad)
Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Further information can be obtained from the Financial Ombudsman Service’s website at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
