Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What exactly is a heat pump?
A. Heat pumps take the natural heat that exists in the earth, in water and in the air and converts that heat into energy. Even when the earth, water and air are very cold, they still contain heat.
Q. Why do you hear so little about them?
A. While heat pumps have been in use in some of the coldest parts of the world for many years, they have been slow to catch on in the UK, partly because we had our own relatively cheap coal and North Sea oil and gas. Now those days are over and we have to switch to renewable energy sources.
Q. What is so special about an air source heat pump?
A. Think of it like your fridge, which creates a cold space by removing the heat from inside the fridge and pushing it out the back. An air source, or air-to-water, heat pump removes the heat from the air outside your home and uses it to heat your home and your water. It uses an unlimited, renewable and free energy source.
Q. How do I decide which Sanderling Heat Pump is right for my house?
A. A Sanderling Warmth installer will discuss the options with you and recommend the one that is right for you.
Q. Are they capable of working in even sub-zero temperatures?
A. Yes. Air source heat pumps are tried and tested in Eastern Europe and Canada and work even if the temperature outside your house is -15C.
Q. Is it true that I can have a heat pump that works with my existing boiler to cut costs?
A. Yes, if necessary. Depending on the age, size and level of insulation of your house it may make sense to use your existing boiler as an occasional back up.
Q. In what ways are Sanderling Warmth systems better than any others?
A. Our clever electronic control system, our range of models for all housing types and because Sanderling Warmth is dedicated to air source heat pumps. Our systems are just right for the UK climate. We don’t supply conventional boilers.
Q. Are they difficult or expensive to install?
A. Not particularly. It depends on the property but in most cases installation will take about the same amount of time as for a conventional oil or gas boiler.
Q. Can I keep my existing radiators and cylinder?
A. In most cases, yes. We will need to assess your current radiators and cylinder and it may be that they are old and would need replacing anyway.
Q. How long will it take for a Sanderling Warmth heat pump to pay for itself?
A. This depends on many factors such as the age, size and level of insulation of your house and which Sanderling Warmth heat pump is right for you but your accredited Sanderling Warmth installer will give you the figures.
Q. Can you hide the actual unit away?
A. The Sanderling Warmth unit is installed outside your house so it will only be seen from the outside. We think the attractive stainless steel casing is something people will not want to hide away.
Q. Are they suited to the UK climate?
A. Sanderling Warmth air source heat pumps are particularly suited to the UK climate.
Q. What happens if there is a power cut?
A. As with all the electrically powered appliances at your property a Sanderling Warmth heat pump would be affected by a power cut but the heat already in your system will be retained as long as the power comes back on within a few hours.
Q. Are they likely to cause any sort of nuisance to me or my neighbours?
A. No. A Sanderling Warmth unit runs almost silently.
Q. Do I need planning permission?
A. No.
Q. Is the refrigerant approved, and not dangerous?
A. Yes, the refrigerant is approved and is no more dangerous than the one in your fridge or freezer.
Q. What sort of control system will I have?
A. You will have simple control panel that is as easy to use as that for a conventional boiler.
Q. How much money will I save?
A. This depends on many factors such as the age, size and level of insulation of your house and which Sanderling Warmth heat pump is right for you but you can see calculations in the PDF's on the Technical page.
Q. Does the government give grants for heat pumps?
A. The government intends to transform the way energy is used in our homes. Subject to legislation there could generous incentives of grants and loans to install a Sanderling Warmth system, plus something called a Renewable Heat Incentive, currently scheduled for introduction in April 2011.
- Intelligence: clever electronic control system
- Higher temperature: models for all housing types
- Stainless steel: long lasting with minimum maintenance
- Patented anti-freeze valves: no need for anti-freeze
- Warranty: 5-year guarantee
- Testing: pressure tested in the factory
- Installers: highly qualified Sanderling Warmth trained installers
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