Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are emerging as the most popular choice locally when it comes to upgrading from or as an alternative to traditional heating systems - both domestically and commercially. At BBS we’ve founded a new division – BBS Renewable Solutions – to embrace the changing face of our industry and supply our customers not only with quality products, but quality advice too.
ASHPs are an innovative means of heating our homes whilst reducing emissions and energy consumption. They work in a similar way to a refrigerator, but in reverse, by extracting heat from surrounding air. The pump consists of an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve, all working harmoniously to transfer heat efficiently.
The process begins as the evaporator absorbs heat from the outdoor air, even in low temperatures. This low-grade heat energy is then compressed, increasing its temperature, before being transferred to the condenser. Within the condenser, the heat is released and distributed to the central heating system, providing warmth to radiators, underfloor heating, or even hot water cylinders.
The technological advantages of ASHPs over traditional systems have contributed to their growing popularity. They offer much greater energy efficiency, lower operating costs and can be used to cool as well as heat making them a versatile solution to year-round comfort.
As the UK strives to both reduce our carbon footprint as well as reduce our dependency on energy imports the adoption of ASHPs (and their ground source cousins) are becoming the smart choice for both home and business owners. With the government’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 there are even economic incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) that benefits both consumers and tradespeople.
Though the shift towards ASHPs and other Renewable based technologies are bringing us numerous benefits, they’re also presenting a challenge to many gas engineers who will need to start adapting their skillset as the demand for renewable solutions increases and traditional gas system demand drops.
By embracing the transition gas engineers and their companies can position themselves as the trusted professionals in the growing renewables sector and ensure a seamless and efficient development of their skills and business. Adapting to the change not only safeguards all of our professional futures, but will also contribute to a more sustainable and greener society as a whole.
Our BBS Renewables Solutions team can help engineers and companies to embrace this transition by offering participation in our Umbrella Scheme. If you’re a Gas Engineer who isn’t MCS accredited but want to take advantage of the BUS grant, contact our renewables team to see if our BBS Renewable Solutions Umbrella Scheme is for you?
