Introduction
The Nixon team recently completed the installation of a Samsung Air Source Heat Pump for a client in our hometown of Denbigh, a historic market town in Denbighshire, North Wales. The property, a townhouse close to Denbigh Castle, is currently undergoing extensive renovations to become a holiday let. The homeowner was looking for an eco-friendly heating solution that would be efficient, sustainable, and simple to use, all of which made an air source heat pump ideal for their needs. The new system replaced the property’s outdated mains gas heating, supporting the owner’s desire for a modern, low-carbon alternative.
Methodology
Our approach to the design was tailored to the unique layout and constraints of the property. Limited exterior space posed a challenge, which our team addressed by choosing to locate the air source heat pump unit high up on an external wall. This positioning ensured the system would be unobtrusive while still optimising airflow and accessibility.
Inside, underfloor heating was specified for the ground floor, which is well-suited for heat pumps due to their lower flow temperature. This method of heating ensures that warmth is evenly distributed across the downstairs areas, improving comfort for guests. For the upstairs, our team would install double panel radiators, which, like underfloor heating, are compatible with the lower flow temperatures of heat pump systems, maximising energy savings.
Installation
The installation required careful planning to adapt the system to the limited outdoor space. Due to these space constraints, our team securely mounted the Samsung Air Source Heat Pump high on an external wall, ensuring it remained unobtrusive yet fully functional. Insulated pipework was fitted between the unit and the indoor heating system, which plays a critical role in minimising heat loss and enhancing the system’s overall efficiency.
Additional preparation was undertaken on the ground floor inside the property to accommodate the underfloor heating. Plastic pipework was laid beneath the floors surface, providing an efficient, low-temperature heating solution that evenly distributes warmth downstairs. For the second floor, double-panel radiators were chosen for their compatibility with lower flow temperatures.
The completed system was fully tested to confirm its functionality and the homeowner received a comprehensive explanation of the setup and maintenance, ensuring ease of use for years to come.
Funding
The project benefitted from the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provided a grant of £7,500 towards the heat pump installation. This initiative, designed to incentivise the adoption of low-carbon heating solutions, significantly reduced the overall cost for the client. By making sustainable technology more affordable, the BUS scheme is helping to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, which are increasingly costly and environmentally damaging. Without the grant, the higher upfront cost of a heat pump system might have been prohibitive, as is often the case for many homeowners.
Outcome
The new heating system exceeded all of the homeowner’s expectations and they were very pleased with the service provided by the Nixon team. The air source heat pump, combined with underfloor heating and efficient radiators, has transformed the property into an environmentally-friendly holiday let, enhancing its appeal to eco-conscious guests. In addition to the environmental benefits, the system offers the homeowner the promise of lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
The homeowner appreciated the team’s punctuality and tidiness and said that they would recommend Nixon Plumbing & Heating to others considering similar work. The project demonstrates how government grants, combined with our expertise in renewable energy, can make low-carbon heating systems accessible to homeowners across North Wales.
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