DIMPLEX – NO 1 FOR HEAT PUMPS

20 August 2009

With the UK’s widest range of heat pumps across ground, air and water source and 30 years’ experience of heat pumps in Europe and the UK, Dimplex can provide highly efficient renewable space and water heating solutions for nearly every type of project.

Projects using Dimplex heat pumps include domestic installations for social housing providers through to ‘dream home’ private self builders. In commercial environments, Dimplex heat pumps have been installed in a variety of public and commercial buildings, including schools, visitor centres, offices and retail parks.

This expertise in heat pumps was recognised by the Government at the end of 2006 when Dimplex was appointed as one of only three approved suppliers of ground source heat pumps under Phase 2 of the BERR’s (formerly DTI’s) Low Carbon Buildings Programme, which awards grants of up to 50% off the installation and purchase cost for public sector and not for profit organisations. This funding is expected to end in summer 2009, so applications need to be made as soon as possible. In Scotland, air source heat pumps are also supported by the Scottish Communities Householder Renewables Initiative, with grants of up to £4,000 available per installation.

The Dimplex range features over 50 models, across ground source, air source and water source, with many suitable for single-phase installation. Selected models also have advanced features such as differing water temperature for different zones to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency, or a modem for remote diagnostics, while

‘reversible’ models with both heating and cooling capabilities are available within the ground source and air source ranges. Recent additions to the range include ground source models with flow temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius for hot water as well as space heating and high capacity reversible models with outputs up to 75kW, suitable for both heating and cooling in commercial buildings. In the air source range, a new domestic unit offers an impressive CoP up to 4.1, while the new LA40 AS high output model offers a 40kW output and flow temperatures of up to 58 degrees Celsius.

Air source heat pumps are relatively unknown in the UK, but with the ability to extract latent heat from the ambient air as low as -20 degrees Celsius, they are ideally suited to the British climate.

"With average UK winter temperatures typically around 8 degrees Celsius, Dimplex air source units offer overall season efficiencies comparable to ground source units, yet without the costs of ground loop installation, making them ideal for either new build or retro fit applications," explains Chris Davis, head of renewables.

To support the product range, Dimplex has an established national network of approved installer partners who have not only received extensive training on the Dimplex range, but most are MCS approved and have been installing heat pumps for a number of years so can bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any installation.

In response to increasing demand, Dimplex also has an accredited installer programme. Aimed specifically at heating and plumbing installers wishing to diversify into the market, the training courses are being held at various venues throughout the UK to enable companies to gain accredited status.

With the ability to harness as much as 75% of the energy needed for the heating system from the environment, heat pumps offer one of the most energy efficient solutions available for space and water heating. In addition to providing up to 4kW of useful heat for every 1kW used, heat pumps typically produce around 50% less carbon emissions than a gas heating system.