Project description

The client wished to build a garage complex that would incorporate alternative energy for space heating and to provide hot water. A ground-source heat pump was considered but because of limited room on the site, other options were looked at. An air-source heat pump was the best alternative in this situation and a wind turbine for power generation was commissioned to compliment the heat pump system.

The system consists of the air-source heat pump, with its space-saving outdoor unit, underfloor heating and controls for heating the garage complex, especially during the winter.

Because it was a ‘new build’ project, there was an opportunity to put the underfloor heating coils in the slab. Consultations with the client, building inspector, structural engineer and architect allowed us to fasten the coils to the top mesh of the slab. With a separate coil laid down for each of the 5 zones, the concrete could then be poured the next day. This meant that the underfloor heating system could efficiently heat the rooms to 21°C with low-temperature water from the air-source heat pump.

What Mike said...

“Three potential suppliers were looked at, all from the Energy Savings Trust. Of all the suppliers invited to attend the site, Michael Reaney from Arctic Air Cumbria (engineer by profession) was the most preferable to me than someone from a sales background. The emphasis of his presentation was to make sure any system installed would be fit for purpose, along with a specification that would heat to the desired level.

The laying of the coils was done on a cold February morning and the team from Arctic Air worked hard to ensure the first fix was completed in a day for the concrete to be poured the following day. Arctic Air then spent two days installing and commissioning the equipment after the construction was complete. The job was done without fuss and in a very professional manner. Reassuringly, the initial contact, Mike Reaney, was present on site to ensure the installation was as discussed and planned between client and contractor.

We are thoroughly delighted with the end product. The garage/workshop is satisfyingly warm in the winter and though my wife finds the gym too hot at times, she does admit it is very pleasant entering a warm room when it is zero degrees outside!

There is no regret whatsoever in choosing Arctic Air for the job, as they did everything they said they would do and the equipment is reliable. The door is always open for any questions about the system installed and we hope to commission Arctic Air on a further project.”

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