Do I Need to Change My Radiators for a new Air Source Heat Pump?

Air source heat pumps typically operate at lower temperatures than traditional boilers. This means that it is possible that a number of your radiators may need upgrading to a larger surface area to compensate for this. These radiators may be deeper and/or take up more wall space. 

A professional survey will determine whether radiators need upsizing and further improvements to your home’s insulation will increase the chances of some of your existing radiators being suitable for low temperature heating. Our HP60 ASHP can provide higher flow temperatures, similar to that of boiler, but efficiency increases at lower running temperatures, so we recommend that this is all taken into account.

Assessing your Radiators for Air Source Heat Pump Compatibility

Evaluating your current radiators is the first step when asking, "Do I need to change my radiators for an air source heat pump?" Check for signs of wear, such as leaks or corrosion, which might indicate the need for replacement radiators.

 
Radiators that are heated by a heat pump need to work efficiently at lower temperatures, so older or inefficient models may require upgrading. 

Understanding radiator sizing is crucial. Many radiators for air source heat pumps need to be larger to compensate for lower temperatures in order to provide the output required. A survey carried out by professional will help establish the extent of any changes that need to be made 

Understanding Heat Loss and Radiator Sizing 

Calculating heat loss is essential for efficient heat pump and radiator operation. A proper heat loss assessment will reveal how much heat your home loses, guiding you in selecting the correct size radiator for each room. Radiators that are too small may not adequately heat the space, so replacing these so that they have the potential to overcome this heat loss at the new, typically lower design flow temperature is crucial. 

To determine the appropriate radiator sizing, correction factor tables can be used to firstly see if the existing radiator is sufficient, whilst also allowing you to confirm that any replacement will have the capability of delivering enough heat at the new, lower design temperature. 

There are many heat loss softwares available where the above, rather manual process, has been made far more seamless. This is likely something a heating expert would carry out on your behalf.

Accurate initial planning and design will help ensure your radiators are optimised for efficiency and comfort.     
 

Cost of Radiator Replacement 

The cost of replacement radiators can vary depending on the type and size of the radiators you choose. While the initial investment might seem high, upgrading to radiators designed for lower temperatures, which are then heated by an air source heat pump, will maximise efficiency and could reduce your energy bills.

A professional will be able to present these options to you and find the right balance between initial upfront investment and longer term running costs. Potential longer term savings in running costs, government incentives for renewable installations, and selecting the right tariff for your needs, can all help offset the initial costs.

Exploring Alternative Heating Options

While radiators are common for air source heat pump systems, underfloor heating is another option that pairs well with heat pumps. It provides even heat distribution and typically operates efficiently at lower temperatures.

Some may also prefer the idea of no radiators being visible and taking up wall space.   
 

If you're contemplating a mix of underfloor heating and radiators for heat pumps, careful planning is essential to maximise comfort and efficiency. Consulting a heating professional can help design a system that meets your specific needs.