Below is a selection of brands we are currently installing representing products suiting different requirements. Our carefully selected product range aims to offer the best guarantee of sustainable performance available on the market and is continuously being reviewed. We love seeing new products come along and are always happy to discuss the pros and cons of other heatpumps. Get in touch with Sunlight Future to explore the best options for your project.
Sunlight Future specialises in installing Stiebel Eltron Air Source Heat Pumps, providing exceptional heating and cooling performance. These pumps feature advanced inverter technology that lowers energy costs and has a design focused on low noise emissions, including a “silent mode” for quieter operation at night. Additionally, they can be integrated into your home network for convenient smartphone control with extra components.
These high-efficiency pumps are perfect for both retro-fit and new buildings, offering a compact, ultra-quiet design. Carrying their reputation for quality and reliabilty from their gas boilers, Vaillant produce high end heat pumps with brand recognition.
The aroTHERM plus air source heat pump, paired with a Vaillant hot water cylinder is ideal for a wide range of properties and can deliver hot water up to 70 degrees.
Each model in the Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan range boasts an impressive A++ ErP Energy Rating Label, making it a top-tier choice for those seeking an environmentally friendly and smart heating solution at a competitive price point.
Mitsubishi is a tried and tested brand for ASHP’s in the UK and is considered a benchmark brand.
Contact us today to discuss the best Heat Pumps solution for your Home or Business and for any further information regarding Residential & Commercial Solar, Electric Vehicles or taking control of your renewable energy future.
Air source and ground source heat pumps work in slightly different ways, and each have their merits. The type of heat pump that is best for your property depends on a number of factors such as cost, space and efficiency. Both are very efficient, with two thirds of the energy required to power the heat pump taken from the ambient ground or air heat which is both renewable and free of charge. The remainder is provided from mains electricity or from on site renewable electricity sources such as solar PV.
Air source heat pumps have advantages over ground source for a number of reasons:
Ground source heat pumps have many advantages, despite being more expensive than air source heat pumps:
A heat pump system is comprised of three main parts:
A refrigerant liquid with an extremely low boiling point is passed through a coil that is exposed to the outside air or to underground pipes. Even on a cold day the heat of the ambient air causes the liquid to boil and become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. This gas is then compressed, which causes it to release the heat and turn back to a liquid. The heat is transferred to water in a heating circuit, which is used to run radiators, underfloor heating systems and provide hot water. The liquid repeats the cycle and the heat transfer process begins again. The process is shown very clearly in the video below from the Energy Saving Trust:
Ground source heat pumps work by drilling boreholes into the ground, deep enough that the temperature remains stable all year. Fluid is passed through the pipes, and picks up heat from the ground. This is then compressed to agitate the molecules and heat the liquid, which is passed through the heating system, warming your home. There are several ways a ground source heat pump can be installed, one of which is shown another Energy Saving Trust video below:
Unlike the video above which shows a large ground loop, boreholes are now thought to be more efficient. Boreholes drill deeper vertically, rather than using up a large surface area for shallow pipes. The benefit of this, is that even with limited outdoor space, a ground source heat pump is still a possibility.
What do you need?
The images below show the two types of ground source heat pump. On the left, you have the ground loop and on the right you have the borehole.
The vast majority of homes are suitable for Heat Pumps, and only in very rare cases is planning permission required. When we talk to you, we will ask you the following questions:
We ask this because if you have had an extension built, or changed your insulation, your old EPC will not reflect the heating needs of your property. MCS recommends that you renew your EPC every 2 years. If you do not have an EPC or are unsure about whether you should renew it, talk to us and we can assist you. If you are developing a new-build property, we will use your SAP calculations to make your quote. Contact us for further information about installing heat pumps on new properties.
We ask this because it will affect the size of the water tank your system will require. We might also use the number of people in your property to help us calculate this.
A heat pump system requires a water tank in order to provide you with hot water. Tanks can be floor or wall mounted, and typically require a space slightly larger than a regular water tank. If you are unsure whether you can fit a water tank in your property, talk to us and we can assist you.
Typically this isn't an issue for most people. A heat pump looks similar to an air conditioning unit and sits on the outside wall of your property. Many people position them on the back or side of their house. Before you contact us, think about where your heat pump might go and we can advise you if it sounds like a good location.
We will ask you whether your home is well insulated. If you are in a newer property, your home is likely to be well insulated. Those in older, more rural properties may need to consider floor, roof, and external wall insulation before getting a heat pump, if your property does not have it. If you are unsure whether your property is insulated, contact us and we will advise you.
Most homes have radiators as their main heat emitter. We will ask you how old your radiators are: radiators that were installed after 2000 are considered modern as they have a flow temperature of 50 degrees. Radiators older than that might not have a high enough flow temperature, and we may recommend that you upgrade them to help the efficiency of your heat pump system. Underfloor heating is the most efficient way of heating your home, and if it is possible for you, where possible we recommend using underfloor heating to heat your home with a heat pump however modern heat pumps can work with regular radiators, the heat loss calculations we produce of your property will allow efficiencies and running costs to be calculated.
