The mighty monobloc helps buildings raise energy efficiency

Designed for commercial installations, Ideal Heating’s new Ecomod range of monobloc air source heat pumps can help improve a building’s energy efficiency and reduce its reliance on natural gas.

Available in six outputs and seven models (14, 18, 26, 32, 50 and 70kW), the range provides a minimum A++ Energy related Products (ErP) efficiency rating and a coefficient of performance (COP) rating of up to 4.85. Use of R32 refrigerant ensures a low global warming potential (GWP).

The heat pumps also include an inverter-controlled compressor that can control the building temperature based on specific requirements of the space, further enhancing the efficiency of a building.

These heat pumps can be used alone or cascaded to heat pumps, helping to drive decarbonisation.

For example, changes to Part L require new buildings and renovations to meet higher building fabric standards, and where possible sets minimum energy efficiency standards. It also paves the way for the Future Homes Standard that is set to come into effect in 2025 and will require all new homes to have low carbon heating technology installed.

All about skills

The introduction of new regulations also means that up-to-date training for heating engineers is vital, so they are aware of the latest regulations and are able to install, maintain and repair low carbon heating technologies to ensure businesses are compliant. We here at Ideal Heating are opening a £1 million facility near Hull dedicated to training engineers on heat pumps, to play our part in upskilling the industry.

Regulation can be a lever to drive change, while training can facilitate it. But some organisations’ appetite or ability to invest in low carbon heating can represent a barrier.

Plans and schemes

Fortunately, there are some government funding schemes to help offset these costs and make heat pumps more affordable. For example, there is the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which provides government grants to public sector bodies to help fund heat decarbonisation and increase uptake of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps.

Many businesses are also seeing the cost-benefit of investing in low carbon heating in the long term. Gas prices have been volatile over the last year, and heat pumps can partly help in shielding them against these costs.

Indeed, a recent survey by the Federation of Small Businesses found that 63% of businesses surveyed said energy costs had increased in 2022, with almost half (44%) reporting a double, triple or even higher increase. Heat pumps can also help keep costs down thanks to their long lifespans, often lasting more than 20 years. They also have fewer moving parts than traditional heating systems, further reducing replacement and maintenance costs for businesses.

Our recently launched Ecomod range (see tinted box below) of commercial heat pumps have been developed to help businesses with buildings of various sizes decarbonise their heating systems and improve their energy efficiency.

Way ahead meet the heating requirements of larger commercial buildings. They can also be installed alongside other Ideal solutions, such as the Evomax 2 and the Imax Xtra 2 commercial condensing boilers, to build a low carbon hybrid heating system.

However, we know that to achieve net zero a combination of low carbon heating technologies will be needed, as well as keeping legislation, government funding, and training at the centre of change.

Ideal says the range output models are light and compact units, in comparison to similar products, making installation and delivery easy. All products also come with a five-year warranty, when commissioned by Ideal Heating, and offer noise levels as low as 68dB(A) – the equivalent of a quiet refrigerator.

Chris Caton, product director – commercial product management for Ideal Heating, says: “The Ecomod range launches at an important time, as businesses accelerate their decarbonisation efforts to work towards net zero targets, meet new standards for Building Regulations, and reduce their exposure to volatile energy prices. With high COPs our new heat pumps enable businesses to reduce a building’s carbon footprint and improve heating efficiency.

“What’s more, the range of outputs available means we can cater for many commercial buildings. For example, our 14kW single phase unit is suitable for sites without access to three phase electricity, such as care homes or community halls, while all units can be cascaded to meet the needs of larger spaces, making them a versatile and cost-effective choice.”

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