Great Milton Park
Updated: 21 November 2023
Location: Newport, South Wales
Developer: Redrow
Number of units: 1 house
Aim(s) of Project: Assess technical implications of design and installation of air source heat pump. Gather feedback on customer perception.
Construction method: Masonry
Energy Compliance method: SAP2012 (Wales)
Overheating compliance method: N/A Pre Part O
Construction start: December 2020
Construction finish: September 2021
Overview of Project and Specification
The project’s aim is to assess the design, installation and customer experience of using an air source heat pump. The heat pump was installed into the standard Welsh masonry fabric.
Key learnings
- Customer was very satisfied with how the overall heating system performed. Including room temperatures, ease of use, responsiveness, thermal comfort and quality of heat. They found the home retains its heat well due to its high level of insulation.
- The customer had an issue with noise coming from the hot water cylinder being caused by water hammer. This was resolved by adding a PRV to the cold water feed.
- Trades need to be aware of the different flow rates required in the heating system and the suitability of distribution pipework sizes. 10mm pipework will not provide sufficient flow rates therefore minimum pipework sizes had to increase to 15mm.
- This had a knock-on effect on piping accessories. Had to ask Manthorpe to supply a 15mm pipe guide for the back of radiators. This is now available in the market.
- Customer would have liked more detailed information on how to use the heat pump system and the owner app.
Performance evaluation
- Energy use was monitored over the course of a year using Mitsubishi’s MEL cloud interface.
- Actual usage was lower than what was predicted by SAP.
- When compared to an equivalent plot running a gas boiler, the house with the heat pump was found to be using significantly less energy due to the high operating efficiency of the heat pump.
- Running costs were found to be roughly equivalent to running a gas boiler due to the high unit cost of electricity compared to gas.