Energy House Labs Research Fellow Grant Henshaw recently appeared on BBC Morning Live to discuss the importance of quality installation when it comes to air source heat pump performance.
The segment followed the experience of a homeowner whose air source heat pump, installed by an MCS-certified installer, was found to be undersized for the property and unable to provide sufficient heating. The homeowner was unable to seek further support after the installation company entered administration.
During the feature, Grant used thermal imaging at Energy House Labs to demonstrate how installation quality can affect the performance of a heat pump system.
The thermal camera showed the difference between well-insulated and poorly insulated pipework. Well-insulated pipework appeared cooler on the thermal image, while exposed or damp pipework showed heat loss, demonstrating how heat can escape into the surrounding environment rather than being delivered where it is needed.
The demonstration highlighted the importance of correct installation practices alongside the choice of heating technology. A heat pump system’s performance depends not only on the unit itself, but also on factors such as system sizing, installation quality and effective insulation.
Through its research facilities and real-world testing capabilities, Energy House Labs continues to investigate how low-carbon technologies perform in homes and how their effectiveness can be improved.
Watch the BBC Morning Live segment
Watch the full segment on BBC iPlayer:The Energy House Labs demonstration begins at 42:20