Air source heat pump installation: Can Tanks R Us remove my old tank?

In this edition of our blog, we explain exactly what air source heat pumps are, how they operate and whether they can replace traditional heating systems entirely.

As the world attempts to find a more sustainable environmental model, more planet-friendly heating technologies have come into the spotlight – including air source heat pumps. This particular device has gained in popularity in recent times due to the fact it can provide both heating and cooling functions, but with a significantly reduced ‘carbon footprint’, aligning perfectly with the nation’s stated net zero goals (to be carbon free by 2025).

The UK government is currently offering substantial incentives for households to make the switch to a more sustainable model – and Tank R Us can help with the removal of elements of your previous system.

What are the current incentives for air source heat pump installations?

Since 2022 the UK government has been running an initiative to promote sustainable heating solutions. Property owners are eligible for grants to install environmentally friendly heating systems in homes and small non-domestic buildings, including ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers - in addition to air source heat pumps.

Air Source Heat Pumps: A grant of £7,500 is available to support the installation of air source heat pumps, making this renewable technology more accessible.

It’s important to note that hybrid heat pump systems, such as those combining a gas boiler with an air source heat pump, are not eligible for these grants. To qualify for a grant, the heating system must meet specific criteria, including minimum efficiency levels. These standards ensure that only the most effective and environmentally friendly systems are supported. The maximum capacity for individual systems is capped at 45kWth, and for shared ground loops at 300kWth, accommodating residential and some commercial applications.

These incentives are aimed at not only reducing carbon emissions but also at lowering the energy bills for property owners. To find out if you qualify for this initiative (which runs until 2027), visit the UK government’s website.

What is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump is a type of renewable heating system which extracts heat from the ambient air outside a building, even in cold weather, and then processes it to provide heating and hot water for that building. It is sometimes referred to as an air conditioning system. Essentially, an air source heat pump is like a refrigerator but in reverse. It works on the principle that even when air feels cold, it still contains heat energy which can be effectively used. There are two main types of air source heat pump: air-to-water, and air-to-air.

Air-to-water systems distribute heat through a ‘wet’ central heating system (i.e. one that includes radiators or underfloor heating). An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated by fans to directly heat the required room or area. The choice between the two types of air source heat pump is often down to the building’s existing heating infrastructure and / or the specific heating requirements.

Air source heat pumps are typically located outside of a property, and they require sufficient space for installation. They’re most effective in homes that are well-insulated, and they can operate efficiently even in temperatures as low as -15°C.

How Do Air Source Heat Pumps work?

Air source heat pumps are based on a thermodynamic cycle involving a refrigerant fluid. In simpler terms:

• Absorption: The pump absorbs heat from the outdoor air into a fluid (usually a refrigerant) through an evaporator coil. Despite the cold temperatures, the refrigerant is able to extract heat energy from the air.
• Compression: The refrigerant is compressed, which increases the temperature of it significantly. This is achieved by using a compressor unit within the pump.
• Exchange: The hot refrigerant passes through a condenser coil, and the heat is transferred to the building’s heating system (either water for radiators or directly to the air).
• Expansion / Return: Having released its heat, the refrigerant expands and returns to the outdoor coil to repeat the cycle. The process is continuous, controlled by a thermostat to maintain the desired indoor temperatures.

Do I need other heat sources when I have an air source heat pump?

While air source heat pumps are capable of providing heat even in cold weather, their effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as a building’s level of insulation, the size of the heat pump itself, and even the climate.

In very large properties, combining an air source heat pump with other heating systems rather than just having one or the other, might be more practical to ensure sufficient heating. In older properties, with poor insulation and high heat loss, improving the insulation and considering an additional upgrade to the heating systems (installing an air source heat pump to work in combination with what is already installed) may provide a good solid solution to the heating issue.

Air source heat pumps are a significant sustainable heating technology and offer homeowners a good alternative to conventional heating methods. However, upgrading your entire system to make the switch has some implications for what is already there -particularly if you have fuel storage tanks of some kind at your property.

How do I get my old tank removed?

While you may be eager to make the switch to an air source heat pump, or integrate one into your existing system, you firstly need to consider the old heating system’s tank. Removing this is not a straightforward task and requires specific skills, expertise and equipment. At Tanks R Us, we specialise in tank removal services, and will ensure a smooth transition to your new air source heat pump system.

Why use Tanks R Us to remove my old tank?

These are the reasons you should consider us:

• Expertise: Tanks R Us team members are our OFTEC engineers - fully trained and qualified to handle the removal of all types of tanks and additional equipment. Whether it’s an old oil tank or water tank, plastic or steel, we have the right people to do the job.
• Safety: Tank removal is not something you should try and tackle yourself. It can be hazardous if not done correctly. You need professionals who will follow strict safety protocols set out by the environment agency to prevent any accidents or environmental damage which could lead to expensive fines.
• Convenience: When you choose Tanks R Us you avoid the hassle of coordinating operations between different service providers. We will work seamlessly with your air source heat pump installer to ensure a timely and efficient removal.
• Responsibility: Just as air source heat pumps are an eco-friendly option, so is the Tanks R Us removal service. We make sure work is done in an environmentally responsible manner, sticking to any and all relevant regulations and guidelines. We always ensure a site is left clean and tidy after we have removed a tank. Back at our workshop the tank will be decommissioned, recycled and all oil or residue will be disposed of accordingly.
• Efficiency: Once the Tanks R Us tank removal service has been booked, we will notify you up to 48 hours before our OFTEC engineers are due to arrive, and let you know what time to expect us. On the day itself our team will arrive on site in our Hiab lorry with all tools and equipment required to complete the removal. We will pump out any oil or hoover out residue (if required), disconnect and remove any current pipework feeding the tank before lifting it out or cutting it out.

So, if you’re ready to make the switch to an air source heat pump and need to have a tank removed from your property, contact Tanks R Us now to get booked in for a completely hassle-free experience. Your transition to a greener and more efficient heating system can run like clockwork with the help of Tanks R Us.

References:

• "Air Source Heat Pumps." Retrieved from Energy Saving Trust. [Accessed 12 July 2024].
• "What you can get - Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme." Retrieved from Government UK. [Accessed 12 July 2024].
• "How Do Heat Pumps Work?" Retrieved from National Grid. [Accessed 12 July 2024].
• "The UK’s plans and progress to reach net zero by 2050" Retrieved from The House of Commons Library. [Accessed 12 July 2024].
• "Storing and draining domestic oil storage tanks and their residues: LRWP 47" Retrieved from The Environment Agency via Government UK. [Accessed 12 July 2024].