How A Heat Loss Survey Works
A heat loss survey is a crucial process that allows us to correctly design the most efficient and cost-effective air source heat pump and heating system for your property.
From surveying your property, we can identify the areas where heat escapes and crucially, how much heat escapes. This allows for an accurate heat loss measurement.
From the data collected, we can ensure that we help homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. As well as ultimately creating a more comfortable living environment.
Here’s what to expect when one of our expert surveyors arrives at your home.
The Heat Loss Survey Process
When one of our friendly surveyors arrives at your home, they will typically start by conducting a visual inspection of the home. This is to establish the construction methods and building fabric of the property.
We will be looking for common areas where heat might escape, such as gaps in doors, windows, and poorly insulated walls.
One of the primary tools we use is a thermal imaging camera. This can detect temperature differences on the surface of walls, floors, ceilings, and other parts of the home.
The surveyor will walk through the home, scanning various areas to create a thermal map. This map highlights "hot spots" (where heat is escaping) and "cold spots" (where cold air is seeping in).
Another tool we use is a 3d computer model with the use of a camera and tripod. This accurately calculates the dimensions of your home, radiator locations and the best route for any pipework or alterations required with a full floor plan.
This 3d imagery is a major step forward for accurate information. It allows us to operationally deliver a pre-planned, well organised and speedy installation of any renewable heating system to your home.
What to expect on the day
Homeowners can expect the survey to take around 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the home. During the survey, the surveyor will provide insights into how well-insulated the home is. They will also point out specific areas where improvements can be made.
We will need access to all areas of the home, including the loft space, garages or any other attached rooms including conservatories.
The survey does not involve any messy work. It will be at minimal disruption to you and anyone else who might be in the home when we visit.
How to prepare for our visit
Whilst there’s no need to do anything major prior to our heat loss survey, there are a few handy things for you to do before we turn up:
- Where possible, please ensure all radiators are visible. If any bulky or heavy furniture is in front of them, you do not need to move them but just let us know so that we can take note.
- Move any temporary items that are in front of any radiators such as clothes airers or curtains obstructing them.
- Please have any keys for windows and doors and free access to any loft hatch or attached garage for full access.
The Difference
You can expect a friendly face to arrive at your home on time and most importantly, not an annoying sales rep.
All of our surveyors are expert installers with a wealth of knowledge on how each renewable heating system works. You can be assured that you are in safe hands and be able to ask any technical questions or anything you are not sure about.
What happens after the survey
Once your survey is completed, we can then finalise the design of the most efficient and cost-effective heat pump system and provide a fully accurate quotation based on the data we have collected.
Your privacy
Performing a scan of your home collects visual data. It’s important to hide away anything that you don’t want us to see.
Also be aware that it is possible for us to accidentally capture unintended private information. Before our visit, please ensure that:
- any private letters or personal correspondence are not in plain sight.
- any computers or laptop screens are not turned on.
- any personal photographs you want hidden are turned face down before we arrive.
Note: any large portraits will be blurred by our 3d technology.
If you would like to arrange a full heat loss survey for your home, contact us today for more information
How Much Money Can You Save With A Heat Pump?
As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners in the UK are increasingly looking for cost-effective, sustainable solutions to lower their energy bills.
Air source heat pumps, especially when paired with underfloor heating, are emerging as a top choice for those seeking both efficiency and savings. But how much money can you really save long-term with this renewable energy system?
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) work by transferring heat from the outside air into your home, using significantly less energy than traditional gas boilers.
When combined with underfloor heating, the system becomes even more efficient. Underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures, allowing the heat pump to work at its optimal level, which further reduces energy consumption.
How much money can you really save?
On average, homeowners switching from a gas boiler to an air source heat pump can save up to 40-60% on energy bills annually. Over the long term, this can amount to savings of thousands of pounds. Additionally, with the UK government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you could receive financial support for the installation, further reducing upfront costs.
Why is a heat pump more efficient?
One of the key factors contributing to long-term savings is the high efficiency of air source heat pumps.
For every unit of electricity consumed, a well designed and installed ASHP can produce 3 to 4 units of heat, making it far more cost-effective than traditional heating systems. And when paired with underfloor heating, this efficiency translates into consistently lower energy bills year-round.
At Custom Renewables, we specialize in installing cost-effective air source heat pump systems tailored to your home’s needs. Our team ensures that your system is set up for maximum efficiency, delivering both comfort and substantial long-term savings.
Ready to reduce your energy bills? Contact us today to learn how our renewable energy solutions can benefit you!
* All energy and performance claims are based on our own energy assessments and live monitoring of energy consumption.
The Truth About Air Source Heat Pumps
What's the truth about air source heat pumps? Are they the perfect renewable energy solution?
While air source heat pumps (ASHP) systems have gained popularity across the UK for their efficiency and eco-friendly benefits, not all air source heat pumps meet performance expectations. This has left some customers hugely disappointed and frustrated.
At Custom Renewables, we regularly hear from homeowners who have had an ASHP fitted by another installer with frustrations of poor heat pump efficiency. This leaves them feeling like they have wasted their money on a heating system that just isn't as good as they thought it would be.
But why does this happen?
The truth is: Air source heat pumps require detailed design and installation to deliver the best efficiency possible.
The Design
A poorly designed system will never work efficiently and can lead to higher energy bills and low heat output, which leaves customers feeling let down.
It’s very common for us to find that the wrong sized heat pump has been installed for the energy usage and heat loss of the property which means efficiency will never be optimal.
Every air source heat pump install should start with a full heat loss survey. The survey should include a full review of the energy performance certificate for the property as well as the physical build up of the home, and the specific energy usage requirements.
The Install
Installation quality makes all of the difference when it comes to the highest levels of efficiency.
Experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of air source heat pump systems is lacking in the renewable energy industry and incorrect installation is a major risk to home owners.
Poor performance and a short heat pump lifespan only leads to dissatisfaction and complete confusion about how good heat pumps really are.
At Custom Renewables, we’re dedicated to providing transparent advice and the highest-quality installations to ensure your air source heat pump exceeds expectations.
We regularly achieve efficiencies between 400-500%, which if you click the link below, you can see live data from previous installations we have completed to demonstrate how efficient a well designed and installed system can really be.
If you would like some professional advice on the best air source heat pump for your property, contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve a truly efficient renewable energy solution for your home.
* All energy and performance claims are based on our own energy assessments and live monitoring of energy consumption.
How Efficient Is A Heat Pump Compared To A Gas Boiler?
If you're considering a switch for your home in the UK, you might wonder: How efficient is an air source heat pump compared to a normal gas boiler?
Efficiency
In the quest for sustainable heating solutions, homeowners are increasingly turning to renewable energy technologies like air source heat pumps (ASHPs).
Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. One of their key advantages is their high energy efficiency. Typically, ASHPs operate at a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 3 to 4.
This means that for every unit of electricity consumed, they can produce three to four units of heat. In contrast, gas boilers typically operate at around 90% efficiency, converting almost all their fuel into usable heat.
However, the efficiency of gas boilers is affected by the type of system in use and the age of the boiler. While modern condensing gas boilers can achieve high efficiencies, they still fall short when compared to the renewable energy potential of air source heat pumps.
Low Carbon Emissions
ASHPs also offer the added benefit of lower carbon emissions, especially when powered by green electricity. This makes them an ideal choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Government Incentives
In addition to their efficiency, air source heat pumps are eligible for various government incentives in the UK. This includes the boiler upgrade scheme which is currently £7,500. This can significantly reduce installation costs, which makes the switch to renewable energy even more appealing.
Summary
Ultimately, while both heating systems have their advantages, air source heat pumps stand out for their efficiency and sustainability.
At Custom Renewables, we specialise in helping UK homeowners transition to greener energy solutions.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can enhance your home's energy efficiency with air source heat pumps. We will gladly advise the best system for you and your home.
* All energy and performance claims are based on our own energy assessments and live monitoring of energy consumption.