To get their maximum benefit, heat pumps need to be used in the right place and the right time. research organisation BSRIA has warned.
Most concerns are raised at the feasibility stages of projects, and when heat pumps are put into operation, according to BSRIA's expert on heat pumps, Reginald Brown.
He said: 'A heat pump is not a boiler, and designers and end-users should not assume it can be used like one. Second, designers should not rely on somebody else's SAP calculations when assessing the design heat load and size requirements of the plant. Third it is vital to manage the expectations of the end users. Salesmen's estimates of running costs should be treated with a pinch of salt.'
He added that training was vital, 'not just for the installer, but also for the resident'.
BSRIA has found that linking both radiators and underfloor heating circuits to a heat pump heating system is usually a bad idea. However, Mr Brown said that the problem the was rarely with heat pump itself.
He said: 'The right heat pump in the right place at the right time can save on heating costs and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Achieving this in practice depends on everybody understanding the ground rules.'
Mr Brown added that BSRIA had seen an upsurge in inquiries relating to heat residential pump installations.