There’s a lot to learn about this 21st century technology, available soon on the edge of historic Durham
As a new resident of Briar Row you won’t just be buying into one of Durham’s most up and coming districts, with Pity Me’s shops, cafes and restaurants just a short walk away, you will also be helping to secure the future of the planet by investing in a property heated by its own Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) from market leaders Daikin. But what does this mean for you? Lower heating costs, a kinder carbon footprint and a future-proof home for starters. Because we have thought ahead for you.
In practice, the ASHP is a neatly installed box on the rear wall of the house, capable of heating your new home and water supply even if temperatures outside drop as low as -25. Essentially, the ASHP collects heat from the outside air, transferring it into a refrigerant liquid – the same as you find in fridges or air conditioned cars – which is circulated/pumped indoors to the unit within the house. Heat stored in the liquid is then transferred into the water that heats the house. Simpler than it looks and extremely effective. The ASHP needs electricity to run, but the amount required will be less than would have been used to create enough heat to warm the house by electric heater or gas. Plus, it uses a renewable source of heat – air – so you are doing your bit for the environment as well as investing in a modern and efficient home.
As far as maintenance and servicing is concerned ASHPs are equally straightforward and can be dealt with by any accredited engineer as an old-style boiler would be.
“Our priority has always been to create stylish and comfortable homes for our customers but today more than ever we need to future-proof our properties and installing ASHPs is just one of the ways we can do that.” says Matthew McCarrick. He adds: “They are cost-effective, easy to use and better for the environment so it is a win-win.”
Briar Row will hit the market later this year. For more details see www.briarrow.co.uk.
Living with an ASHP
Is it noisy? Imagine a really gentle humming noise, much less intrusive than an air conditioning unit. Plus, the unit is outside the house and in the case of Briar Row, mounted at first floor level, so the noise levels are very low.
What will it look like inside the house? Although they can be used with standard radiator central heating circuits, many installing ASHPs in their new build homes now prefer piped under-floor heating, finding that doing away with radiators creates a slicker, more modern interior.
How are ASHPs maintained? ASHPs are easy and affordable to maintain. An accredited engineer will come and check the filters and the general wear and tear, to ensure the pump is working to full capacity. The whole process should take no more than an hour and cost in the region of £150 for a service every 2 to 3 years.
Main image: www.refrigeration-mitton.co.uk