Exhaust-air heat-pump systems deliver heating and ventilation
Eight Nibe exhaust-air heat pumps provide heating, ventilation and hot water for an affordable-housing block in Sheffield built by Chevin Housing Association. This new-build development does not have a gas supply, and the heat pumps help meet the energy-efficiency requirements of Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Each 2-bed apartment has a Fighter 200P system that extracts air from wet rooms and uses it as a heat source for the heat pump via ducting. Fresh air is drawn into the building via a system of external wall vents.
The vent system for these well insulated homes delivers the required air changes to provide sufficient ventilation without the need to open windows.
How effective the system is at keeping the air clean and fresh is testified to by one of the residents, Mrs Depledge (pictured). She says, ‘There is hardly any dust in the air and no trace of condensation. When I put clothes out to dry on the airer in the bedroom, they dry in no time. I have had experience of coal fires and gas central-heating, and I’ve found this system to be very efficient, easy to use and a lot cleaner. I would recommend it to anyone.’
Phil Hurley, managing director of Nibe UK, says, ‘The development is the perfect example of a project that has successfully specified a solution that not only meets residents’ heating needs efficiently and cost effectively but also helps towards Code for Sustainable Homes requirements.’
