Let's Talk ASHP Solutions - Part 3

How can moving to an Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) help in reaching sustainability and net zero goals?

The impacts of climate change are clear to us all. The UK Government has set a net zero goal for 2050 which requires greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced as close to zero as possible - and many businesses have their own targets for carbon neutrality.

The construction and operation of buildings is responsible for around 38% of global carbon emissions. There are various tactics that can be deployed to improve a building’s environmental credentials, but ASHPs are one of the key options to decarbonise a building and remove gas from the equation.



According to the Carbon Trust, heat pumps used for heating can offer carbon emission savings of around 30% when compared to conventional natural gas boilers. It is possible to produce even more impressive environmental results when paired with renewable energy such as solar PV.

In the perfect scenario, a heating system powered entirely by ASHPs would be preferred. The reality, however, is that hybrid systems are often required, particularly in a retrofit building. It is crucial that a thorough and considered plan is implemented when switching to heat pumps to ensure performance and appropriate bandwidth.

For this reason, ASHPs are rarely ‘off-the-shelf’ products. Smart solutions are required that are bespoke to each building – and Baxi has the expertise to guide and advise for maximum results.

What funding opportunities are available for ASHPs?

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures.

Phase 4 of the scheme opened for applications in February.

Some councils will also have a level of funding in place to help with net zero targets, but this money is sometimes distributed on a first come first served basis and varies across regions.

The best ASHPs can offer up to 400% efficiency ratings. This means an ASHP creates four units of energy for every one unit of electricity the heat pump takes in.

However, electricity is currently roughly four times the price of gas, which means the actual cost of running an ASHP is similar to a gas-powered boiler. But this vast difference in cost between electricity and gas is expected to change as the UK moves towards more renewable sources such as solar panels and wind. This will also have the impact of reducing the carbon intensity of electricity, producing further environmental benefits.

An investment in ASHPs is sensible preparation for the short to medium term future in terms of finances, while helping to meet customers’ demands to decarbonise today.

What sales support can Baxi offer?

There can be challenges associated with retrofitting ASHPs, so it’s vital that expert advice is sought to ensure that systems are optimised for the best reductions in carbon.

At Baxi, we hold in-depth conversations with customers and installers to share knowledge and expertise. Often this will be to explore hybrid options to make a switch viable.

Hybrid solutions, in particular, require careful planning and consideration as all of the elements have to work together effectively. Our internal experts of schematics and technicians will be looking for a solution that controls the combination of parts being used to minimise the amount of gas required to run the system effectively.

Where we differ from our other providers is through the capabilities within our sales force. Through rich experience and high levels of training, our people look at each project as a unique proposition and discover what challenges are present. There are a multitude of variables, including how many heat pumps are required, whether they can be linked together to boost performance, how many cylinders are needed and what size.

Having a centralised team of experts is an unusual proposition in the sector – and it’s something we are very proud of.

We are proud to offer solutions and full system design to deliver a high value proposition to our customers.

How can Baxi help businesses discover if an ASHP is right for them and what is the typical purchasing process?

ASHPs will not be suitable for every organisation, but we will work hard to devise a solution that produces optimal results.

Factors that influence whether an ASHP is the right decision include the age of the property, the existing heating system in place, available space, the pipework and how well insulated the building is.

Existing radiators are also often a consideration as ASHPs run at a slightly lower temperature. Sometimes this will mean larger radiators are required to make ASHPs viable.

We have experience and expertise in a wide range of sectors. For example, in a hospital setting achieving a precise water temperature is particularly important for legionella control. A large hotel, meanwhile, has different challenges as it needs to have enough hot water capacity to ensure everyone can have a hot shower at the same time.

People tend to approach us with a very simplistic idea of ASHPs and what they want. That is almost always full decarbonisation. Realistically, that might not always possible for a number of reasons. But by taking a project-by-project approach, our team are perfectly positioned to find the best solution for every puzzle. That’s why we’re expanding our product offering to include both mid and high temperature ASHPs so we can offer more choice to our customers. But we always tell our customers we don’t sell heat pumps – we sell solutions-led systems with heat pumps incorporated in them.

How can early engagement with Baxi and input at the design stage benefit the project?

Installing a new, bespoke ASHP system is a significant investment and it should be done carefully and thoughtfully.

All ASHP systems have large variables depending primarily on the profile of the building and the output requirements. An ASHP solution is only as good as its design and installation.

It is crucial to seek expert advice at the earliest point in the design process. Having Baxi at the heart of planning right from initiation can help to eradicate costly mistakes.

Unfortunately, we have seen examples of poor practice where the process of introducing an ASHP system has been embarked on without properly considering the capabilities of the heat pump. We have advised that only starting again from scratch would produce optimal results but, understandably, people can be reluctant to do that and they are left with a system that works – but could have been much better.

Always speak to the professionals to look at the requirements as a whole before purchasing an ASHP.

How does Baxi help maximise both customers’ budgets and product performance?

We understand that budgets will be a significant role in the ASHP system you opt for. Switching from a gas-powered heating or hot water system to an ASHP comes at significant expense.

Our schematics and technicians have extensive experience in working in a wide variety of sectors and within all budgets. This enables us to work with our customers to deliver optimal solutions within the project parameters – but we are committed to maximising our customers’ budgets and performance through innovative solutions.

Performance is always key. All aspects of an ASHP system – from the heat pump itself to the piping and radiators – need to work together and offer peak performance to make an installation successful. We work with installers and the end user to ensure this is the case – every time.

What hybrid solutions are available?

Hybrid solutions are commonly used to reduce gas reliance and to make meaningful strides towards decarbonisation goals. While full decarbonisation is the goal, hybrid heat pump solutions should not be overlooked as a means of significantly reducing the carbon intensity of the heat source.

Hybrid systems will typically retain a gas-fired boiler to provide some hot water supply alongside the ASHP. How much input the gas system has will depend on the make-up of the building and the maximum capabilities of the ASHP being installed.

On occasions, it will be appropriate to keep a gas system in place for hot water, while the ASHP provides the heating. This is particularly relevant if the building has a very high hot water demand, for example a hotel.

Controls play a vital role in hybrid systems, allowing the boiler and the ASHP to communicate with each other to run as efficiently as possible. ASHP operation will be prioritised, with the gas system kicking in when required.

In some circumstances, for example larger commercial buildings, it may be sensible and advantageous to pair an ASHP system with a solar array, harnessing the power of the sun to reduce the amount of electricity bought from the grid.

It is also possible to install a hybrid system that responds to market signals to deliver the cheapest heating type depending on fuel costs at that specific time.

Not all ASHP providers can offer expert advice on the full range of hybrid options as Baxi can.