Client - Heat pump in Kent – Symnalls, Aldington, Ashford

A stunning property in Aldington, Kent having been occupied by the same owner for over 60 years. The interior of the 34 roomed Georgian house was like a scene out of Pride & Prejudice with many of the original features still apparent.
The original heating system was a combined Trianco air source heat pump connected to oil central heating. Due to the size of the property and inefficiency of the old heat pump, the current heating system did not work effectively and with oil prices inflating yearly, heating costs were expensive reaching over £3600 per annum.

Our initial recommendations were to install a Ground Source Heat pump, as the house had a large field at the back of the house, perfect to accommodate the underground looped pipes, although on closer examination having to run through an orchard. It was also suggested that larger radiators were installed in each room to improve the heat output, irrespective of heat source.
After further discussions and recommendations took place it was agreed to install a Nibe ASHP using the oil heating as a backup, when outside temperatures drop below 7 degrees. The client was keen to keep the original radiators to experiment and see if the Nibe ASHP worked effectively, using only the oil boiler as a backup, in cases of extreme cold weather. So far, the oil boiler has not been used, however mild weather may have influenced this. The client expects that the true test will come, during the extreme weather conditions.

Installation was smooth and fluid leaving our customer with a satisfied impression of the Reina Group. He praised the experienced and professional workmanship of our Heat Pump Engineer. “The complete installation process was slick and well-done, I was particularly impressed by the removal of the old water tank and HP, which was successfully recycled, locally”.
In the first quarter the client's experience is encouraging with the economical view that his hot water and heating has cost in the region of £450 with no oil being used. The HP has consumed 3033 kWhrs and produced 9548 kWhr which provides a staggering 3/1 plus output.
The client has also applied for The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which is a Government initiative offering a tariff payment each year, for a set period.
The RHI will be paid to the client and calculated at a set rate per unit of renewable heat produced (kWh) for seven years. For air source heat pumps (ASHP) the rate tariff was 10.49p /kWhr but has subsequently increased to 10.71p
On reflection the client could not speak more highly of his experience with the Reina Group “The Reina Group appear to be courteous but cautious”. His only criticism being the RHI paperwork was a little difficult to understand and was rather lengthy. The Reina Group ensured that help was available, and all paperwork submitted was correct.