UK: Commercial Heat Pumps Set for Biggest Winter

As increasing number of businesses announce net zero plans, experts predict that this winter could be a turning point for the industry

Heat pumps have been at the forefront of the government’s campaign for the decarbonisation of UK real estate, including a £7,500 grant on offer to homeowners in England and Wales as part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, but the need for decarbonisation in business premises, including the use of heat pumps, has generated less noise.

Now, however, as an increasing number of businesses announce net zero plans and climate road maps, scrutiny on whether they turn those plans into reality is growing – and with it an interest in heat pumps.

There’s no doubt that heat pumps have been adopted more quickly in the domestic market and have earned more headlines, too. But the net zero argument is possibly the biggest driver of all when it comes to persuading businesses to make the switch. Our view is that this winter could be a turning point in the market.

Craig Moreton, Controls and Heat Pump Systems Lead at Trane UK

While the latest heat pumps can switch quickly from heating to cooling, are fast to install and can heat water to the same temperature as a gas boiler; rooftop heat pumps, suitable for larger premises, can use warm air to heat a building without the need for radiators or boilers. Modern refrigerants used in heat pumps are more environmentally-friendly than the past, adding to their carbon reduction credentials and heat pumps can lead to energy cost saving because they are up to four times more efficient than a gas boiler.

They can also be rented and installers can effectively tap into the current system, bypassing existing boilers. A Thermal Management System (TMS) takes over the running of the heating once installed.

Craig Moreton, Controls and Heat Pump Systems Lead at Trane UK, a company which manufactures, sells and rents commercial heat pumps, said, “We are seeing increased interest from businesses in heat pumps, especially in the rental market which allows them to try out heat pump systems without dipping into their capital expenditure budget. Our view is that rental could be the key to encouraging businesses to decarbonise the heating of their premises and to overcome the myths and misconceptions that have been holding them back until now.”

“There’s no doubt that heat pumps have been adopted more quickly in the domestic market and have earned more headlines, too. But the net zero argument is possibly the biggest driver of all when it comes to persuading businesses to make the switch. Our view is that this winter could be a turning point in the market.”

Moreton added, “When you consider how many business premises there are in the country, commercial heat pumps could have a huge part to play in helping us reach net zero. It is time they were given greater focus.”

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