02 October 2024
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The small but powerful Shoebox NX ground source heat pump is lending its incredible efficiency to this modest but modern self-build property that focuses on sustainability.
In just eight months, retired electrician Mr. James created a unique new-build two-bedroom bungalow. He is now living almost entirely off grid, with a remarkably small carbon footprint.
Background Context
A former electrician, Mr. James wanted his new home to be as energy efficient as possible, with the intention of living an off-grid lifestyle. In addition to the ground source heat pump providing heating and hot water to the property, Mr. James has 12 x solar panels installed on the roof and a 13kW battery to store the energy they capture, which helps power the heat pump.
To speed up the building process, the frames for the house were made off-site and then delivered and put into place in just one week. To meet planning requirements, the exterior is clad in natural wood, giving the property a rustic look.
Groundwork Installation
The groundwork for the heat pump installation was undertaken before the main frame of the house went up, fitting seamlessly into the build programme. The plot had a relatively small amount of land, which would have been too small for horizontal pipework. It was decided that boreholes were the best space-saving ground array solution for Mr. James.
About the Installer
Mr. James engaged Onsen Energy to carry out the borehole drilling and install the new ground source heat pump system. Onsen Energy has over a decade of experience in borehole drilling and heat pump installations and are one of Kensa’s Partner Installers.
Managing Director, Gareth Berry, says: “Boreholes are a great option if your property has limited outside space. If you’ve got a bit more room, then slinkies or horizontal pipework can be installed instead.
“At this site, geological surveys revealed the region has a high chance of encountering pressurised water known as artesian conditions, therefore drilling two shallow boreholes instead of one deeper borehole mitigated the risk of releasing water from the ground below. Every ground source heat pump installation is different, and we’re ready to adapt to any potential challenges.”
Heat Pump Installation
Opting for highly effective solid insulation panels in his design means that the property retains the heat generated by the heat pump very effectively. This means Mr. James is kept warm and cosy all year round.
Apart from heated towel rails in the bathroom, the house features only underfloor heating throughout – complementing the ground source heat pump perfectly to ensure the house is kept at a comfortable and consistent temperature.
Mr James utilised Government funding from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to help with the cost of the ground source heat pump. With his highly efficient renewable system, Mr. James’ heating and hot water bills are projected to be around £800 per year.
Gareth from Onsen Energy says: “We’d already started work on the property and completed the drilling when Kensa’s new Shoebox NX was launched. We originally were going to put the original model in here, but we suggested to the client that they take up the new model. I think they’re very happy with their choice – it’s excellent and very quiet.”
“The new model produces 5.35 as a seasonal coefficient performance means that for every 1 kilowatt of electricity that the customer using to run the heat pump, it’s producing 5.35 kilowatt of heat for the house. The high efficiency makes the running cost of the heat pump quite small, which reduces the customer’s electricity, heating and hot water bills.”
David Billingsley, Sales Director at Kensa, said: “The new NX model is our latest ground source heat pump innovation, one everyone at Kensa is hugely proud of. It’s a compact but powerful unit, still small enough to fit in a cupboard like the original Shoebox models, but this unit packs a serious punch!
“Homeowners with our ground source heat pump can enjoy high-performance low carbon heating, hot water over 60oC, passive cooling and a SCOP of over 4.60. It’s designed to suit almost any property, whether it’s a new build home, a flat or a Victorian terrace, and is ready to service homes like no Kensa heat pump has before.”
Conclusion
The successful integration of the ground source heat pump into Mr. James’ self-built, energy-efficient bungalow demonstrates the viability of sustainable living. By leveraging renewable energy sources, he has created a comfortable, off-grid home with minimal environmental impact.
www.kensaheatpumps.com
