In Autumn 2018, the heating system for a rural property in Hampshire was upgraded during which a Grant VortexAir air source heat pump/ oil boiler hybrid was installed. The installation of this innovative heating product now keeps the household warm, cleverly combining renewable energy with the trusted elements of an oil boiler.
The Project:
- Property: detached home
- Heat Source: hybrid heating (air source heat pump and oil boiler)
- Products installed: VortexAir Hybrid
The detached home, based in Alton, Hampshire, was previously heated by a combination of technologies including solar PV, a biomass boiler and a hot water heater. When the homeowners purchased the property in early 2017, they scheduled significant refurbishment works and replacing the existing heating system was one of the projects. The layout of the ageing system did not meet the homeowners’ lifestyle requirements so a new approach to heating their home sustainably was required.
Why the homeowner chose a VortexAir Hybrid
Selecting an efficient, effective and environmentally friendly system was important for this install. “From the outset, we wanted to maintain the idea of keeping our energy footprint to a minimum,” comments the householder. “With no natural gas in the area and our previous experience with other more traditional systems, our choices were limited. However, after discussions with Paul Humphrey of Humphrey and Crockett Ltd, the innovative Grant hybrid heating system was introduced to us. Utilising an air to water heat pump and oil boiler, Paul suggested that the VortexAir Hybrid would meet our requirements and overcome the problems of the previous heating system.”
Working closely with Andover-based G1 Installers Humphrey and Crockett Ltd and Grant UK’s Sales Team, the system was developed and installed. The VortexAir Hybrid model was chosen comprising of an Aerona³ air source heat pump and an oil fired boiler. The VortexAir Hybrid cleverly couples these two technologies with just a single flow and return connection to the house, thus enabling a simple installation.
Features of the VortexAir Hybrid
The Grant VortexAir Hybrid provides homes, where a heat pump alone is not suitable, with the opportunity to incorporate a low-carbon heat pump into their heating system with the back-up of an oil boiler. Some of the features of the VortexAir Hybrid include:
- Uses advanced control system to seamlessly switch to the most effective heating mode (either heat pump only, oil boiler only or a combination of both)
- Available with a 5 year guarantee when installed by a G1 Installer (Terms and Conditions apply)
- Offer flexibility with installation, either being installed as one complete unit or with the boiler installed inside.
Flexibility with positioning the hybrid boiler
For this installation, the hybrid was fitted as a complete unit behind the property’s games room with the services installed in a trench running across the paddock into the house. The VortexAir offers excellent flexibility when it comes to siting as the hybrid can either be installed as a single unit (with both the heat pump and boiler sited outdoors) or separately with the heat pump located externally and the oil boiler installed inside. Furthermore, for distress purchase situations when a property requires heat to be restored quickly, the oil boiler can be installed first as a stand-alone unit with the heat pump being fitted at a later date.
Alongside the installation of the hybrid, new radiators were also fitted within the property. “It was explained to us that, to get the best out of our heat pump and to reduce the use of the oil boiler, the new radiators should be oversized if possible,” continues the homeowner. After carrying out the heat loss calculations, it was decided to install radiators which were oversized by approximately 30%. In addition, all of the pipework which was previously mounted on the surface has been removed and replaced.
Hybrid operation with maximum efficiency
The VortexAir Hybrid uses an advanced control system which automatically monitors the system temperatures. The unit is able to seamlessly switch between a number of different modes of working, whether that be the heat pump, the oil boiler, or a combination of both technologies. Within the first month of the system operating (November through to early December 2018),” writes the householder, “the oil boiler did not need to operate at all and during that time, we had days when the daytime temperature did not rise above 4°C and the night temperatures were freezing or just below.”
Homeowner’s thoughts on their hybrid heating system
The homeowners are thrilled with their new heating system which delivers the best of both worlds with the renewable heat pump working with the back-up of an oil boiler when required. “We are so pleased with the finished installation,” concludes the homeowner. “Aesthetically, the installation has exceeded all our expectations and, from an operational perspective, it has been amazing. The temperature throughout the entire house and separate games room is kept at a constant level.
“Throughout the project, Humphrey and Crockett Ltd were always extremely helpful, accommodating all our ideas and requirements. Furthermore, as G1 Installers, they have activated a 5 year guarantee on our VortexAir Hybrid for added peace of mind. Our house seems to have been the ideal property to install such a system and we would recommend other homeowners to investigate the Grant VortexAir Hybrid.”
Learn more about hybrid heating
If you are interested in learning more about hybrid heating and how these types of heating systems can help homes reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, read some of our articles and other case studies here:
- Discover the advantages of hybrid heating
- View some Hybrid Heating FAQs in our Knowledge Hub
- Read another case study about a VortexAir installation in Wiltshire
You can also read more about the Grant VortexAir Hybrid Range.
