A heat pump uses the principles of thermodynamics to absorb energy from the surrounding environment and converts it into usable energy which can provide heating for our homes.
Read MoreThere are two types of air source heat pump – ‘air to air’ and ‘air to water’. The Grant Aerona³ uses an air to water system which utilises heat energy captured from the air in ‘wet’ heating system radiators or underfloor heating.
The process uses the same vapour/compression cycle that extracts heat in a domestic fridge. A refrigerant with a low boiling point is exposed to external air temperatures in an evaporator. The liquid boils off to a gas and absorbs the latent heat energy of the air. This gas is then compressed increasing the heat content in the refrigerant, before passing through a heat exchanger where it condenses back to a liquid state while transferring the heat to the water of the heating system. The liquid refrigerant is then re-circulated through the evaporator and the cycle is repeated.
Read MoreYes, the heat source used by Grant Aerona³ heat pumps is entirely renewable which helps reduce the amount of harmful greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere and, in so doing, lowers the carbon footprint of the household.
An air source heat pump needs to be located outside in the open air and sufficient space must be allowed around the unit (1000mm from front and sides, 300mm from back) so air can flow freely into it. The unit also needs to be installed on a flat trowelled finished concrete base 150mm thick and this base should extend at least 100mm beyond the unit on three sides. Full details are given in the Installation and Servicing instructions supplied with any Grant Aerona³ air source heat pump.
The north face of a building will usually have colder ambient air than any other side so, to ensure maximum efficiency from a Grant Aerona³ heat pump, position the unit on a warmer side, preferably south facing. All heat pumps make a noise so take opening windows and doors into account when considering the final position.
Grant’s latest generation of air source heat pumps uses R32 refrigerant which has a GWP which is considerably lower than other typical heat pump refrigerants such as R410. In addition to having a lower GWP figure of 675, R32 is a single-component refrigerant which means it has no temperature glide. Refrigerant blends that have two or more components exhibit temperature glide but as R32 only has one molecule in its formation, its saturated liquid and vapor temperatures are the same. By removing the risk for the refrigerant to suffer from glide, the system can recharge and recycle with greater ease, making it more efficient.
Air source heat pumps must be correctly sized to ensure that it can provide the required amount of heat output at the design conditions – typically when the outside temperature is at -3°C. To do this an installer must first accurately determine the heat loss from the property and then, using this information, correctly select the required size of heat pump based on the design outside air temperature. Grant UK can assist with sizing the heat pump model and the heat loss of your building.
Read MoreDuring winter months when it is particularly cold, condensation can form and freeze on the finned evaporator coil of the unit. It is a normal occurrence and the heat pump is designed to cope with this. The control system will detect when the coil has iced up and will automatically enter a ‘defrost’ cycle. During this short ‘defrost’ period the fan will stop and the heat pump will cease supplying heat to the heating system in order to melt the ice. On completion the fan and heat pump will automatically restart and resume supplying heat to the heating system. This will not adversely affect the building temperature.
Heat pumps use either one or two fans to draw air through the unit to extract the heat energy. These fans will produce a moderate sound level that might be perceived by some as a nuisance, either by the occupants of the building with the heat pump system, or the neighbours. In particular this may be a greater problem at night when background noise is much lower. Careful choice of the heat pump location can help to minimise or eliminate the potential nuisance, e.g. not too close to bedroom windows (particularly with a bungalow) or too close to a neighbour’s boundary or property. Two of our latest models, the Aerona³ R32 13kW and 17kW heat pumps have achieved the Quiet Mark, an accolade which recognises some of the quietest, high performing products in the market.
Read MoreYour household electricity consumption will increase using an air source heat pump. However there will usually be no gas or oil bill to pay to heat the house, unless a bivalent heating system is chosen (combining the heat pump with a gas or oil-fired boiler as a backup heat source). You should therefore consider the overall cost of heating, i.e. the increased electricity cost compared with the saving in oil or gas bills.
Where electricity is the only energy source used, a change to the electricity tariff might be possible enabling the heat pump to run more economically. It is always worth enquiring with your energy provider, as depending upon your electricity demand, they may have a plan that is more suitable e.g. Economy 10.
Yes, all models within the Grant Aerona³ range are MCS approved.
All of the Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pumps have been approved by CEN KEYMARK, an independent European certification mark for all heat pumps, combination heat pumps and hot water heaters.
Read MoreYes, Grant's Aerona³ air source heat pumps will be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants provided the installation fulfils the eligibility criteria.
Read MoreNormal domestic heating controls, such as a 2-channel programmer, room thermostat and cylinder thermostat are suitable for use with Grant air source heat pumps.
Read MoreGrant heat pumps should be serviced annually. Failure to do so will invalidate the product guarantee.
Read MoreYes, air source heat pumps can be installed with radiators but the radiators must be correctly sized for the lower water flow temperature. It is important that the system is designed correctly and you can speak to your installer or a member of our Design Team to discuss this further.
Read MoreWhen installing an air source heat pump, a hot water cylinder that is compatible with heat pumps must be selected and, more often than not, an existing cylinder will not be suitable.
Read MoreIt is important that consumers understand that an air source heat pump system differs to a traditional central heating system, such as a gas or oil boiler. They use electricity to power them, they are a low temperature heating system and the system design is different to that of a traditional heating system.
Read MoreGrant air source heat pumps feature an in-built 'Defrost' function which automatically operates to assist the heat pump when external temperatures drop below 0˚C. In brief, the defrost cycle reverses the heat pump's operation to direct hot refrigerant vapour back into the ice covered evaporator causing any ice to melt.
Read MoreIn brief, a Monovalent system is when a heat pump covers the whole heating load whereas a Bivalent system is when a heat pump is combined with another heat source.
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It is possible to save money on all fuel types by either improving a home's thermal insulation, reducing the room temperature, shopping around for a better energy deal or upgrading to a more energy efficient heating system.
Read MoreBetween 1st April 2022 through to 31st March 2027, the rate of VAT on the installation of certain energy saving materials, such as a heat pump, is 0%. If you have a heat pump installed at your home during this period and you live in Great Britain, you should not have to pay VAT.
Read MoreUnderfloor heating is not restricted to new build properties, it can be also be installed as a retrofit project into many older properties.
Read MoreNo. UFH can be installed both upstairs and downstairs in a property. Please read more about underfloor heating specifications here.
Grant's underfloor heating systems include, Uflex and Uflex MINI. With a drying time of thirty days, the Uflex underfloor system is best suited to the new build and renovation market, this is so the underfloor system can be fitted as part of the floor construction process. Uflex MINI, however, has a drying time of 3 days. It is suitable for both new builds, as well as retrofits and renovations, when an underfloor heating system is to be fitted in a property with a floor construction already in place. At just 15mm in height, this underfloor system can be installed incredibly quickly and with minimal disruption to a property’s existing floor and door arrangements.
Underfloor heating is suitable for gas, oil, and LPG boilers as well as heat pumps and biomass boilers. For more information, speak to our Renewables Team.
No. The Uflex MINI system is specifically designed to suit retrofits and renovations, when an underfloor heating system is to be fitted in a property with a floor construction already in place. At just 15mm in height, this underfloor system can be installed with minimal disruption to existing floor and door arrangements.
Radiators use air circulation to emit heat into a room whereas underfloor heating warms a room when the hot air rises from the floor. Radiators do therefore work differently compared to an underfloor heating system.
Read MoreNot all types of floor finishes are compatible with underfloor heating systems so it is important to research suitable floor coverings which will allow the heat from the underfloor heating system to be transferred into a room.
Read MoreYes, data suggests that underfloor heating can be 25% cheaper to run than radiators when used in conjunction with a condensing boiler and up to 40% cheaper to run when used with a heat pump (EuRay 2005.)
Overboarding involves the fitting of an overlay or base layer in between the screed and the floor finish. Some types of underfloor systems, such as electric UFH, require a form of overboarding to be fitted as standard. However, Grant’s Uflex underfloor system does not need overboarding which allows installers to lay the final floor covering directly on top of the dry screed.
The manifold is the system hub for the underfloor. The pipes are connected to it at the installation stage and it then controls the distribution of the water from the heating system's source (boiler/heat pump) throughout the underfloor system. It is at the manifold that the control of the flow to each individual zone or room is achieved.
The manifold should be located in a central point where the pipework is most evenly distributed.
Grant's underfloor heating systems operate at their most efficient when they are not frequently switched off and on. The floor screed takes time to heat up, but once up to temperature it only requires a small amount of heat to maintain this condition. Switching the system off and on, results in the floor losing temperature, requiring more heat input to reach temperature again.
Read MoreThe control system on the hybrid unit monitors the ambient (outside) air temperature and allows only the heat pump to operate when the air temperature is high enough for it to meet the heat demand of the building on its own. At lower ambient air temperatures the boiler will operate alongside the heat pump, providing a boost to the flow temperature. When the ambient air temperature falls lower still, the boiler is operated at its full output at a higher flow temperature to enable the hybrid unit to meet the higher heating demand of the building.
Read MoreHeating system radiators in existing properties are usually sized using the higher water flow temperatures produced from a boiler and so, to meet the same heat demand using the lower flow temperatures produced by a heat pump, the radiators would normally need to be increased in size. Using a hybrid unit combines the higher flow temperatures produced by a boiler, with the efficient operation of a heat pump, to meet the buildings heat demand throughout the year.
When the weather is warmer, i.e. in the spring and autumn, the heat pump works independently and the existing radiators can meet the heat demand with the lower flow temperature. This allows the very efficient use of electrical energy to drive the heat pump for large periods of the heating season. When the weather gets colder, the boiler operates to provide the additional energy required negating the need to increase radiator sizes.
The VortexAir is designed to be installed outdoors, i.e. both the boiler and heat pump are located next to each other outside the building. However, it is also possible for the boiler to be installed internally with the heat pump still outside. Full details for both types of installation are given in the installation instructions supplied with the unit.
No. The boiler can be installed and, if necessary, operated as a stand-alone unit for an indefinite period until the heat pump can be installed and connected to it. This is particularly useful when an existing boiler has to be replaced in an emergency due to a breakdown. The installation of the heat pump can follow at a later date when convenient.
Read MoreNo. The blue flame burner and boiler is serviced in exactly the same way as any other boiler from the award winning Grant high efficiency Vortex condensing range. The boiler is accessed via a removable door on the right hand end of the casing and most of the electrical servicing can be easily done from the front of the appliance.
No. As not all installations will require a heat meter and electricity meter, the Grant VortexAir Hybrid is supplied without any meters fitted. However, in accordance with MCS metering requirements, the Grant VortexAir Hybrid is supplied ‘meter ready’ to allow both the heat meter and electricity meter to be easily fitted if required. The heat meter and electricity meter are available as accessories from Grant.
Installation of the hybrid unit requires an installer who is both competent in the installation of oil fired boilers (preferably a registered oil installer, e.g. OFTEC registered or similar) and also able to install an air source heat pump. Grant strongly recommends that any installer intending to fit a VortexAir Hybrid should first attend a Grant training course. If an RHI payment is required, the installer will have to be MCS accredited for the installation of air source heat pumps.
Usually, compliance with the Town and Country Planning legislation for England, and the MCS Planning Standards, for permitted development means that Planning Permission is not usually required to install a Grant VortexAir Hybrid. However, this should be checked with the Local Authority Planning Department in all cases. It is the responsibility of the householder to undertake this check.
This is a complicated question to answer. Any cost benefit is dependent on a variety of different factors, including the heat demand of the property, the type of heating system currently installed, the pattern of heating usage, the cost of both electricity and heating oil at the time of installation. Consequently, cost benefits will vary from one installation to another.
A Solar PV system uses panels (usually called ‘modules’) that generate electricity in the presence of sunlight. The amount of electricity produced depends on the intensity of the sunlight. Solar thermal, on the other hand, uses sunlight to heat a fluid. In the case of Grant solar collectors, it heats a glycol/water solution within the collector. This heated fluid is then circulated from the collector to a cylinder where the heat is transferred to produce hot water.
Read MoreIn most instances, the installation of a solar thermal system does not require planning permission.
Read MoreMany people believe that solar collectors only work in the summer, however this type of free energy is available throughout the year. From May to September, solar thermal could produce 100% of the energy required for heating your domestic water. Grant collectors operate not just with direct sunlight, but also diffused sunlight, so they even work on cloudy days.
For installations in the UK, solar thermal collectors will perform best when facing due south at an angle of between 30 - 45°. However, collectors facing south west or south east will perform almost as well. Failing that a collectors facing due west will perform better than those facing due east. North facing solar thermal collectors are not usually used.
No. Grant Solar Thermal systems require only basic maintenance in order to ensure that they continue to give trouble free operation.
Read MoreWhilst solar thermal can be used to contribute to the heating of a house using a thermal store, it is more usually used to heat your domestic hot water cylinder and provide hot water to your taps.
Read MoreA Grant solar thermal system requires a cylinder with a solar coil. In many cases this will be a ‘twin coil’ cylinder with both a boiler coil and a solar coil. This may well mean that your existing hot water cylinder will have to be replaced by a suitably sized twin coil cylinder to maximise the performance of your solar thermal system.
Between 1st April 2022 through to 31st March 2027, the rate of VAT on the installation of certain energy saving materials, such as a solar thermal system, is 0%. If you have a solar thermal system installed at your home during this period and you live in Great Britain, you should not have to pay VAT.
Read MoreA condensing boiler has second (condensing) heat exchanger where the flue gases are cooled to below their dew point by the water returning from the heating system. This has the effect of condensing the water vapour present in the flue gases, and liberating the heat energy that would otherwise be lost to outside through the flue system.
Read MoreAll Grant Vortex floor standing oil boilers are biofuel compatible (depending on type of biofuel and % blend, for example: HVO or FAME). Biofuels are a renewable energy source, created from organic matter or waste. It will likely play an important role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the future. As biofuels emit less carbon dioxide than conventional fuels they can be blended with existing fuels, or used as 100% sustainable fuels, as an effective way of lowering carbon emissions.
Read MoreThe award winning Vortex boiler was launched in 2002. In the subsequent years that followed there was a customer demand for a competitively priced ‘A’ rated boiler, so the R&D Team at Grant devised the Eco range to meet this growing demand. The Vortex Pro has a larger heat exchanger area and more case insulation which gives it a slightly higher efficiency than the equivalent Eco model.
An energy efficient boiler is an appliance which operates as effectively as possible by reducing the amount of energy lost through insulation and out the exhaust.
Read MoreChoosing the best boiler for your home is important so that it meets all of your requirements. Whether you need an internal or external boiler, one for your utility room or garage, your installer will help you find the best boiler type for your property and with sixty-three models available, a Grant boiler should meet your requirements.
Read MoreA combi is a combination boiler that produces both heating and hot water from one compact appliance.
Read MoreCombi boilers which incorporate the latest burner and heat exchanger technology will be highly efficient. When comparing combi boiler efficiency, there will be two ratings – one for the space heating efficiency and one for the hot water efficiency.
The size of oil boiler that you will need will be determined by the heat loss of your property, the size of your home and your requirements for heating and hot water demand.
Read MoreIt is advisable to let your condensate run into a soil stack or the larger the diameter of pipe the better as this will help to prevent freezing water. If your condensate trap is not run off into a soil stack pipe and its running into a smaller waste pipe then remove the bung on the condensate trap.
The serial number is a 15 digit long number sequence, located on a data plate on the inside panel of your boiler (Example 205122367811171).
You can see how energy efficient a boiler is by reviewing the technical data provided by manufacturers. For Grant boilers, you can find the boiler efficiency rating of individual models via our website – please read more about oil-fired boilers here.
Grant oil condensing boilers need to be connected to a flue to remove the combustion gasses. Even if you are replacing your Grant boiler with a new version, you will require a new flue system too. It is not possible to connect to the old existing flue or liner, due to build-up of debris, which could fall back into your new boiler and affect its performance. Grant has a range of unique EZ-Fit Flues which are available as low level, high level or vertical kits, for internal and external applications, and even as unique flexi liner packs, designed to enable condensing boilers to utilise an existing chimney. It is also possible to convert existing low-level flues to high level after installation. Apart from the benefits of so many options the Grant EZ-Fit flue systems ensure ‘pluming’ is kept well out of the way of any windows, air vent or doors and out of sight. The flue terminal (end part of flue situated externally) should be positioned so as to avoid combustion gasses accumulating in stagnant pockets around, or entering inside the property. Care should also be taken that the plume from a condensing flue does not cause a nuisance. Please talk to your installing engineer for more information about the Grant EZ-Fit Flue systems.
In almost all applications you will not be able to use the existing flue. With condensing boilers there is a lower flue gas temp which leads to condensation/ moisture in the chimney/flue. The condensing boiler will need a Grant approved flue which is stainless steel and properly sealed at the joints to prevent leakage. All Grant external modules come with a factory fitted flue system.
A boiler service is recommended to help the appliance operate correctly. Grant recommend that your oil boiler is serviced every twelve months (even when the guarantee has expired) to prolong the lifespan and ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.
Read MoreBiofuels, which are a type of renewable energy, produce significantly less carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels so their use could help reduce the emissions of a biofuel compatible oil boiler.
Read MoreThe Energy Saving Trust endorsed energy efficient products that met industry agreed standards for energy performance and for over 15 years, all Grant oil boilers were endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust. Please be advised that the Energy Saving Trust's product endorsement scheme closed on 1st March 2022.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is a government driven scheme to promote renewable technologies. It is an internationally recognised quality assurance scheme which demonstrates the quality and reliability of Approved Products by satisfying rigorous and tested standards. MCS is linked to the Governments’s finance schemes and incentives. If you wish to take advantage of these schemes, an MCS approved product must be used. For further information visit https://mcscertified.com/
Grant UK distributes through a network of independent and national plumbing and heating merchants. Please use our Merchant Search tool to locate a distributor near you.
Read MoreNet zero carbon refers to achieving a balance which ensures that the level of carbon dioxide within the atmosphere is not added to or increased. The Government has set the country a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 which will mean that society, its behaviours and everything it produces, will need to collectively not increase the overall level of emissions, including carbon. Wherever possible, no carbon emissions should be produced but when they are, society needs to counteract these emissions with an environmentally friendly solution to absorb any excess carbon from the atmosphere.
Read MoreThe Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was a Government initiative introduced to encourage and reward people for using renewable fuels to heat their properties. The Domestic RHI Scheme closed to new applications in March 2022.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a new Government funding programme that will open once the Domestic RHI Scheme closes in March 2022. The BUS will be open to eligible applicants in England and Wales who make the swap from a fossil fuel boiler to a low carbon heat pump.
Read MoreAll Grant products have a statutory 12-month guarantee. If the product is registered via our website within 30 days of installation, this is upgraded to a standard warranty: 2 years on oil boilers, air source heat pumps and hybrids, 5 years on solar thermal, 2 years on cylinder components and 25 years on the cylinder body. These warranty periods are subject to Terms and Conditions.
Read MoreGrant UK’s Find an Engineer search facility allows homeowners to find local installers and engineers in their area. Simply click on ‘Find an Engineer’ under the ‘Support’ header and then enter your postcode. The search will then bring up a selection of G1 installers and service engineers based locally to you. You can also filter your search to suit your requirements.
G1 Installers can activate extended guarantees on the Grant products they are accredited to install. This can include Grant’s Aerona³ air source heat pumps and VortexAir Hybrid models. In order to activate the longer guarantee periods, the G1 Installer must install the appliance in full accordance with the installation instructions and then register the product via their online G1 Portal.
Read MoreYes - Grant Engineering (UK) Ltd is a member of RECC (Membership No. 00070263).
Read MoreWe consider and respond to all complaints and issues, no matter how they are raised or what they refer to. We take every opportunity to resolve complaints at the first point of contact where possible. To make a complaint, please use the contact forms on this site, or alternatively email: info@grantuk.com
Grant UK no longer supply new biomass boilers and ancillary products to the mainland UK market (including England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man and Channel Islands).
Grant UK supply the full complement of spares to support Grant biomass installations in the field – please visit www.grantuk.com/spares for further details.
Technical support for all Grant biomass installations that are under warranty is available, subject to the Terms and Conditions of the product's guarantee and subject to the product being correctly registered with Grant UK. Please call 01380 736920 to speak to a member of Grant UK’s Technical Team with the biomass boiler’s serial number and installation address details to hand.
Grant UK no longer supply the Solo Fan Convector range to the mainland UK market (including England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man and Channel Islands).
Technical support for Grant Solo Fan Convector installations that are under warranty is available, subject to the Terms and Conditions of the product's guarantee and subject to the product being correctly registered with Grant UK. Please call 01380 736920 to speak to a member of Grant UK’s Technical Team with the installation address details to hand.