Large heat pumps can perform well in historical properties, but only if designers understand the context of the setting and its use, says a new report from Historic England. Alex Smith highlights lessons learned
Category: Technical
Stopping the rot: addressing ventilation failures
Poorly installed insulation without adequate ventilation has caused damage to thousands of homes. Molly Tooher-Rudd looks at how the industry is tackling the spread of mould and damp
Why proven heat pumps still struggle to scale
The successful adoption of heat pumps is affected by complexity, compatibility and user experience, according to UC Davis research. Tim Dwyer looks at how consumer uncertainty threatens the rollout of heat pumps into the mainstream
Setting the standard for social housing
Social housing retrofits can meet the upcoming UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, but the costs are high, says ECD Architects’ Loreana Padron, based on a 48-homes Cambridge City Council pilot delivered by the practice
The essential guide for domestic heating design
The new edition of the Domestic heating design guide is critical for designers of heating and hot-water systems in owner-occupied homes, says Andy Mathews
Bridging the heat pump efficiency divide
Real-world analysis of domestic heat pump installations has identified underlying reasons for system underperformance. Alex Smith looks at the study paper’s recommendations, which the authors say could reduce household’s annual energy costs by 26%
Bridging the heat pump efficiency divide
Real-world analysis of domestic heat pump installations has identified underlying reasons for system underperformance. Alex Smith looks at the study paper’s recommendations, which the authors say could reduce annual energy costs by 26%
Avoiding the trap: embodied carbon and low-GWP heat pumps
Research by Max Fordham shows that air source heat pumps with low global warming potential refrigerant risk being penalised under current calculation methods for embodied carbon. The firm’s Lia Minty discusses how upfront carbon differs according to refrigerant type and proposes a fairer methodology
The application of heat pumps in non-domestic buildings
A packed CIBSE briefing looked at how heat pumps can be applied effectively in commercial buildings. Speakers explored design quality, retrofit challenges and the policy drivers needed to unlock the market. Molly Tooher-Rudd reports
Could waste heat hold the key to decarbonisation?
Seven heat networks based around waste-heat sources could supply up to 6% of London’s heat needs, according to a Waste Heat Study for the GLA by Buro Happold. Bill Wilson reports