Biomass pellets or ASHP?

tasha247

I wouldn't mind some advice on the following, please.
We are updating and extending a detached 60's bungalow. It is currently heated by a very old but reliable (but not efficient) Redfyre oil boiler and we would like to replace and relocate the heating system. We are updating the double glazing and will be insulating all loft spaces.

We have been quoted £4500 for a biomass pellet boiler (extraflame melinda) to be fitted and set up, and with the prospect of a £950 RHP that seemed do-able, with about £220 per tonne pellets with delivery. But without the RHI kicking in I'm having second thoughts. How does an ASHP like the Mitsibushi Ecodan compare for heating, hot water and running costs? etc etc. any advice thoughts welcome.

Cardew

Hi, you need to read the many threads in the Utilities(LPG etc). Also read the report of a 12 month trial by the Energy Saving Trust.

There are very mixed opinions - from 'excellent' to a 'disaster'.

The one aspect is that the cost is usually way above the figures you are using, and you will need to use much bigger radiators or Underfloor heating as any ASHP runs at much lower water temperatures than 'conventional' CH.

rogerblack

If you are considering something like this - then it can be worth taking a step back.
If you're in the process of updating it - may it be appropriate to upgrade the whole house to - or even a little beyond - current building standards with regards to insulation.

Insulation will carry on working for the long term, and could well under half your existing bills, and mean you need a much smaller heating system.

mikendeb

Have recently installed an 8.5kwh Ecodan into a 3 bed bungalow direct into existing radiators and hw tank to replace a modernish rayburn oil boiler. Cost, including installation and less RHPP of £850 and Mitsubishi csah back of £400, around £3200. So far - results very encouraging - certainly more efficient than previous system and of course no fuel purchasing / storage issues or space taken up by a boiler. V important to find installer who knows what they are doing - the initial setup of flow temp and controls are very important for overall efficiency. Yes - some radiators may need enlarging because flow temps are lower but when the system is drained down anyway that is a minor cost - in fact we havn't bothered and are going to see how things go with existing rads. We also have solar PV so daytime costs even lower!