Using ASHP in an Ad Hoc Fashion?

Netexporter

I suspect you'll need very large radiators to get a large enough delta-t to maintain a thermosyphon in a single pipe system.

QrizB

Netexporter said:

I suspect you'll need very large radiators to get a large enough delta-t to maintain a thermosyphon in a single pipe system.

I also suspect most installers would say "no" and insist on a re-plumb.

matelodave

I'd suggest that no heatpump system would work with a thermosyphon set up.

They need a minimum water volume and flow through them of around 15-20lpm (mine has a flow switch which shuts it down at 14lpm) That's why using TRV's isn't a good idea unless there's a bypass in the system to ensure minimum flow.

silverwhistle

QrizB said:

I'm not sure your use case can really justify a full air-to-water heat pump installation. You use too little heat. A stored HW tank plus an air-to-air multi-split might be a better solution.

OP, I'm looking at a similar solution as I have very similar consumption (well, purchased) figures, with higher electricity as I have an EV. My gas standing charge for an almost equal figure is equally painful and when you divide and add that to every unit it doesn't bear thinking about!

I'm obviously not as hardy as you as I also have a woodburner and solar panels(!), but as I've already got electric cooking, and particularly happy with an induction hob, getting rid of the gas meter and standing charge is a distinct possibility. I'd probably have a year testing A2A before doing that though, and would also only do a downstairs lounge and dining room split.

For information my hot water is mainly from PV via a diverter to a tank when there is spare: no gas use March to October but some in the darker months, but it's still mainly cheaper to top up with an efficient immersion heater using cheap rate unless I have an unplanned need for hot water during the day. Saving on standing charge should cover any extra electricity consumption there.

Like you I don't bother with upstairs heating and I think since I had to change my phone I haven't used my bathroom electric towel rail and can't remember how. This has just reminded me; it's manual time!

akwexavante

I'd leave the ASHP system on all the time even in your case.

Just set the room temperature to a lower temp... 18 degrees?

Nick_Dr1

hooperman111 said:

T
I guess if i did that, it would make sense to get an electric cooker and get rid of the gas meter, saving money on gas standing charge.

If you get an electric cooker, get an induction hob. As quick as gas. Other electric hobs are really slow.

wrf12345

"If you get an electric cooker, get an induction hob. As quick as gas. Other electric hobs are really slow."

Depends on how much cooking you do, microwave for cooking cake, chicken, fish and vegetables and electric kettle for hot water for coffee, don't actually need expensive to run cooker, mine is gathering dust and would be excluded if I did another kitchen renovation.

NedS

Nick_Dr1 said:

hooperman111 said:

T
I guess if i did that, it would make sense to get an electric cooker and get rid of the gas meter, saving money on gas standing charge.

If you get an electric cooker, get an induction hob. As quick as gas. Other electric hobs are really slow.

I absolutely hate induction hobs, but that's my personal preference.

We have an electric (ovens) RangeMaster with gas hob fed from a 47kg propane cylinder. A gas cylinder costs £89 and typically lasts us 18 months, costs less than the annual charge for a gas supply and that's before you've paid for any gas. For anyone going all electric, but who is reluctant to let go of gas cooking, I would recommend this as a cost effective option that you may not have considered.

Alnat1

Adore my induction range after swearing nothing beats gas all my life. It reacts as fast as gas but is clean with only a quick wipe. Heaven! 

Will find out this winter if I like the ASHP as much, so far, so good but didn't have many minus temp days after install.at end of Jan.

NedS

Alnat1 said:

Adore my induction range after swearing nothing beats gas all my life. It reacts as fast as gas but is clean with only a quick wipe. Heaven! 

Will find out this winter if I like the ASHP as much, so far, so good but didn't have many minus temp days after install.at end of Jan.

The thing we like best about our heat pump, besides the lower bills, is the constant comfortable heat. No more wild swings in temperature you get with a gas or oil boiler (the old fashioned mechanical thermostat probably didn't help with that).

Once the weather compensation has been set up correctly, the house just remains at a constant steady temperature.