With the solar panel array fully up and running, we have installed Global Energy Systems’ Caernarfon 18kW Eco Air Source Heat Pump making the move from oil to air source central heating.
The reason we opted for the Caernarfon CAER410AMOD1 (that’s the model number) was because unlike Mitsubishi, Hitachi and other makers of heat pumps, Global Energy design and manufacture a pump for the UK climate, and we required a pump powerful enough to heat our entire house.
We all know it rains a lot in the UK and there is a lot of moisture in the air, so when the heat pump strips 8 degrees C out of the atmosphere, the condensate causes an ice build up which requires the heat pump to defrost in a quick and controlled manner, and the Caernarfon has, according to Global Energy Systems, been designed to do just that. We will monitor this claim.
By watching this video you’ll get an overview of the heat pump we’ve installed, along with the other heating components that we have in operation around the house from controls for the underfloor heating and radiators through to the equipment we have in the utility room where the new water tank has been installed.
Other things to know about the heat pump
- The Caernarfon 18kW Eco Air Source Heat Pump has a larger evaporator to enable the pump to draw a greater volume of air over a larger area of evaporator thus transferring a larger amount of heat to the refrigerant in the evaporator.
- The evaporator is placed at a higher level to prevent cold air recirculation, purportedly resulting in a better performance levels.
- Designed for the British climate down to -20 degrees centigrade. This is a bold claim and we will definitely watch this.
We are working on a new video to evaluate the performance of our air source central heating system.
Post updated (29 January 2020) – please see the reviews and videos by visiting the links below:
- First Performance review