A self-build heat pump system for the Gittins family’s new home in Upton-upon-Severn. We designed a Stiebel Eltron air source system around the way the family wanted to live, with the hot water cylinders in the loft and capacity for a future garage.
At a glance
| Location | Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire |
| Property | New family home for a family of six, the owners’ first self-build |
| Heat pump | Stiebel Eltron WPL 25 air source |
| Controls | Stiebel Eltron Easytron heating controls |
| Hot water | Cylinders in the loft, to free up living space |
| Heat emitters | Underfloor heating on the ground floor, radiators upstairs |
| Ventilation | Mitsubishi MVHR, installed under the supervision of Heat & Energy Project Management |
| Future-proofing | Designed to heat and supply hot water to a future garage |
| Our work | Heat loss calculations, heat pump installation, underfloor heating, radiators, MVHR, and plumbing for the kitchen, utility room and four bathrooms |
The brief
Mr and Mrs Gittins had never done a self-build before, so choosing who to work with was an important decision. They wanted a family home for themselves and their four children that would be energy efficient, comfortable and modern.
Our self-build heat pump design
We started by talking through what the family needed, then carried out heat loss calculations to make sure the system would meet their energy efficiency goals. This led us to recommend a Stiebel Eltron WPL 25 air source heat pump.
The family asked for the hot water cylinders to go in the loft to make the most of their living space, so we adapted the design to allow for this. We also designed the system to provide heating and hot water for a garage they plan to build later, so the heat pump fits around the family rather than the other way round.
Stiebel Eltron Easytron controls were installed with the heat pump to help it run efficiently. Our team installed a Mitsubishi MVHR unit, supplied and oversaw the underfloor heating on the ground floor, fitted radiators upstairs, and did the plumbing for the kitchen, utility room and all four bathrooms.
The outcome
Mr and Mrs Gittins chose us because we could provide the full service, from planning and choosing the heat pump to installation and the other work around it. Our aftercare means we’re still there to give advice and support after the project is finished.
Where to put the hot water cylinder
A heat pump needs a hot water cylinder, and usually a buffer tank, so space for them has to be planned in. In a self-build, the most common spot is a plant room or utility room, but it can go elsewhere if the design allows.
A loft can work, as it did here, but it needs to be properly designed. The floor has to take the weight of a full cylinder, the space needs to be insulated and protected from frost, and there must be safe access for servicing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hot water cylinder go in the loft?
It can, if the loft is designed for it. The structure has to support the weight, pipework and the space must be well insulated, and there needs to be safe access for servicing. We check all of this before recommending it.
Can a heat pump be sized for a future garage or extension?
Yes. If you know you’ll be adding space later, we can size the heat pump and plan the pipework now, so the extra area can be connected without replacing the system.
Can I get a grant for a heat pump on a self-build?
Often, yes. New-build homes are generally not eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, but self-build properties are. Check your eligibility before you order, as the rules can change.
Related
Read more about air source heat pumps, see how we work with self-builders, find out how much a heat pump costs, or browse more projects.