The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA), the Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) and Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and others have joined forces to publish a Heat Pump Insulation Guide
The guide – produced in conjunction with trade bodies including the Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) and Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) – provides clear, practical guidance on insulation standards for above-ground, externally located heat pump pipework.
The good practice guide covers domestic applications, as well as communal and commercial applications, and clearly signposts when a specialist thermal insulation contractor is required for the role of insulating the associated pipework.
Heat pump installations will play a key role in achieving decarbonisation
Chris Ridge, TICA’s technical director, said: “There’s a great deal of confusion about what ‘good’ looks like when it comes to the thermal insulation of heat pumps. TICA has worked closely with its industry partners to produce a guide that can be accessed by everyone. This is the kind of collaboration we need to see more of if we are to move the industry forward.
“Heat pumps remain a central pillar of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy, but the battle for hearts and minds isn’t yet won. By being clear about what good insulation specification, installation and aftercare looks like, we can play a significant role in improving the overall efficiency of heat pumps and making them a more viable proposition for most people.”
The guide warns against considering insulation an afterthought
The foreword to the guide, written by Lawrence Leask FInstR, managing director of Kaizen Energy Consultancy, reinforces why insulation cannot be an afterthought: “Thermal insulation of heat pump pipework often remains an afterthought. It’s clear that we cannot afford to remain hyper-focused on efficiency of the heat pump alone.
“The most efficient heat pump for the application could be specified and installed, but any assumed benefits could easily be undone through poor thermal insulation specification and installation.”
The “TICA Good Practice Guidance for Domestic, Communal and Commercial Heat Pump Installations: Thermal Insulation of Externally Located Above Ground Pipework” is available now.
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