Regional Winners

Please tell us about a project you are particularly proud of – what was the problem and how did you solve it for the customer?

We are particularly proud of our work on the installation of a hybrid air-source heat pump for an 18th-century Georgian Country Villa in East Lothian, Scotland. The villa, a Category B-listed property built in the 1770s, presented unique challenges due to its historical significance.

Through careful assessment and collaboration with the client and other stakeholders, we devised a comprehensive plan of action that involved the installation of a hybrid heating system integrating air source heat pumps with the existing oil boiler infrastructure. In a more regular scenario, the homeowner would perhaps insulate and even upgrade windows to reduce heat loss and we would recommend upsizing radiators to allow for 100% heat pump coverage and greater efficiency but neither of these were possible with it being a listed building.

The client had already engaged with an energy consultancy company to develop ideas for carbon reduction and agreed to install a large amount of Solar PV so it made sense to utilise the electricity generated on-site by using heat pumps for heating.

The technical aspects of cascading three heat pumps into a hybrid system in conjunction with the infrastructure of a listed building all presented unique design and installation challenges. An additional technical challenge was the fact that the older radiators and pipework system may not be able to withstand higher operating pressure that modern heat pump systems can generate. Between the team at IMS and our industry partners, we managed to successfully overcome all of these challenges and achieve the client’s objective.

Which products did you select for the job and why?

The technical details of the installation included the installation of three Vaillant A+12kW heat pumps operating in a cascade system, along with modifications to preserve the existing column radiators and ensure optimal performance.

Alongside the Vaillant A+12kW heat pumps, we also integrated a bespoke 300l hot water buffer cylinder sourced from MacDonald Water Storage, a local company specialising in water storage solutions. This custom buffer cylinder allowed us to maintain separation between the primary side and the secondary side, and have both running at different operation pressures and flow rates. This also enabled us to integrate the existing boiler as part of a hybrid system. The incorporation of this locally sourced component not only enhanced the overall performance of the system but also showed our commitment to supporting local businesses and reducing environmental impact.

Together, the Vaillant heat pumps and the MacDonald Water Storage buffer cylinder formed a seamlessly integrated heating solution tailored to the unique requirements of the property, delivering unparalleled efficiency, reliability and sustainability benefits.

Tell us what was different or unique about this job? Why does it stand out?

This project stood out for us due to its combination of historical significance, technical complexity and commitment to sustainability. Working on a Category B-listed property required a high level of expertise and attention to detail to ensure that the installation met stringent preservation regulations while delivering optimal performance.

Our ability to design and implement a bespoke hybrid heating solution that seamlessly integrated with the property’s existing infrastructure showcased our skills and commitment to excellence.

The project took approximately two weeks to complete, during which we navigated various challenges, including technical limitations and logistical constraints. The location and type of building presented unique challenges that required innovative solutions and meticulous planning to overcome.

Our customer said: “It’s quite technical, and we’re not particularly technical, so the guys took time to explain it all to us, which helped. From start to finish, it’s been a good experience.”

And finally, tell us what the end result was for your customer?

The result of our work was a highly satisfied customer who now enjoys improved heating efficiency, reduced energy bills, and a significantly lower carbon footprint. With the heat pumps covering over 90% of the annual heating energy, the expected carbon reduction was over 75% and this is before even factoring in the use of the zero-carbon PV energy generated on-site.

Since the installation, the homeowners have reported a significant reduction in their oil consumption and energy costs, demonstrating the tangible benefits of our work.

The customer said: “The installation was very efficient, and the team from IMS did a good job. And so far, it’s been working well, and the amount of oil we’re using is massively reduced.”

Our installation of the hybrid air-source heat pump has allowed the customer to future-proof their property while preserving its historical integrity. The customer expressed their appreciation for our professionalism, efficiency and clear communication throughout the project. Overall, the project was a success, not only in terms of technical achievement but also in delivering tangible benefits to the customer and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.