Trial launched to compare air source heat pumps against infrared heating systems

A trial has been launched to compare the performance of an air source heat pump against an infrared heating system.

Construction company, Lovell, have launched the the Tomorrow Home programme with the aim of using the findings to see which system performs best and then implement the system in their next large scale development project.

The company claim the aim is to create the most energy-efficient eco homes using a data driven approach in order to "plot a path to net zero”.

What is the pilot scheme?

Lovell has launched the Tomorrow Home housing programme to compare the performance of an infrared heating system with that of an air source heat pump system in two three-bedroom houses.

The two initial pilot homes will serve as test homes to see which energy-saving system is best for their builds, before a choice is made for which should be used in 124 newly built homes in Spennymoor, Durham.

Dr Sean Williams and Elena Imani from Teesside University will oversee the study by monitoring the home's performance, such as by examining operating costs and embodied/operational carbon figures and then will use this to, according to Lovell, "to inform the specification of future homes that Lovell develops as the business moves to Future Homes Standard and beyond".

What technology will be tested in the homes?

Both test homes will have the following eco-friendly technologies:

• Myenergi solar inverter and solar battery linked to electric vehicle charger
• Eco2solar photo-voltaic panels
• Recoup waste-water heat recovery (WWHR)
• H Jarvis triple-glazed PVCu windows
• Ideal Standard water efficient sanitary ware

House 'A' will also include:

• Eco HeatwaveInfrared heating system
• Atlantic Calypso air source hot water cylinder
• Vent Axia whole-house mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system (MVHR)
• Symphony kitchen – constructed using recycled materials
• Multipanel impervious shower wall to wet rooms

Whilst House 'B' will also include:

• Daikin air source heat pump together with direct hot water tank
• Vent Axia dMEV (decentralised mechanical extract ventilation)

What are the main differences between Infrared heating and heat pumps?

Infrared heating and air source heat pumps are two different heating technologies, each with distinct advantages. 

Infrared heating works by directly warming objects and people through infrared radiation, making it efficient for small, well-insulated spaces. It offers immediate warmth, energy efficiency and low maintenance but is limited in range and only provides heating. 

In contrast, air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and can also cool spaces. They are highly efficient, environmentally friendly and suitable for year-round use, though they have a higher upfront cost and require more complex installation.

Why are Lovell running this trial?

According to National Sales Director, Justine Elliott Lovell is conducting the study to "measure the performance of alternative electric heating systems" to produce the most energy-efficient homes possible.

She explained: “As a responsible business, we are driving our emissions down year on year and are constantly looking at innovative ways we can do this, while at the same time continuing to deliver much-needed, multi-tenure homes right across the UK.

“Collecting and sharing data is massively important here. Thanks to our partnership with Teesside University, we are able to measure the performance of alternative electric heating systems and various other new to market technologies, so we can gain valuable insight and continue innovating, as we plot a path to net zero.”