SAP Appendix Q methodology clarifies the performance and energy rating of air source heat pumps

(25/03/2010)

SAP is the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for the Energy Rating of Dwellings, and is used to demonstrate compliance with building regulations – Part L (England and Wales), Section 6 (Scotland) and Part F (Northern Ireland).

However, SAP 2005 portrays the capabilities of some technologies – including air source heat pumps generically. Appendix Q has been designed to redress this by accurately reflecting the true operational benefits obtainable by using specifc models. The recently launched addition for heat pumps to the SAP Appendix Q methodology, has clarified the performance and energy rating of air source heat pumps.

Appendix Q for heat pumps, which came into force last month, is only applicable to products tested and included on the SAP Appendix Q website. Ecodan is one of only a handful of air source heat pump brands that are currently Appendix Q Approved.

“We are delighted that the SAP software now allows consultants and specifiers to fully understand the benefits of one technology over another and that all heat pumps are no longer simply lumped together,” commented Max Halliwell, Business Development Manager for the Heating Systems Division.

Mitsubishi Electric is now marketing the third generation of Ecodan, which uses advanced technology taken from the commercial heating industry to make it far more efficient, quieter and easier to install than almost any other readily available air source heat pumps.

“Although Appendix Q is not suitable for every situation, using it will in the majority of cases clearly show savings over and above the default figures from SAP 2005. The output will give the amount of additional energy that can be saved by using Ecodan,” added Halliwell.

“We know we have a market-leading product with Ecodan that can help reduce carbon and cut energy bills and we have conducted extensive modelling using the new Appendix Q system,” said Halliwell. “These help to clearly demonstrate that Ecodan can achieve exceptionally high levels of energy savings and percentage improvements.”

The Appendix Q system appears as a new option in the SAP 2005 program, with users asked to specify ‘renewable or energy saving technologies’ and choose from the list of recognised technologies and models. The exact results are dependent on the building type and respective direct hot water versus central heating demands, with the end result shown as a saving in kWh/year.

Related categories:  Heat pumps