April 2023

Kathryn Glover
HVAC expert

Looking to replace an old boiler? Explore the future of heating with our guide to low-carbon, energy-saving air source heat pumps.

Upgrade to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint

If your boiler is reaching the end of its serviceable life, it’s worth considering your options. A straight replacement might seem the obvious answer, but newer, more efficient technologies now offer viable – and surprisingly affordable – alternatives.

One of these options is to replace your old boiler with an air source heat pump. These systems are designed to reduce your carbon footprint, save energy, and reduce your utility bills in the long run. And they do all this while delivering reliable heating and hot water, year-round.

So, what’s an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps are electrically powered systems that extract heat energy from the air surrounding your building, even in the coldest weeks of winter. They then transfer this heat to the inside of your building – almost like an inside-out fridge.

How do air source heat pumps work?

Firstly, an external fan draws outside air over a network of tubes filled with refrigerant gas, which circulates at -28°c. This refrigerant absorbs the heat energy from the air, and turns it into a gas.

This gas then passes through a compressor, which raises the gas’s temperature, causing it to change into a hot liquid.

This compressed hot liquid finally passes into a heat exchanger, which heats water for both the radiator heating circuit and water outlets including taps and showers. The refrigerant, now cooler, turns back into a cold gas and is pumped back to the outside unit to capture more heat.

What are the benefits of air source heat pumps?

They’re highly efficient

Air source heat pumps can be over 300% more efficient than a traditional gas-powered boiler. Given the ongoing energy crisis, this could mean you save money on your energy bills while simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint.

They won’t freeze up

An air source heat pump can still work effectively in freezing temperatures, which means you’ll be able to enjoy reliable heating and hot water all year round. Yes, heat pumps are more efficient when it’s warmer outside, so you can expect them to work a bit harder when it’s cold. But when hot water and warm radiators are essential, it’s reassuring to know.

They’re easy to look after

Unlike a boiler, which you can usually expect to last around 10 years, an air source heat pump has fewer moving parts and should work effectively for at least 15 to 20 years. On top of this, they’re much easier to maintain, keeping call-outs – and downtime – to a minimum.

Consistent heat for longer

Heat pumps work at a lower internal temperature than a gas or oil-fired boiler, which means radiators won’t feel as warm. However, an air source heat pump provides gentler, more efficient heating over much longer periods, instead of quick boosts of heat on demand. This is particularly useful in the care sector, where it’s important to minimise the risk of residents burning themselves on radiators.

Is an air source heat pump the right option for you?

With some minor updates to make sure everything works properly, any building can be suitable for a heat pump. Here are your basic requirements:

The building needs to have enough exterior space for an outdoor condenser unit, which can’t be sited within a metre of neighbouring boundary walls
There’s space inside for a buffer vessel
The building has good insulation, such as cavity wall and loft insulation, larger surface area radiators and double-glazed windows. If this isn’t the case, we recommend upgrading to larger surface area radiators to help improve the efficiency of the heat pump and reduce your overall running costs. If you have old or single panel radiators, you may need to swap them for double or triple-panel units.

It’s worth saying that the noise from a heat pump is similar in volume to a fridge. As it gets colder outside, this noise will increase while it’s operating. However, you shouldn’t be able to hear the sound from indoors.

Will an air source heat pump save me money?

In theory, a more modern and efficient system should also reduce your energy bills. But there are other factors that will decide whether or not you’ll be able to save. These include:

Your current electricity tariff
The type of heat pump you’ve installed
The design of the heating system
Your geographical location and the average air or ground temperatures throughout the year

Savings will also depend on the system being replaced. If you’re replacing an old, non-condensing gas boiler with an air source heat pump, you’ll likely save more than if you have a more modern condensing gas boiler. In these cases, a heat pump may cost slightly more per year to run due to the current cost of electricity.

What else should I consider before I install a heat pump?

Costs – an air source heat pump is currently typically 5 times more expensive that a natural gas boiler
Upgrading your radiators – some heat pump system designs, especially low temperature heat pumps, also require larger radiators to work at their maximum efficiency
Underfloor heating – heat pumps work best when there’s less difference between the inside and outside temperatures. Floors cover a much bigger area than radiators, so they don’t need to get as hot to provide the same amount of heat. This makes heat pumps a good match for underfloor heating (though it’s not an essential pairing)

Can I use an air source heat pump for hot water?

Even without replacing your boiler, a heat pump can be a great solution for producing hot water, and a big first step towards reducing your business’s carbon emissions.

Advantages

Heat pumps are 3-4 times more efficient than gas boilers
They’re low carbon (which can be reduced further with a renewable energy tariff)
They offer reduced long-term running costs
They’re lower maintenance and have a long service life

Disadvantages

To improve running costs, you may need to improve your insulation. However, adding more insulation is beneficial regardless of the heating system you have
Air source heat pumps cost more to install than other, more traditional heating systems
Installation can take much longer than replacing a gas boiler, as it’s not a like for like replacement; you’ll need to plan around this to minimise disruption to your business
You need enough space outside for the pump and inside for a buffer vessel / water cylinder. Air source heat pumps also need an indoor unit, but this is exactly the same as replacing the existing boiler and will usually go in the same location

What are the different types of heat pump?

Air-to-air heat pumps

These units transfer heat directly into the air in your rooms. More commonly known as air conditioning units, they can switch between heating and cooling depending on the season. However, it’s worth noting, these types of heat pumps don’t usually provide hot water.

Air-to-water heat pumps

These units transfer heat to an existing wet heating system (radiators, underfloor heating).

Hybrid heating solutions

This is where air source heat pumps are combined with a boiler. The boiler can assist the heat pump by providing hot water or a heating boost during a particularly cold snap.

How can I look after an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps have a typical working life of 15-20 years. Just as you would with a boiler, you should get your air source heat pump professionally serviced every year to make sure it’s working efficiently and to help prolong the life of the unit.

There are some things you can do yourself, too. Firstly, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use your heat pump.

Next, make sure there’s always plenty of air around the heat pump. This means regularly checking for leaves or rubbish caught at the back and side of the heat pump, and pruning back any plants growing too close to the unit or its pipes. During the winter, you’ll also want to clear snow from the heat pump.

How much does it cost to run an air source heat pump?

As every building is different, we can only offer approximate running costs for an air source heat pump. Let’s say a property needs 18,000kWh of heat per year. In this example, you’ll need to divide that heat requirement by the efficiency of the appliance, then multiply it by the price of the fuel to get the total running costs of a particular appliance.

Using current average fuel prices:

Appliance	Efficiency	Calculation	Total per year
New gas boiler	92%	(18,000kWh ÷ 92%) x 35p per kWh of gas	£6,848
Older, non-condensing gas boiler	70%	(18,000kWh ÷ 70%) x 35p per kWh of gas	£9,000
Air source heat pump	300%	(18,000kWh ÷ 300%) x 45p per kWh of electricity	£2,700

If you’d like to work out a similar equation for yourself, check your current energy bills for the amount of kWh of heat required to heat your property, and your current energy tariff.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the above example assumes the building is fully insulated and has larger surface area radiators, so it’s as efficient as it can be. Your current building setup will influence the amount of kWh of heat you need.

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Understanding what sized commercial laundry equipment you need is all about identifying what your business requirements are.

Facilities managers may want to consider the space you have available on your premises and how much laundering you require day-to-day before weighing up the pros and cons of each individual laundry model.

Ultimately, laundry is sized according to its capacity rather than its physical footprint, and is often split into three sizes:

Small or light-duty washing machine

A light duty washing machine may have a capacity of 5kg – 8kg and run for approximately 8 washes a day. This makes them ideal for businesses who require regular but light washing such as a bed and breakfast, a hair salon or social housing. It is worth noting that this size of commercial machine is often comparable in size to domestic equivalents but will be far more robust as they are built specifically for business use.

JLA 7 & 8 washing machines are a great example of small commercial washers who provide a large drum capacity whilst using minimal facility space, particularly when stacked, as is the benefit of the smaller ranges.

Medium/Large or heavy-duty washing

Heavy duty washing machines are well suited to those who require large wash loads on a continued basis. Hotels for example may often use this sized washer, and they frequently have capacities of anything between 20kg and 80kg.

Industrial washers

Industrial washers are large appliances with incredible power to ensure a higher turnover of laundry. They may take up far more floor space than their smaller counterparts but they can handle huge volumes of washing, with a capacity up to 180kg.

Why does the size of a commercial washer matter?

From a business and facilities perspective, the sizing of your laundry equipment will be detrimental to how much laundry you can feasibly achieve, having an immediate impact on profits. Considerations will need to be made with regards to the available premise space, maintenance requirements, and utility bills, as these will all vary depending on the volume of appliances needed and in which size category they fall into.

Talk to our industry-leading laundry team today for a unique, all-inclusive Total Care package, specially designed for you with tailored advice on the best washer size for your business.

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What do we mean by ‘digital laundry solutions’?

Digital laundry solutions are a suite of Cloud-based systems that allow owners and operators to get valuable insights into how their laundry equipment is performing from day to day.

While still fairly new, these technologies are already proving especially useful for care providers who want to optimise their laundry processes. This could mean saving energy, reducing environmental impact, or making sure that laundry rooms are operating in line with CQC compliance standards.

At JLA, we’re also using this technology to monitor our customers’ equipment remotely. This way, we can identify potential issues before they cause any disruption, and help to ensure our customers are getting the very best returns from their equipment.

Customers can manage their JLA account 24/7 through our free myJLA portal. myJLA allows customers to see all their equipment in one place, view equipment insights, access all their key documents in one place, and even purchase detergents direct.

Improving laundry room performance

With a core focus on person-centred care and a high compliance burden to manage, most homes are happy if their laundry equipment just works. But left unchecked, a poorly operated laundry can significantly increase energy costs, damage the environment, and, in the worst cases, become a vector for infection.

This is why it’s so important to take a closer look at your laundry room’s performance. And now, with digital laundry solutions, it’s simpler than ever to understand how well your equipment is doing – often at a glance.

At JLA, we’ve made it possible to monitor the cycles you run, view energy and water consumption, and even see live estimates of your carbon emissions. Plus, if you operate multiple locations, you can see everything in one place through the myJLA portal, and even give your local managers the ability to see, monitor and improve performance at their own sites.

Alongside this, our laundry experts will continually check for potential issues. If we spot a problem, we’ll have an engineer with you within Total Care’s industry-leading SLA.

Driving laundry room sustainability

While the industry’s move to greener equipment gathers pace, digital laundry solutions such as JLA’s are making the transition as simple as possible. Another benefit of our digital solutions is that we can check in on the cycles running in your laundry to make sure everything matches your expected usage profile.

After all, too many hot washes could be costing you in wasted energy and unnecessarily increasing your carbon footprint, while too few hot washes or large numbers of incomplete hot washes could be putting your residents at risk of infection. Armed with insights like these, we can help you tune your laundry room to the exact needs of your business, and make sure your equipment remains well-suited.

Plus, when you need to quickly demonstrate infection compliance or environmental compliance, it’s infinitely easier because all your records are safely stored online on myJLA.

What’s next for digital innovation in care home laundries?

The last year has marked only the start of digital laundry solutions, and thanks to a growing focus on energy and money-saving, innovation is moving quickly in this sector.

Here at JLA, we’re planning to not only make compliance more visible to our customers, but also offer organisations more tools to demonstrate their excellence in infection control compliance. We’re also developing ways to offer real-time suggestions designed to help you make the best of your equipment.

We’ll also continue to develop our digital laundry solutions so that they remain easy access and intuitive to use, so that none of our customers will need specialist knowledge, training or equipment to take advantage. We’re dedicated to removing hassle and obstacles so that there’s nothing to stop you taking the performance of your laundry to the next level.

Learn more about JLA Connect and myJLA

Kathryn Glover
HVAC expert

Replacing your old boiler could make a positive difference to the energy efficiency of your care home, and reduce your bills as well. But while it can sound like a big job, it doesn’t have to be daunting – or disruptive. In fact, there’s plenty to get excited about. Here’s our guide on when to book a replacement, and what to expect.

With any investment, you want to be absolutely sure you’re making the right call. So when it comes to replacing your care home’s boiler, it’s understandable that you might have concerns about whether it’s the right time to make the switch, or even whether it’s necessary at all. It could be that the boiler has stopped working completely, or that a simple fault needs tackling. It could be that you’re putting up with regular trouble… or that little issues – a leak or a loss of pressure – could actually be resolved by a service.

So, what to do? Read on to make a more informed decision.

How often should I replace my boiler?

A good quality, properly installed boiler should generally last around 10-15 years, providing it’s been looked after and serviced regularly. You shouldn’t need to replace your care home boiler more often than this.

If your boiler is only a few years old and not working as it should, you should check whether it’s still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If not, you should get it repaired by a qualified Gas Safe engineer.

How do I know I need to replace my boiler?

Generally, there are some clear signs that indicate it’s time to replace your boiler:

You’re calling out an engineer to fix the boiler more than once a year
Replacement parts are getting expensive and/or they’re hard to source
You’ve extended the care home and it’s not as warm as it used to be
Your bills are showing higher energy usage, even though you haven’t made any building changes or alterations

Do I need to replace my boiler with the same model?

You don’t have to replace your boiler with the exact same model. However, this could help to make the replacement’s installation a bit more straightforward. Just take care to review all available options from various manufacturers to make sure you’re choosing the most efficient model for your needs – and don’t forget to consider more environmentally friendly options, including air source heat pumps, if they’re suitable for your building.

How much does a new boiler cost?

The cost to replace a commercial boiler in a care home varies enormously – starting anywhere from £2,000 for a small light commercial boiler, up to more than £50,000 for the bigger, more powerful boilers. It also depends on a number of factors:

The size of the care home and your requirements – powerful boilers cost more
The type and brand of boiler
The hot water flow rate – how quickly it heats and supplies hot water
The warranty period – a longer warranty typically costs more
The quality and type of insulation used in your care home

The cost to replace your boiler will depend on:

The amount of work required – are you reconfiguring your heating system? The installation cost for replacing like-for-like will be less than if you need to add other services, for instance, scaffolding to get on the roof if that’s where your flue is located.
The type of installer – always use a Gas Safe Engineer to install your boiler replacement.
Your location – this might be due to the availability of installers or regional variations in installation costs.

If you’re spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds on a new boiler system, you want to make sure that it’s going to work the best it can. So, there might be some extra boiler replacement services to consider:

An extended warranty – many top-brand boilers come with 10-year warranties. But if yours doesn’t, it could be worth paying extra to extend the warranty beyond its usual period.
New equipment – consider investing in smart controls or thermostatic valves to control your heating in the most efficient way, and avoid heating empty rooms. You may also need new radiators if they’re old or won’t work with your new boiler.
A system clean, or power flush. This clears the rust and debris from the heating system, pipes and radiators.
A magnetic boiler filter which attaches to the heating system and stops magnetic particles from clogging up the pipework.

Can I get help with my boiler replacement cost?

1. Is it still under warranty?

Some boilers come with warranties of 10 years – the manufacturer will replace your boiler if it fails in that time. As always, check the small print of every policy – some charge a call-out fee, while others will bill you for installation. And always make sure you register the warranty as soon as your boiler is up and running (most have to be registered within 30 days).

2. Do you have boiler insurance (boiler cover)?

If you’ve taken out an insurance policy to protect your care home against boiler breakdown, you might be able to get some help with the cost of a replacement boiler.

3. Pay monthly for a new boiler with Total Care

If you can’t afford the upfront boiler replacement cost, JLA’s Total Care – a unique, all-inclusive package, specially designed for you – means no hefty outlay and easy fixed monthly payments, helping you spread the cost of the boiler over a fixed number of months. As with any rental agreement, just make sure you check the terms and conditions for full details.

4. Look out for special offers

Given the high upfront cost for a new boiler, it’s worth checking if there are any deals or special offers available.

5. Don’t buy a second-hand boiler!

When a boiler is removed, it’s susceptible to corrosion. One alternative to consider is a trade-in deal. Some boiler installers will give you a discount on your new boiler as payment for your old boiler – ask if this is an option when you’re shopping around.

What size of boiler do I need?

Don’t over-size a boiler for the sake of it. Too big and you’ll end up paying for energy you don’t need. Too small, and your residents might end up with cold baths. Either way, an incorrectly sized boiler will cause significant issues.

Can I improve my carbon footprint?

If you’re replacing a gas boiler, the obvious choice is to go for another gas boiler. But it’s also worth considering switching to low-carbon alternatives such as air or ground source heat pumps.

What happens during a boiler replacement?

This very much depends on the company installing your boiler. Typically the installation will follow these steps:

The installer will turn up and remove your old boiler
Your new boiler will be fitted, along with any new pipework
They’ll test your new boiler and complete any paperwork for you
You’ll be shown how to use the boiler, along with any new smart controls

For more help and advice on replacing a boiler, contact one of our experts today.

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While sustainable technology might offer longer-term solutions to spiking energy costs, smaller changes can still add up to big savings throughout your care home. Here are six to get you started.

1. Upgrade older equipment and fittings

Replacing outdated equipment and fittings like drippy taps will likely save a fair bit of money. But if you go further and switch out your care home’s double-headed taps for single-lever taps, it’ll be easier to change water temperature and control your consumption from rinse to rinse.

Use up to 60% less water

Another simple, smart way to reduce energy and waste is to install taps that only draw hot water through the pipes when you turn the lever, defaulting to cold water the rest of the time. Add in a built-in flow-rate limiter, and – according to certain manufacturers – you’ll use up to 60% less water than you would with a conventional tap. These cost from as little as £11.25 per limiter, are suitable for use with most basin mixer taps, and simply screw into the end of the spout.

Energy-saving measures shouldn’t have to mean skimping on quality, either. Installing new showerheads featuring water-saving aeration technology will allow your residents to enjoy a spa-like mist every time they shower, reduce the amount of hot water (and therefore energy consumed) and only cost from £46 per showerhead.

2. Add reflective heat/solar film to your windows

By fitting reflective heat/solar film to your windows for around £34 per metre, you can reduce energy loss and ensure your heating system works harder for you. But the benefits don’t just stop at insulation in the colder months. By reflecting more of the sun’s rays during the summer, you’ll ease the pressure on your air-con systems, keep everyone nice and comfortable, and drive your energy use down. And as a bonus, your residents will benefit from an extra layer of privacy and security.

3. Sync up your aircon units and extractors

It’s worth double-checking that your care home’s kitchen extraction system is properly synced up with your care home’s air-conditioning. With the balance right, extracted air is replaced, and temperatures stay nice and comfortable. But when the balance is off, your kitchen extractors can end up dragging air from windows or doors to create an unwelcome draught. In turn, your air conditioning will use more energy trying to balance the temperature. A system review or basic service will cost from around £300 depending on the size of your units.

4. Get your heating system serviced

Between hot baths and warming rooms, heating is the biggest driver of your care home’s daily energy use. With that in mind, it’s always worth giving your systems an MOT, get them serviced so they’re running at their best, and weigh up whether they’re still viable to use longer-term.

Gas boilers need particular attention, as they’re likely to account for up to half of your annual energy spend. If you’re using one, prioritise getting it checked over to make sure it’s working efficiently for you. Depending on the size of the boiler, an annual service starts from around £200 plus part costs.

5. Power down those unused appliances

Leaving electrical appliances in standby mode might only consume a small amount of energy, but usage costs for idle machines can quickly add up. Just by turning off lights and powering down appliances like TVs in communal rooms, you could make some surprising savings.

Staying on top of this can be everyone’s role, too. Talk regularly about energy savings goals, and all the ways people can get involved, and everyone will be more likely to chip in and help.

6. Keep an eye on usage with smart software

Thanks to advances in technology, tracking your energy use in real time is no longer the stuff of sci-fi, so it’s easier than ever to make informed decisions about how to run your care home, and put even more focus on care.

JLA’s very own Connect service offers continuous monitoring for your commercial laundry equipment. It helps to improve efficiency by estimating the amount of energy and water your machines use, and when, before suggesting better times to run them.

On top of that, it offers a handy way to quantify your environmental impact with CO2 emission estimates.

Get the full lowdown on Connect.

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Upgrade to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint

So, what’s an air source heat pump?

How do air source heat pumps work?

What are the benefits of air source heat pumps?

They’re highly efficient

They won’t freeze up

They’re easy to look after

Consistent heat for longer

Is an air source heat pump the right option for you?

Will an air source heat pump save me money?

What else should I consider before I install a heat pump?

Can I use an air source heat pump for hot water?

Advantages

Disadvantages

What are the different types of heat pump?

Air-to-air heat pumps

Air-to-water heat pumps

Hybrid heating solutions

How can I look after an air source heat pump?

How much does it cost to run an air source heat pump?

Similar blogs you may like

An essential heating guide for care homes

Winter heating checklist

Small or light-duty washing machine

Medium/Large or heavy-duty washing

Industrial washers

Why does the size of a commercial washer matter?

Similar blogs you may like

Exploring the benefits of auto-dosing pumps

Enhancing the laundry room set-up in professional football clubs

What do we mean by ‘digital laundry solutions’?

Improving laundry room performance

Driving laundry room sustainability

What’s next for digital innovation in care home laundries?

How often should I replace my boiler?

How do I know I need to replace my boiler?

Do I need to replace my boiler with the same model?

How much does a new boiler cost?

Can I get help with my boiler replacement cost?

What size of boiler do I need?

Can I improve my carbon footprint?

What happens during a boiler replacement?

Similar blogs you may like

An essential heating guide for care homes

Winter heating checklist

1. Upgrade older equipment and fittings

Use up to 60% less water

2. Add reflective heat/solar film to your windows

3. Sync up your aircon units and extractors

4. Get your heating system serviced

5. Power down those unused appliances

6. Keep an eye on usage with smart software

Why commercial equipment is more energy efficient

Download your free guide today.

Similar blogs you may like

How to start decarbonising your estate

Water Boiler vs Kettle – A Quick Guide

About JLA

Solutions

Sectors

Kathryn Glover

HVAC expert

George Barclay

Laundry Expert

Talk to our experts today