Frequently asked questions

Air Source Heat Pumps

Do I have space for an air source heat pump?

You’ll need somewhere outside your home where a unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It must have some space around it to allow a good flow of air.

What if I don’t have any outdoor space, or I live in a flat?

Compact heat pumps are specifically designed to heat small, well-insulated modern flats and homes. These only need a cupboard with around 80cm x 80cm floor space in the flat, and this should be near an exterior wall.

How do Air Source Heat Pumps work?

Air source heat pumps are installed outside or inside of a property, normally by the side or rear of the building or inside an enclosed unused area within a property. They absorb heat from the outside air, which is increased using a compressor, before being ready to be released into your home.

Are there different types of Air Source Heat Pumps?

There are two types of air source heat pumps, air to water and air to air. The type of heat distribution system you need will be determined by the unit that you choose. Air to water units transfer the heat by pumping liquid through pipes to radiators or underfloor heating.

The benefit of an air to water system is that it will produce hot water in addition to heat. Air to air systems generate warm air directly from the unit. This is then circulated around your home via ducting and fans.

Does my home need to be insulated before getting an Air Source Heat Pump?

When installing air source heat pumps, it is very important to make sure your property is insulated. A well-insulated building significantly reduces heat loss through walls, floors and the roof. If heat is easily escaping the building, the air source heat pump will need to work twice as hard to generate more heat to replace that what is lost.

Solar PV Systems

Do solar panels need maintenance?

Solar PV systems require minimal maintenance once installed. Their reliability and energy independence will offer you a lifetime of electricity generation.

How can I use the electricity generated?

The electricity generated by your solar PV system can also be used to provide heating for your home, when used in combination with an electric boiler. If you have excess electricity that you don’t use, you can sell this back to the energy grid, making a little extra cash.

Can I increase the number of solar panels I install?

Since photovoltaic systems are modular, it is easy to expand them or, even, in some cases, transport them.

How much do solar panels cost?

The final cost depends on the property, system size, roof layout and whether battery storage is included. Aspire Energy assesses the property before confirming the proposed system and price.

What size panels would I have?

Solar PV systems can be designed for a variety of applications and operational requirements, and can therefore be adapted to your own personal situation. There are domestic system sizes as well as commercial solar panel sizes.

Battery Storage

Can I install battery storage without solar panels?

Yes, depending on the system and your electricity tariff. The right setup depends on your property, electricity use and how you plan to charge and use the battery.

Can a battery be added to an existing solar panel system?

In many cases, yes. The existing solar system and proposed battery arrangement need to be checked to determine the appropriate setup.

What size battery do I need?

Battery size depends on how much electricity your home uses, when you use it and how much electricity your solar system generates. Aspire Energy can discuss the appropriate size as part of the property assessment.

Cavity Wall Insulation

How do I know if my home has cavity walls?

If your home has cavity walls, the bricks will usually have an even pattern with all the bricks laid lengthways. Prior to the 1920s, most homes in the UK were built with solid walls and it wasn’t until the introduction of cavity wall insulation in the 1920s that homes began to be built with cavities.

How does cavity wall insulation help to lower my bills?

Cavity wall insulation is the process of filling the ‘gaps’ in between your walls. By filling these gaps with heat retaining insulation, heat cannot escape through your walls as easily. As you keep more heat inside your home, you won’t need turn your heating on as much, saving you money on your energy bills.

What type of cavity wall insulation do you use?

All our cavity wall installers are trained in and use Energystore Superbead. We use superbead because it has a low thermal conductivity, making it one of the best performing blown insulation products on the market.

Do I get any warranties?

All of our cavity wall installs come with insurance backed guarantee.

How much does cavity wall insulation cost?

Suitability and cost depend on the wall construction, condition of the property and work required. Aspire Energy confirms these details after assessing the property.

Loft Insulation

How long does the install process take?

While it can vary depending on the size of the property, on average the process takes a few hours to complete, including clearing up afterwards.

Do I need to empty my loft first?

In order to insulate your loft space, we will need the area to be free of belongings. Please remove any items prior to the install teams arrival.

What expertise does Aspire Energy have?

All of our technicians are fully qualified and accredited. We’re available to answer any questions you may have.

Do I get any warranties?

All of our loft installs come with a 25-year CIGA guarantee.

How much does loft insulation cost?

The work required depends on the existing insulation, loft access and the property. Aspire Energy assesses the loft before confirming the proposed installation and price.