South Norfolk barn conversion enjoys energy efficient heating

A five-bedroom barn conversion near Dereham, South Norfolk, is enjoying the benefits of energy efficient renewable heating thanks to an air source heat pump installed by Finn Geotherm.

Formerly a 1970s agricultural barn, owners Mr and Mrs Olby converted the property into a home based on the same footprint as the barn, replicating many of the original features. As part of the renovation project, the couple chose an air source heat pump.

Mrs Olby explains:

“We’d been used to gas and oil in our previous homes, but as part of this building project, we wanted to opt for a more sustainable heating method. We chose a heat pump due to the energy efficiency it provides. While we contemplated with both air and ground source, we decided air source was most appropriate for the size of the barn, especially when taking into account the installation costs and returns available through the Renewable Heat Incentive.”

Having surveyed the requirements of the property, Finn Geotherm specified and installed a Panasonic 12KW T-CAP air source heat pump with 400 litre hot water cylinder and 50 litre buffer tank. By working closely with the building contractor undertaking the barn conversion, Finn Geotherm was able to ensure all the plumbing requirements were incorporated as part of the main project. This also meant that the property had full heating and hot water installed in perfect time for the Olby family to move in.

Mrs Olby sums up:

“We are very pleased with how well the air source heat pump is heating our home and how easy the system is to run. It is also very efficient. The service we received from Finn Geotherm was seamless throughout and they were very professional from the outset. They were informative when we met to discuss the initial build and quotation, and followed this up without adding pressure to our timescales. We are very happy with the system and our installation.”

This heating project was completed in Summer 2020, enabling the homeowner to qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to help fund the project. The RHI scheme has since closed and been replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.