Case Study: Gas Boiler Replacement with Midea R290 Air Source Heat Pump in Ashford, Kent

Project Overview

Location: Silver Hill, Ashford, Kent
Property Type: Detached home with loft conversion
Existing Heating System: 30kW gas combination boiler
New Heating System: 6kW Midea R290 air source heat pump with 250-litre high-gain hot water cylinder
Additional Works: Full radiator upgrades and two new radiators installed in the new loft bedroom
Existing Renewable Technology: Solar PV and battery storage

Moving Away from Gas Heating

The customer at Silver Hill, Ashford, Kent, was looking for a more sustainable way to heat their home while reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

Having already invested in solar panels and battery storage, they were keen to maximise the benefits of their existing renewable energy setup and install a heating system that worked alongside it.

The existing heating system was a 30kW gas combination boiler, which had been designed around traditional high-temperature heating. Our aim was to replace this with a modern low-carbon heating system that would provide excellent comfort while operating efficiently at lower temperatures.

Designing the Right Heat Pump System for the Property

Following a detailed assessment of the property, we designed and installed a 6kW Midea R290 air source heat pump, paired with a 250-litre high-gain hot water cylinder.

The system was sized specifically for the heat requirements of the home rather than simply replacing the existing boiler output. This is an important part of designing an efficient heat pump installation, as heat pumps work best when matched correctly to the property.

Careful Planning of the Heat Pump Installation

One of the key considerations during this project was the positioning of the new equipment.

We installed the heat pump unit externally at the rear of the garage and located the hot water cylinder within the garage roof space. This allowed us to keep the external pipework nice and short.

Keeping this pipe run short helps to reduce heat loss, improves efficiency, and also allowed us to keep the installation neat and tidy.

The remaining flow and return pipework was routed internally through the garage and up to the cylinder, creating a clean installation with minimal impact on the property.

Radiator Upgrades for Efficient Low-Temperature Heating

A major part of preparing a home for an air source heat pump is ensuring the radiators are suitable for lower operating temperatures.

Throughout the property, we upgraded the existing radiators to increase their heat output while keeping the visual impact as small as possible.

Rather than increasing radiator height or length in most rooms, we were able to achieve the required output by increasing the radiator depth. In many cases, this meant upgrading from thinner Type 11 radiators to higher-output Type 22 radiators.

This approach provided the extra heat output needed for efficient heat pump operation without taking up unnecessary wall space or changing the appearance of the rooms.

Heating the New Loft Conversion

At the same time as the heating upgrade, the customer was converting their loft space into a new bedroom.

The loft conversion included new double-glazed windows and additional insulation, improving the overall energy efficiency of the property. We installed two new radiators in this space, correctly sized to work with the lower flow temperatures of the new heat pump system.

The result is a comfortable new living area that is fully integrated into the upgraded heating system.

Working Alongside Solar Panels and Battery Storage

This installation was well suited to the customer’s existing solar PV and battery storage system.

By combining renewable electricity generation with an efficient air source heat pump, the customer can make greater use of their own generated energy to support heating and hot water production.

The battery storage system also allows more flexibility when energy is used, helping the customer optimise their energy consumption throughout the year.

The Finished Result

This Ashford heat pump installation has transformed the property’s heating system, replacing a traditional gas boiler with a modern renewable heating solution.

The customer now benefits from:

• A highly efficient air source heat pump system
• Lower-temperature heating designed for improved efficiency
• Upgraded radiators throughout the property
• Better use of their existing solar PV and battery storage
• A future-ready heating system with reduced reliance on gas

This project shows how careful design, correct system sizing, and attention to detail can make an air source heat pump installation work exceptionally well in an existing home.

Looking for an Air Source Heat Pump Installer in Ashford or Kent?

If you are considering replacing your gas boiler with an air source heat pump, our team can help design a system around your home, your heating requirements, and your existing setup.

We provide professional heat pump installations across Ashford and the wider Kent area, helping homeowners move towards more efficient and sustainable heating solutions.