Two 11kW Toshiba ESTIA air-to-water heat pumps operating on lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant R-32 were installed at the 5,500ft2 property, alongside two Toshiba MiNi VRF systems.
The Toshiba solution replaced an inefficient heating system and is supported by a 16kW solar PV installation plus 11kW of battery storage and measures including triple-glazing. Homeowner and renewables consultant Dave Meseck says the property is now “energy-neutral” during the summer months, with generated and stored energy offsetting electricity consumed from the grid.
One of the ESTIA systems serves around 90m2 of underfloor heating in the open-plan kitchen and dining area, while the other provides hot water and heats the upstairs radiators and towel rails from a supplied 300 litre cylinder. The ESTIA indoor units include a 3kW back-up heater to ensure continuity of operation at extreme low ambient air temperatures.
A 6hp (15.5kW) Toshiba MiNi SMMSe VRF is connected to ducted units in the bedrooms and two of the newly designed compact 3.6kW one-way cassettes downstairs, which has been designed to fit between the joists on a traditional home. The second 5hp (14kW) system provides heating and cooling for the room above a triple garage via a 5.6kW Toshiba four-way cassette, while the garage space below, where a spa area is planned, is served by two wall-mounted units.
The whole system has been running since December last year and the way it has transformed the house is fantastic,’’ said David Meseck, a specialist in renewables, sustainability and the circular economy. “It was important to get everything right; the project was sized correctly and the equipment installed properly. Together with the other measures, we now have an efficient, all-electric heating system with the added benefit of cooling in summer, and the annual servicing cost is comparable to boiler cover. As well as helping to future-proof our home and reducing energy costs, the changes have added value to the property. I would urge anyone looking to invest in their home to look at the bigger picture and make it an environmentally-responsible investment.’’
Four models are available in the ESTIA range, spanning capacities from 4-11kW, all with reversible operation to provide cooling as well as heating, if required.
At the heart of ESTIA is Toshiba's award-winning twin rotary compressor, which contributes to the system's outstanding energy efficiency rating of A+++. The compressor enables the heat pump to continue supplying hot water even during exceptionally cold weather, delivering water at 62 degrees C when outdoor temperatures fall to -25 degrees C. ESTIA can also continue producing DHW at exceptionally high outdoor temperatures (43 degrees C) to deliver maximum running cost savings.
Toshiba offers a space-saving wall-mounted hydro-module for boiler replacement projects such as this, with a choice of 150l, 200l or 300l capacity external cylinders. For new-build projects, an all-in-one floor-standing hydro-module with integrated 210l tank provides a compact solution for both heating and DHW storage.
“ESTIA provides a superb solution for homeowners or small businesses looking to replace less efficient systems,' said David McSherry, head of sales for Toshiba Air Conditioning UK, Carrier Global Comfort Solutions Europe. “It is quick and easy to install on site, and Toshiba’s renowned reliability means a long working life, backed by our excellent warranty.”
Installer Peter Franks, managing director of Mansfield-based Woburn Mechanical Services added: “This is by some distance the biggest domestic project we have undertaken. The customer knew exactly what he wanted and now has a comprehensive heating and cooling system. The Toshiba equipment is excellent in terms of performance and reliability and comes with a seven-year warranty. We wouldn’t be fitting it if we didn’t have complete confidence in it.’’