07/01/2026
CASE STUDY:
Air Source Heat Pump Installation – St Neots
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Safesure Plumbing recently completed a fully MCS-compliant air source heat pump installation at a modern three-bedroom property in St Neots, originally heated by a gas combination boiler. The homeowner wanted to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency, and future-proof their heating system with a renewable solution designed correctly from the outset.
MCS HEAT LOSS SURVEY & SYSTEM DESIGN
In line with MCS standards, a full property heat loss assessment was carried out prior to installation. This ensured the system was correctly sized for the property and designed to deliver optimal performance, comfort, and long-term efficiency.
The calculated design heat loss of the property was 2.8kW. Based on these results, we specified and installed:
Vaillant aroTHERM plus 3.5kW air source heat pump
Vaillant Unistor Pure 200L slimline unvented hot water cylinder
Vaillant sensoCOMFORT smart controls
Vaillant internet gateway, providing full remote access and monitoring
Wireless outdoor weather sensor, enabling weather compensation and improved seasonal efficiency
This system design ensures compliance with MCS guidance while delivering excellent real-world performance.
INSTALLATION AND COMMISIONING
The air source heat pump was installed at low level on the rear garden wall, with careful consideration given to airflow, noise, and visual impact. The unvented hot water cylinder was located in the utility room, making efficient use of space and maintaining ease of access for servicing.
Following installation, the system was:
Fully insulated in accordance with best practice
Thoroughly commissioned
Set up and balanced to suit the property’s heat loss and emitter requirements
A 42°C design flow temperature was selected, ensuring efficient low-temperature operation. All system parameters were fine-tuned to maximise efficiency and reliability, with the weather sensor allowing automatic output adjustment in response to external conditions.
PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS
After a running-in period during December, the system achieved a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 4.1, equating to 410% efficiency.
In real terms, this means the system delivers 4.1kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity consumed, demonstrating the importance of correct system design, installation, and commissioning in line with MCS principles.
CUSTOMER OUTCOME
The homeowner was extremely pleased with the system’s performance, enjoying consistent heating, reliable hot water, and full control via their smartphone. The project was delivered smoothly from initial survey through to handover, meeting both customer expectations and MCS requirements.
As always, the Safesure Plumbing team completed the installation to a high standard, from start to finish.
READY TO UPGRADE TO A MCS-COMPLIANT HEAT PUMP?
If you’re considering an air source heat pump and want it designed correctly, installed professionally, and fully MCS compliant, Safesure Plumbing is here to help.
✔ Full MCS heat loss surveys
✔ Expert system design and installation
✔ Eligibility for government incentives
✔ Ongoing support and aftercare
👉 Contact Safesure Plumbing today to book your heat loss survey and take the first step towards low-carbon, energy-efficient heating.
