Onsen Energy

An introduction to Kensa Partner – Onsen Energy with Managing Director, Gareth Berry

Who are Onsen Energy? 

Our team at Onsen Energy has over a decade of experience in vertically drilled borehole solutions and heat pump installations. Our experience and passion for renewable energy have already seen us support some of the leading consultants in the UK’s renewable energy sector.

How did you get into installing ground source heat pumps? 

We first got into ground source a few years back when we were working in the construction industry installing standard heating systems for clients.

We saw more and more uptake for ground source heating in the market that we were working in, so we decided to jump into the industry with both feet, bought a drilling rig, and started the company Onsen Energy!

We approached Kensa during the early stages, and they were really helpful. Kensa supported us with training and assisted us through MCS compliance, and it got us to the stage that we’re at now as a Kensa Partner installer.

Can you tell me about your latest heat pump installation? 

We’ve recently installed the new Kensa Shoebox NX for a client, and it’s serving the heating and hot water for a 2-bed self-build property. There are a few standout features that we’ve noticed on the on the new NX which are good; firstly, being the top connections that have made connecting the heat pump a lot easier as well a faster installation process, plus having the screen displayed on the Shoebox heat pump is far more in line with Kensa’s Evo range. One of the big highlights we’ve noticed is it’s actually really quiet in operation so that’s a big bonus for the client. 

How did you find installing the Shoebox NX? 

It’s quick to install because the service valves are more accessible, and all the connections are on the top. We’re not fitting flexible braided hoses because all the flexible joints are built into the heat pump, so it’s very easy. There are no covers to remove and that means it’s less likely to cause any vibration issues, so that’s a big bonus for the quietness of the heat pump.

What sort of efficiencies is this product expected to deliver? 

Under its design criteria, the Shoebox NX Is forecast deliver 4.49 seasonal coefficient performance, and that is based on a ground temperature of 0°, which is the regulations we have to meet.

However, we’ve discovered since installing it that we’re getting far more than 0 degrees out of the ground – we’re actually getting around 10 degrees, and then that ups the efficiency  to seasonal coefficient performance of 5.35 when in heating mode. The high efficiency makes the running cost of the heat pump quite small, which reduces the customer’s electricity, heating and hot water bills.

What sort of properties would the Shoebox NX work best in?  

I think that the NX would work in smaller homes like apartments or bungalows, or very well-insulated properties. It’s very well suited to a shared ground array serving a block of flats – that’s the ideal situation. 

What would you say to installers looking to get into ground source heat pumps? 

Absolutely, speak to Kensa’s installer development team, because the support they’ve given us as a business has been very valued.

What do you see the market being for ground source heat pumps going forward? 

There’s huge potential in the market for ground source heating, especially when we’re looking at large projects with shared ground array and connecting the individual heat pumps in each home. I think it will bring the costs quite substantially down for homeowners, so I think there’s a huge potential in the industry if it’s adopted in the right way.

Are there any homes where you’ve had a client say it’s not suitable for heat pumps?  

I would say that’s a common myth around heat pumps – they do heat houses well and any home has the potential to be suitable for heat pumps. The system must be designed correctly, and you’ve got to engage with an installer who knows about heat pump design.

What would you say to someone thinking of installing ground source heat pumps? 

Someone knowledgeable will ensure that the right modelling is done on the property to check that the system can comfortably heat the property. During an installation we always check that the heat emitters can meet the heat demand of the property so that we’re not in a situation where the client isn’t getting warm.