Domestic heating
A small number of domestic projects each year in Brighton and Sussex, taken on where capacity allows: MCS accredited air source and ground source heat pumps, system replacements and hot water. Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant and financing available.
Most of our work is commercial plant, and that is what shapes how we do domestic jobs: proper heat-loss calculations, systems sized to the house rather than the brochure, and installations that are commissioned and documented. We take on domestic projects where capacity allows, usually heat pumps, full system replacements and boiler installations.
A client who had an air source heat pump installed three years ago reports it has worked perfectly since and saved on energy bills, with an annual service each year. A new-build owner had underfloor heating, plumbing and a heat pump designed and installed over several months, coordinated with the other trades.
Government grant
You may be eligible for the government Boiler Upgrade Scheme, where a grant of GBP 7,500 can be used to part-pay for the installation of an air or ground source heat pump. We are MCS accredited, so we can apply on your behalf.
We also offer financing options for heat pump and gas installations.
The best way to explain a heat pump is to compare it to a refrigerator. All the components are similar and perform the same basic functions; the difference is that a heat pump operates in reverse, to heat your home.
Outside air is blown over a network of tubes filled with refrigerant, warming it from a liquid into a gas. The gas passes through a compressor, which increases its pressure and adds more heat, in the same way an air hose warms as you pump up a tyre. The hot, compressed gas passes into a heat exchanger surrounded by cool air or water, and transfers its heat. The now-warm air or water is circulated around your home. Meanwhile the refrigerant condenses back into a cool liquid and the cycle begins again, providing efficient heating even in cooler weather.
Ground source heat pumps are efficient heating systems installed inside the building and powered by electricity. They harness the stable temperatures underground to provide consistent heating and hot water. The unit connects to ground collectors: pipes laid in horizontal trenches around 1.5 to 2 metres deep, or vertical boreholes to roughly 100 metres, where the ground holds a stable 10 to 12 degrees C all year.
A water and refrigerant mixture, called brine, circulates through the collectors and absorbs heat from the earth. It is pumped back to the heat pump, where a compressor raises its temperature. A heat exchanger transfers that heat into your hot water cylinder, radiators or underfloor heating. The fluid then passes through an expansion valve, cools, and returns to the ground to absorb more heat.
Reviews
“Fantastic experience with Spitfire Commercial Ltd on our new build. Over several months they handled all plumbing, and designed and installed the underfloor heating and air-source heat pump, coordinating smoothly with other trades.”
New build, underfloor heating and heat pump
“Jordan installed an air source heat pump for me 3 years ago and it has worked perfectly since, saving me lots of money on energy bills! He has attended each year for its annual service.”
Air source heat pump, annual service
“Had an amazing experience with the guys at Spitfire, they helped me out with my boiler issues quickly and kept me informed throughout the process with multiple price options with no pressure.”
Boiler repair, no-pressure quote
Running a business, a block or a care home? See our commercial services.
Before you call
Yes, but less often than commercial work. We take on a small number of domestic projects each year where capacity allows, usually heat pumps, full system replacements and boiler installs rather than small repairs, so lead times can be longer than a domestic-only firm.
A government grant of GBP 7,500 towards the installation of an air source or ground source heat pump in an eligible home. As an MCS accredited installer we can apply for it on your behalf.
Yes. We offer financing options for heat pump and gas installations, which makes a heat pump more accessible alongside the grant. Ask when you enquire.
Yes. We hold our own MCS accreditation and are RECC members, which is what the Boiler Upgrade Scheme requires.
Request a survey and we will tell you honestly whether a heat pump suits the house, what the grant covers and what it would cost.
