Self Install of 7kW aroTHERM plus Heat Pump. E4.

Based in Northern Ireland, follow my journey replacing my 32kW oil central heating system with a 7kW Vaillant aroTHERM plus heat pump. Initial wiring, VR71 wiring centre, 24V bus, sensoNET & base station and hydraulic station. Episode 4.

[@gregevans8939]

Hi Keith... which Vaillant 'Diagram' No. are you using ? This will tell you exactly how to wire up each component, without you having to 'work it out' for yourself.

[@UFZ7482]

Hey Greg, they originally sent me the wrong one (30270-1012) Which I initially did not notice, so used that and ordered all the ancillary parts they suggested. I then realised it was wrong, so they sent me more correct 30359-1013, which does include the hydraulic station and valves for a 2 zone UFH system. I would say that there is a wealth of info & wiring diagrams, but it is all quite disjointed, maybe simply to cope with the various systems and configurations.

[@JamesUKE92]

Have you followed the MCS approach to checking radiator sizes and sizing the heat pump?

[@UFZ7482]

I have done my own calcs, which will soon be the subject of a video,... but in short, i have insulated (internally) about 50% of the external walls, which is about 65% of the main living areas. Over the pas few years I have replaced steel rads for aluminium, put more insulation in the loft,.... I also have solar (DHW) water heating panels. I also got vaillant to check my calcs. I should have the video out in a day or two.

[@UFZ7482]

James, i did the sizing video yesterday,... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJiyfYN9lpl5fJo

[@JamesUKE92]

@@UFZ7482 Thanks! I look forward to watching it!

[@JamesUKE92]

Really interested in this series as I’m planning on doing the same. Did you look into a way to get the subsidy, or will it still end up cheaper as a DIY in your opinion?

[@JamesUKE92]

I was wondering whether I could find a tame MCS to formalise my design and enable the subsidy to be claimed somehow

[@UFZ7482]

Unfortunately no grants in Northern Ireland. anyway I plan to do all the install, electrical & plumbing, I may get a spark to check the mains parts. So the cost for me will be only the hardware costs. Even if there were grants available, you have to go through MCS, so effectively the grant would cover (hopefully) the install cost, so you still have to buy the hardware. I would also refer you to @michaeldepodesta001 & @heatgeek.

[@UFZ7482]

@@JamesUKE92 You might find one that has just started on heat pumps and wants to ease in slowly, so they check your calcs. You'll see how i did it, with a spreadsheet.