By Rory Macnamara with technical input by Kwikot, Power4Less and Stiebel Eltron
Recently I attended the Installer Show in Birmingham UK, where heat pumps now dominate the UK market – without a doubt, heat pumps will soon do so in South Africa as well.
Failure to be qualified simply means that one cannot install heat pumps – and attempting to do so is an illegal act. Supplied by IHP
Kwikot, Stiebel Eltron and Power4Less agreed that South Africans are under tremendous pressure to save energy, be more efficient, and be environmentally conscious. They can contribute to reducing a high percentage of electricity – from 60%–80% depending on the application.
For plumbers, it is critical to focus on the compulsory specification SANS 1352:2023, ‘The installation, maintenance, replacement and repair of domestic air source water heating pump systems’, which is under the National Building Regulations SANS 10400. In SANS 1352, it is critical to refer to the normative references – which are indispensable – as it shows the importance of where heat pumps fit and affect.
For plumbers, it is critical to install heat pumps compliantly and safely based on the mandatory installation standard SANS 1352:2023: ‘The installation, maintenance, replacement and repair of domestic air source water heating pump systems’ including all other normative standards mentioned in this standard.
The big beast standard SANS 10400-XA: Energy usage in buildings requires alternative energy for new buildings or portion of addition or alteration (or both) to an existing building (excluding garage, storage, and other defined areas) of occupancy classified in terms of Regulation A20 as A1, A2. A3, A4, C1, C2, E1, E2, E3, E4, F1, F2, F3, G1, H1, H2, H3, H4 AND H5. This will account for some of the surge of these the heat pumps. As Murray Crow of Kwikot so simply puts, “it’s a mix of necessity, regulation and a growing awareness of sustainability that makes heat pumps one of the fastest growing solutions in our market.”
Power4Less emphasises the electricity saving and adds, “This approach aligns with the national efforts for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, making heat pumps relevant for residential, commercial and industrial use.”
Every professional and plumber can obtain copies of these standards at https://store.sabs.co.za/.
Without a doubt, heat pumps will soon dominate the South African market. Supplied by IHP
Training
A plumber must be qualified under the relevant QCTO heat pump course, of which IOPSA played a main role in drafting. All certified training providers offer such training. Failure to be qualified simply means that one cannot install heat pumps, and attempting to do so is an illegal act.
The heat pumps are categorised and described as follows: Residential, Commercial and Industrial.
Residential heat pumps
These are ideal for homes and small buildings, especially as replacements or supplement/work alongside new and/or existing approved fixed electric storage.
Residential/domestic values found in the scope of SANS 1352
- Scope
1.1 This standard covers requirements for the safe and correct installation of new and replacement of domestic air source water heating heat pump systems complete with all the relevant and applicable safety and hydraulic control units.
1.2 It also covers the maintenance and repair (excluding repair to heat pump unit) of the domestic air source water heating heat pump system.
1.3 It covers integral domestic air source water heating heat pump units that fall within the scope of SANS 151 up to 500ℓ for operation on AC supplies at voltage not exceeding 250V single- phase and 400V for other appliances but excludes solar water heaters and the solar part of dual-purpose heaters or heat pumps with augmented solar water heating.
1.4 It does not cover the sizing or hydraulic system of the design.
NOTE: for information on sizing and design, see SANS 10252-1.
1.5 It covers the safe, correct and appropriate method of interconnecting domestic air source split (remote) water heating heat pump system into a new and/or existing approved fixed electric storage water heating systems.
NOTE: commonly referred to as a retrofit.
1.6 It also covers the appropriate methods of the domestic heat pump heating system installation to provide the optimal energy efficiency of the heating system.
Commercial
These are units designed for multi-storey dwellings like complexes, student accommodation, schools, gyms and workout-centre type environments. Typical heating provided in this category is 2000ℓ hot water tanks up to 5000ℓ.
Industrial
This is for large buildings like hotels, hostels and large-scale factories and production plants that require hot water supplies larger than 5000ℓ.
The range of models currently available are: 100, 200, 300, 500,1000, 2000, 5000, 10 000 litres. Furthermore, there are hybrid systems, combining heat pumps with solar or high-efficiency back-up options.
“Like electricity, heat pumps are going to be essential in managing households and business costs” Murray Crow, Kwikot. Supplied by Kwikot
What are the benefits of using heat pumps?
Plumbers these are good selling points.
- Cost savings
- Comfort
- Sustainability
- Energy savings
- Smart integration
What is the technology involved in heat pumps?
- Advanced refrigerants
- Durable compressors
- Smart intelligent control systems (some smart-home models even integrate apps enabling one to schedule heating cycles).
The environmentally friendly aspect of heat pumps boils down to reduced electricity usage. Bearing in mind that most electricity now comes from burning coal, using heat pumps lowers greenhouse gas emissions, reduces carbon emissions and takes pressure off the national grid. When combined with renewable energy sources like solar for example, the environmental impact is significantly reduced. Together with this, the money saved is obvious and it contributes to our climate goals and energy security.
“Heat pumps are not just a product – they are an opportunity to lead in South Africa’s transition” concluded Crow, Kwikot. Supplied by Kwikot
How do heat pumps play a role in the future of South Africa in terms of cost saving?
“For many South Africans investing in efficient water heating is no longer a lifestyle choice – it is an economic necessity” says Murray Crow of Kwikot. “Like electricity, heat pumps are going to be essential in managing households and business costs. Their scalability – from single-home to a hospital – means they are a cornerstone technology for our future.”
Power4Less agrees with Crow, and adds “with government support and greater awareness, adoption is expected to grow, yielding clear financial and environmental benefits. For plumbers, this shift provides an opportunity to gain new skills and advise on suitable water heating solutions.”
In concluding, we asked the contributors if they have anything they would like to add.
“This is not just about technology. It is about education and empowerment, that is why Kwikot invests heavily in training plumbers to install and maintain these systems properly. For the profession, heat pumps are not just a product, they are an opportunity to lead in South Africa’s transition” concludes Crow.
“At Power4Less we have dedicated extensive research and development into refining our Integrated Heat Pump system to address the distinct requirements of African climates and needs. We are committed to advancing water heating technology that is intelligent, efficient and sustainable,” they conclude. PA
References
- IOPSA (training)
- Stiebel-Eltron
- Kwikot
- SA Heat Pump
