
The need for the UK to build 250,000 homes a year to house the increasing population is a well-known issue for house builders and developers across the country. Due to a lack of available land to grow outwards, many developments are now high-density, providing more, smaller homes and apartments.
Here, Richard Paine, Product Manager, Domestic Heating and Renewables at Daikin UK discusses how renewable heating product innovation is enabling installers to work with energy saving equipment in even smaller spaces.
The UK’s population is expected to grow by 4.6 million during the 2010s - the largest population increase the country has seen in the last 50 years. This sharp increase has put pressure on the housing sector, with house builders struggling to supply the increasingly demanding market.
Here, Richard Paine, Product Manager, Domestic Heating and Renewables at Daikin UK discusses how renewable heating product innovation is enabling installers to work with energy saving equipment in even smaller spaces.
The UK’s population is expected to grow by 4.6 million during the 2010s - the largest population increase the country has seen in the last 50 years. This sharp increase has put pressure on the housing sector, with house builders struggling to supply the increasingly demanding market.
Consequently, as the UK is expected to be home to more people than France by 2030 and more than Germany by 2047, housing developments have become denser, with apartments and smaller homes becoming the norm.
Small British Homes
An average new build one-bedroom property in the UK is currently measured at 6.8m x 6.8m (22ft x 22ft). This is significantly smaller than new homes in Ireland, Holland and Denmark, which are 15%, 53% and 80% bigger than those in the UK.
Homeowners are therefore restricted as to what energy efficient and cost-savings technologies they can choose to improve the energy efficiency and green credentials of their newly acquired property.
With this restriction in available space, installers are increasingly finding larger systems, with cumbersome units difficult to fit within new homes. Renewable heating manufacturers are consequently producing smaller, compact systems, which are easier to install and offer the same cost-saving qualities.
Designed specifically for the unique UK market, the Daikin Altherma LT Monobloc air-to-water heat pump is ideal for small spaces. Consisting of only one outdoor unit, the compact design (h735 x w1085 x d360mm) meets the demand of smaller properties and locations where a lack of space is an issue. Small and light (76kg) the Daikin Altherma Monobloc is suitable for placing under windows and on balconies, without the use of heavy lifting equipment. Containing all the hydraulic components, the outdoor unit requires no groundwork to install.
Monobloc systems can be used to directly supply low temperature radiators, under floor heating or heat pump convectors, meaning that there is no need to find additional indoor space for indoor components.
Homeowners are therefore restricted as to what energy efficient and cost-savings technologies they can choose to improve the energy efficiency and green credentials of their newly acquired property.
With this restriction in available space, installers are increasingly finding larger systems, with cumbersome units difficult to fit within new homes. Renewable heating manufacturers are consequently producing smaller, compact systems, which are easier to install and offer the same cost-saving qualities.
Designed specifically for the unique UK market, the Daikin Altherma LT Monobloc air-to-water heat pump is ideal for small spaces. Consisting of only one outdoor unit, the compact design (h735 x w1085 x d360mm) meets the demand of smaller properties and locations where a lack of space is an issue. Small and light (76kg) the Daikin Altherma Monobloc is suitable for placing under windows and on balconies, without the use of heavy lifting equipment. Containing all the hydraulic components, the outdoor unit requires no groundwork to install.
Monobloc systems can be used to directly supply low temperature radiators, under floor heating or heat pump convectors, meaning that there is no need to find additional indoor space for indoor components.
A Stepping Stone for Installers
In addition, for new installers venturing into renewable heat technology, the Daikin Altherma Monobloc heat pump is a great stepping-stone. Requiring no refrigerant handling, the sealed unit only needs a water connection and comes with an A++ efficiency rating. The sealed unit therefore eliminates the need for extra expense on F-Gas qualifications, as an installer can fit the system after attending only one training session.
Installed in a modern casing, the system can be combined with a back-up heater to provide additional peace of mind and reassurance for customers, ensuring their property is always adequately heated.
Further improving user experience, the monobloc system has a new household thermostat, which controls the room’s temperature and hot water heating. Requiring minimal user instruction and guidance, the new simple controller guarantees fewer installer callbacks and a higher rate of customer satisfaction.
With the increasing number of new-build properties currently entering the housing market, the Daikin Altherma Monobloc heat pump is the ideal solution for providing new and experience installers an offering for smaller spaces. By continuing to develop renewable heating solutions for every situation, manufacturers such as Daikin UK are encouraging the growth of individual installer companies and the heat pump market.
Installed in a modern casing, the system can be combined with a back-up heater to provide additional peace of mind and reassurance for customers, ensuring their property is always adequately heated.
Further improving user experience, the monobloc system has a new household thermostat, which controls the room’s temperature and hot water heating. Requiring minimal user instruction and guidance, the new simple controller guarantees fewer installer callbacks and a higher rate of customer satisfaction.
With the increasing number of new-build properties currently entering the housing market, the Daikin Altherma Monobloc heat pump is the ideal solution for providing new and experience installers an offering for smaller spaces. By continuing to develop renewable heating solutions for every situation, manufacturers such as Daikin UK are encouraging the growth of individual installer companies and the heat pump market.
About Richard Paine

Richard has worked in sales and marketing roles within the construction industry for more than 10 years, gaining comprehensive knowledge of the supply chain and its intricacies.
In his previous roles, Richard was directly involved in marketing, product management, sales and product development of commercial / industrial fire safety systems and HVAC products - including heat pumps, heat recovery units, electric heating, under floor heating and window vents, across Europe.
Having gained valuable skills and experience during his time as the European product manager for one of Honeywell’s global firebrands, he has now taken a position at Daikin UK Ltd. Richard’s new position returns him to the HVAC market, leveraging all his knowledge and experience to further develop the heating and renewable strategy within the UK.
In his previous roles, Richard was directly involved in marketing, product management, sales and product development of commercial / industrial fire safety systems and HVAC products - including heat pumps, heat recovery units, electric heating, under floor heating and window vents, across Europe.
Having gained valuable skills and experience during his time as the European product manager for one of Honeywell’s global firebrands, he has now taken a position at Daikin UK Ltd. Richard’s new position returns him to the HVAC market, leveraging all his knowledge and experience to further develop the heating and renewable strategy within the UK.