Inverter-Driven R290 Systems Delivering Up to 85°C for UK Retrofit Applications
Commercial Boiler Replacement with High-Temperature Heat Pumps: No Emitter Upgrades Required
The single biggest objection to replacing a commercial boiler with a heat pump is flow temperature. Building services engineers know that most existing commercial heating systems were designed around 80°C flow from a gas boiler. Traditional air source heat pumps struggle to match that, which means expensive emitter upgrades, bigger radiators, underfloor heating retrofits and a project cost that spirals beyond the original scope.
We eliminate that objection. Our high-temperature heat pump range, featuring R290 natural refrigerant technology from Midea and Euroklimat, delivers flow temperatures up to 85°C. That means you can connect directly to existing radiator circuits, fan coil units and domestic hot water systems without replacing the emitter network. The boiler comes out. The heat pump goes in. The building stays warm.
Retrofit expertise
Why Retrofit Requires a Specialist
Trusted for Complex Commercial Retrofits
We provide low-carbon heating solutions for high-demand, continuous-operation commercial environments, including retrofit projects for David Lloyd and Specsavers.
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Not All Heat Pumps Are Created Equal
The commercial heat pump market is flooded with units that deliver impressive-sounding COPs at low flow temperatures. But in a UK retrofit scenario, where existing radiators need 70°C or above to heat the building adequately, many of those units simply cannot cope. At ICG, we only offer inverter-driven equipment because inverter technology delivers higher real-world efficiencies across the full range of UK operating conditions, not just at a single lab-tested design point.
Hydraulic Integration Matters
A heat pump is not a boiler with a different energy source. It behaves differently. Flow rates, return temperatures, buffer vessel sizing and low-loss header design all require specialist attention. We provide full hydraulic design support to ensure your retrofit heat pump integrates seamlessly with the existing building services infrastructure.
The R290 Advantage for Retrofit
R290 (propane) is a natural refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential of just 3, compared to 675 for R32 or over 2,000 for the older R410A systems still being installed by some suppliers. For commercial retrofit projects, R290 is not just the sustainable choice; it is the practical one. R290 heat pumps achieve higher COPs at elevated flow temperatures, making them uniquely suited to buildings that were designed for high-temperature heating.
Retrofit methodology
Our Commercial Heat Pump Retrofit Process
Step 1
Site Survey and Heat Loss Assessment
We conduct a thorough review of the existing heating system, including flow and return temperatures, pipe sizing, emitter output and building fabric performance.
Step 2
System Selection and Design
Based on real site data, not assumptions, we select the optimal heat pump configuration and provide a detailed hydraulic design, including buffer vessel sizing, primary and secondary circuit layouts, and control strategy.
Step 3
Documentation Package
We deliver a comprehensive specification pack including performance data at your specific design conditions, CAD drawings, energy calculations and carbon saving projections.
Step 4
Installation Support and Commissioning
Our engineers visit site during installation to verify correct integration, then commission the system within 10 working days of completion.
Step 5
First-Year Monitoring
Remote monitoring tracks system performance against design intent, with proactive intervention if any drift is detected.
Testimonials
Seamless Commercial Integration
“Andy has been very helpful, Andy attended site to carry out some pre-commissioning checks, these checks highlighted some minor issues with our install giving us time to rectify before the commissioning engineer’s attendance and subsequently avoided any potential aborted visit costs."
Ross Mcintosh, T Clarke
Take the Next Step
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Contact our engineering team to request a technical consultation, a compliance pack or a system design review.
Commissioning To FIt Your Time Scales
Rapid On-Site Response
Remote Monitoring
