Grant Engineering Explained: Heat Pumps, Boilers & Heating (Keith Scully) | Specify Talks: Products скачать в хорошем качестве

Grant Engineering Explained: Heat Pumps, Boilers & Heating (Keith Scully) | Specify Talks: Products

In Episode 1 of Specify Talks: Products, we’re joined by Keith Scully from Grant Engineering for a practical, architect-led conversation about heating products, specification, and real-world installation. Hosted by two practising architects — Paul McAlister (specialising in Passive House / Passivhaus housing) and Paul Jenkins (Technoplan, specialising in renovation and retrofit projects) — this episode is designed for architects, specifiers, contractors, M&E consultants, self-builders, and homeowners who want straight answers on Grant boilers, Grant heat pumps, and whole-house heating systems. Keith explains what Grant does beyond “just boilers”, including: The growth of Grant Engineering from a 16ft x 16ft garage in 1978 to a major manufacturing operation in Birr, County Offaly Why Grant Vortex boilers remain a dominant choice across the UK and Ireland How Grant supports the industry through training (around 900–1,000 people per year across plumbing, heating, electrical and professional roles) The shift in the market towards air source heat pumps in new builds — and what needs to be considered for retrofit heat pump installations What you’ll learn in this episode This is a deep dive into the details specifiers and installers actually care about: ✅ What is a heat pump and how does it work? Keith breaks down the “fridge in reverse” myth and explains the vapour compression cycle in a simple, understandable way — ideal if you’re new to heat pumps. ✅ Heat pump design: new build vs retrofit We discuss why heat pumps are often the simplest route to compliance in new build housing, and why older or leaky homes may need upgrades to insulation, airtightness and distribution before a heat pump becomes viable. ✅ Pipe sizing, flow rates and why performance goes wrong A key technical section: why heat pump systems can suffer if installers reuse old pipework sized for oil/gas boilers — and how correct pipe sizing affects output, efficiency and running costs. ✅ Underfloor heating vs radiators with heat pumps Why lower flow temperatures (around 35°C) are ideal for underfloor heating and how radiator choices and sizing affect system performance. ✅ Controls, zoning and the ‘less is more’ approach A counter-intuitive insight: why too many thermostats and TRVs can work against heat pump efficiency, and how simpler control strategies can improve comfort, stability and efficiency. ✅ Whole-house heating packages (Grant system approach) We cover Grant’s approach to complete systems — heat pump + cylinder + controls + radiators/underfloor — and the importance of design, commissioning and handover. ✅ Commissioning and aftercare Keith explains why Grant commissions systems on site — not to police installers, but to ensure the homeowner understands operation and the system performs correctly. ✅ HVO fuel and lower-carbon options for oil boilers For homeowners not ready for a heat pump retrofit, we discuss the emergence of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and blended fuels, and where this could fit into lower-carbon heating strategies. Who this episode is for If you work in architecture, building services, plumbing and heating, construction product specification, or you’re planning a new build, renovation or retrofit, this episode will help you make more informed decisions around: Grant Vortex oil boilers Grant air source heat pumps Heat pump efficiency and performance Underfloor heating packages Retrofit feasibility Low-carbon heating choices in the UK & Ireland About Specify Talks: Products Specify Talks: Products is a series where architects interview construction product suppliers to get the real detail: performance, suitability, installation realities, and specification considerations — without the sales pitch. 🎬 Clips and highlights are posted across our socials — follow for more. 🔔 Subscribe for upcoming episodes with leading suppliers and product specialists. Links / websites mentioned Grant (ROI): grant.ie Grant (NI): grantni.com #SpecifyTalks #SpecifyTalksProducts #GrantEngineering #HeatPumps #AirSourceHeatPump #UnderfloorHeating #BuildingServices #ConstructionUK #ArchitectureUK #PassiveHouse