Why more heat pump owners are choosing Sunamp

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular way to heat UK homes, thanks to rising gas prices, government incentives, and the push towards lower-carbon heating. While most people focus on the heat pump itself, your hot water system is just as important.

Traditionally, heat pumps are paired with a large hot water cylinder. While this works well in many homes, it isn’t always the best solution. That’s why more homeowners, installers, and self-builders are turning to Sunamp heat batteries instead.

Why conventional hot water cylinders aren’t always ideal

Unlike a gas combi boiler, a heat pump produces heat at a much lower temperature. To compensate, they usually need a much larger hot water cylinder to store enough energy for baths, showers, and everyday use.

These cylinders can often be 250 to 300 litres or more, taking up valuable space in an airing cupboard, utility room, or plant room. In smaller homes, apartments, and renovations, finding somewhere suitable can become a real challenge.

For many homeowners, giving up an entire cupboard simply isn’t practical.

A compact alternative

Sunamp takes a completely different approach. Rather than storing large volumes of hot water, a Sunamp stores thermal energy inside a phase change material (PCM). As energy is released, fresh mains water passes through an internal heat exchanger, delivering hot water on demand.

As it stores energy far more densely than water, a Sunamp can provide the same usable hot water as a much larger cylinder while occupying significantly less space.

That extra space can make a huge difference, particularly in modern homes where every square metre counts.

Perfect for new-build homes

Developers are under increasing pressure to build highly efficient homes that meet modern building regulations. Heat pumps are now common in new developments, but developers also need to maximise usable living space. Installing a large cylinder can limit design options and reduce storage.

A Sunamp offers an attractive solution, allowing developers to pair a heat pump with a compact hot water system, without compromising on performance.

Ideal for renovations

Retrofitting a heat pump into an older property can often create practical challenges. Many homes were never designed to accommodate a large unvented cylinder. Airing cupboards may be too small, lofts unsuitable, and homeowners are understandably reluctant to lose valuable storage space.

Replacing an existing cylinder with a compact Sunamp can make a heat pump installation much easier, without major alternations to the property.

Excellent insulation means less wasted energy

Every hot water system loses heat over time. Sunamp’s highly insulated design helps to minimise standing heat losses, meaning more of the energy used to heat the unit remains available when you need it, helping reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Works brilliantly with off-peak electricity and solar

Many heat pump owners take advantage of time-of-use electricity tariffs such as Economy 7, or smart tariffs that offer cheaper electricity overnight.

A Sunamp can be charged when electricity prices are lowest, storing thermal energy ready to provide hot water throughout the day.

For homes with solar panels, the system can also make use of surplus solar generation that would otherwise be exported to the grid, helping homeowners make better use of the energy they generate themselves.

Consistent mains-pressure hot water

One of the biggest benefits of a Sunamp is the quality of the hot water it delivers. As fresh water is heated instantly as it passes through the internal heat exchanger, homeowners enjoy powerful mains-pressure hot water without storing large volumes of domestic hot water.

This provides excellent shower performance, while also helping maintain high standards of water hygiene. As there’s minimal stored water, it also significantly reduces risk of Legionella.

A future-ready solution

As more UK homes move away from fossil fuels, the combination of a heat pump and a compact Sunamp thermal battery is becoming increasingly attractive.

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing property, or simply looking for a smarter way to store hot water, a Sunamp can offer significant advantages over a traditional cylinder.

It saves space, works seamlessly with heat pumps, makes excellent use of cheaper electricity and renewable energy, and delivers reliable hot water whenever you need it.

Is a Sunamp right for your home?

Every home is different, and choosing the right hot water solution depends on your property, your heat pump, and your family’s hot water usage.

We can help you choose the right Thermino model for your home, and explain how it can integrate with your heating system. Whether you’re planning a new installation or upgrading an existing system, we’re here to help you make the most of your heat pump while reclaiming valuable space in your home.