An ECOMOD natural refrigerant air source heat pump from Ideal Commercial Heating has been installed at The Almonry Kitchen, a Grade I listed café and event space within the grounds of Ely Cathedral, helping to reduce carbon emissions while preserving the character and heritage of one of the UK’s most historically significant buildings.
As part of a wider refurbishment programme designed to improve sustainability and modernise the facility, Ely Cathedral secured funding to replace the existing gas boiler serving The Almonry Kitchen. The project centred on the installation of an Ideal Commercial Heating ECOMOD 290HT 27kW monobloc air source heat pump, which now provides both heating and domestic hot water for the building.
The ECOMOD 290HT was selected for its ability to deliver high flow temperatures of up to 75°C, making it particularly suitable for retrofit applications where existing heat emitters and pipework are being retained. This capability enabled the project team to introduce low carbon heating technology without compromising the building’s operational requirements or undertaking extensive alterations to the Grade I listed property.
Using energy extracted from the ambient air, the ECOMOD 290HT operates with significantly greater efficiency than conventional fossil fuel heating systems. The ECOMOD heat pump installed at The Almonry is capable of achieving a Coefficient of Performance (CoP) of up to 4.94 and incorporates an inverter-controlled compressor that continuously adjusts output to match demand, helping to optimise efficiency and minimise energy consumption.
Further sustainability benefits are delivered through the use of natural refrigerant R290. With an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just three, the refrigerant helps minimise the environmental impact of the system while supporting the long-term transition to lower-carbon heating technologies.
The ECOMOD 290HT was commissioned through Ideal Commercial Heating’s free commissioning service, which is available across its commercial heat pump and condensing boiler ranges. The service ensures equipment is correctly configured and operating as intended from day one, while also activating a five-year warranty.
Richard Brown, Head of Specification at Ideal Commercial Heating, said “The Almonry Kitchen project demonstrates how modern heat pump technology can support the decarbonisation of heritage buildings, a sector often perceived as challenging due to planning constraints and the need to protect historic features. By replacing the previous gas-fired system with a high-efficiency air source heat pump, Ely Cathedral has taken a significant step towards reducing operational carbon emissions while maintaining comfort for visitors and staff.”
For more information on Ideal Commercial Heating’s range of commercial heat pumps, visit idealcommercialboilers.com
About Ideal Heating Commercial
Ideal Heating is the UK’s market leader of high efficiency commercial heating solutions. Operating from our Hull manufacturing plant and offices since 1906, we are one of the few true British manufacturers left in the heating industry.
Ideal Heating is part of Groupe Atlantic.