With the Future Homes Standard 2025 approaching, housebuilders are under pressure to install zero-carbon-ready systems for heating and hot water. While air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are set to dominate new builds, they can struggle with meeting hot water demands efficiently—leading to higher costs, larger system sizes, and potential homeowner dissatisfaction.
A key part of the solution lies in a simple yet highly effective technology: Waste Water Heat Recovery Systems (WWHRS).
Why WWHRS Matters for Heat Pump Performance
Recent research by Showersave, in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Technologies at Ulster University, highlights how WWHRS enhances ASHP efficiency:
- More reliable hot water supply – Without WWHRS, consecutive showers often result in cold water interruptions. With WWHRS, heat pumps work more efficiently, reducing complaints.
- Lower energy bills – By cutting hot water energy consumption, WWHRS helps offset rising electricity costs, making new builds more appealing to buyers.
- Smaller hot water cylinders – WWHRS reduces hot water demand, enabling housebuilders to install smaller, cost-effective cylinders that free up space.
- Reduced electricity consumption – WWHRS cuts household electricity use by up to 47%, easing pressure on the grid and supporting net-zero goals.
- Faster recovery times – Unlike costly immersion heaters, WWHRS speeds up recovery times while keeping costs low.
The Best Solution for Housebuilders
WWHRS is an affordable, low-maintenance, and regulation-compliant solution for meeting Future Homes Standard requirements. It is:
- Recognised in SAP, SBEM, and BREEAM standards
- More cost-effective than alternatives like MVHR, solar PV, or triple glazing
- Maintenance-free and easy to install using standard plumbing techniques
- A sustainable way to reduce carbon emissions and improve ASHP performance
Read the full report here.