HIES | The Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors

An air source heat pump (ASHP) is used to provide a home with heating and hot water. An ASHP absorbs heat from outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside. This heat is then used for heating radiators, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors, as well as providing hot water. Air source heat pump systems can get heat from the air even at temperatures as low as -15°C. An air source heat pump works by absorbing heat from air outside at a low temperature into a fluid which is passed through a compressor to increase its temperature.

A ground source heat pump (GSHP) extracts heat from the ground using pipes buried underground, either in the garden or on adjoining land. This can then be used to heat water in radiators and underfloor heating - as well as providing hot water. The pipes for a GSHP system are most commonly buried horizontally in a trench, about a metre below ground, providing enough space is available to do this. Alternatively, boreholes can be drilled to extract heat from further down. The way a GSHP works is by circulating a fluid made up of water and antifreeze through a ground loop buried in a garden.

The HIES promise is to ensure consumers are respected, protected and educated on their home improvement journey, and by working closely with our members we ensure fair treatment for both our members and their customers. The cover we offer protects consumers before, during and after their installation which provides a sense of trust, confidence and peace of mind, and in turn helps our members' sale conversions. HIES really is a one-stop-shop to support businesses in the renewable energy sector. As a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Consumer Code, we provide all-round consumer protection and business support - we're here to help you win more customers and grow your business and reputation.

TrustMark is the only Government endorsed standards scheme for trades within the home improvement industry; and by having a TrustMark membership, a company is demonstrating their commitment to work to these standards; providing trust, confidence and peace of mind to consumers. In order to become a TrustMark member, companies must be a member of a 'Scheme Operator' (relevant to their business), such as HIES. By ensuring all Registered Business adhere to and maintain these standards through their expert network of Scheme Providers (such as HIES), TrustMark gives consumers increased confidence and choice.