16 June 2025
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John Norman, Head of Marketing, Midsummer takes a look at how software is able to help you and your business evolve.
As heat pumps begin to elbow out the old regime of gas boilers, the challenge of specifying systems that are both efficient and suitable for individual homes has come into sharper focus. It has galvanised them-in-the-know to sharpen their data structures, organise some functions, and tinker with their UI and UX, so that installers can download a whatsit, click to activate and watch it work… beautifully. That’s how heat pump development platforms such as Heatpunk, a UK-based digital design tool developed for MCS-compliant heat pump system design, are now playing a transformative role in bringing precision, speed, and confidence to an audience of appreciative installers and engineers. Traditionally, designing a residential heat pump system involved a mix of manual calculations, measurements and spreadsheets. Accuracy was often limited by the available data or the designer’s assumptions. However, purpose-built digital tools have emerged that not only streamline system design but also improve overall system outcomes. One of the core advantages of these platforms lies in their ability to model thermal performance in fine detail. Based on factors such as floor area, insulation levels, window orientation, and local climate data, software tools can calculate a home’s heat loss and determine the required system size. This is especially valuable in retrofit scenarios, where existing buildings present a wide range of variables and design constraints. An undersized or oversized system not only impacts performance and comfort but also risks undermining user confidence as they first experience their exciting new heat pump technology.
Smarter systems, better installs
The latest advances in software tech also help optimise system configuration. It can recommend appropriate flow temperatures, buffer tank sizing, emitter upgrades, and even electrical load balancing, giving installers a complete picture of what’s needed for a well-functioning system. A key development is the automation of what was once time-consuming and error-prone work. Intuitive system design tools which enable installers to complete a full heat loss report and MCS-compliant system design in significantly less time, are helping to lower the entry barrier for smaller firms and new entrants into the market. By simplifying compliance and documentation requirements, innovative software is reducing the administrative burden that can often overshadow the technical aspects of the job. As wonderful as it is, it’s not just about efficiency. The rise of heat system design software has enabled the emergence of feedback loops that drive continuous improvement in system performance. When combined with post-installation monitoring, a program can be used to analyse outcomes, refine future designs, and improve best practice to transform the speed and scale at which it can now be applied.
Looking ahead
Designers are now considering how these advancements might shape the future of domestic heating and power. As policy continues to support electrification and the rollout of low-carbon technologies, digital design tools are likely to evolve into the software equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife, creating integrated systems that include heat, solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging. By encouraging consistency in design and documentation, heat system software helps reduce the incidence of poor installations that can damage consumer trust. It also opens up possibilities for greater collaboration between manufacturers, designers, and installers, allowing data to be shared seamlessly across the supply chain.
In conclusion
The continued development of heat pump design software is likely to include greater use of AI, real-time simulation, and integration with smart home platforms. As the complexity of residential energy systems increases, so too will the need for tools that help translate that complexity into clear, actionable planning. While software is already making a noticeable difference to today’s installations, its broader impact is still to be fully appreciated. By embedding good design principles into everyday practice and empowering a wider pool of installers to deliver high-quality systems, digital tools are helping to pave the way for a smarter, cleaner heating future.
www.heatpunk.co.uk
