As the UK moves towards the Future Homes Standard, developers are under growing pressure to choose technologies that meet low-carbon requirements, cut operating costs and support grid stability. Swedish heat pump manufacturer Qvantum has quickly become known for its forward-thinking approach to domestic heating, offering products that combine flexibility, performance and connectivity in a way that makes life easier for housing developers, installers and residents.
At an apartment installation at Liverpool Road in London, monitored performance is delivering an average energy saving of around 44% compared with the heat pump system it replaced. This gives developers clear evidence that Qvantum’s approach can support both compliance and meaningful reductions in running costs. Insights from projects like this continue to shape Qvantum’s expanding portfolio, which includes exhaust air heat pumps, heat network and ambient loop solutions and monobloc products, all designed around a thermal store, modularity, efficiency and smart digital control.
We spoke with Phil Ord, Managing Director of Qvantum UK, about the company’s direction, its award-winning technology and how its modular approach is helping shape the next generation of heating systems for British homes.
Q: Qvantum has already made a significant impact in the UK. What is the company’s vision and what sets it apart from other manufacturers?
Our vision is to change the way we heat our cities and to be part of the solution to society’s energy problems. Our products can bring fossil-free heating to every home and by interacting with the grid we can help balance the entire energy system.
These may seem like very ambitious goals, but Qvantum was created to do things differently. We approach energy differently, with thermal batteries in every heat pump, along with technology that maximises existing energy sources such as exhaust air heat pumps and heat pumps for ambient loops. We also manufacture differently with a modular approach that drives down costs and makes installation simpler. And we approach connectivity differently with over- -the-air updates built in from the start of every product.
Q: The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is changing the way homes are designed and built. How does Qvantum help housing developers prepare for compliance?
The FHS will be delivered through updates to existing Building Regulations. In particular: Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power, which sets energy efficiency and carbon standards; Part F – Ventilation, which governs indoor air quality in increasingly airtight homes; and Part O – Overheating, introduced in 2022, requiring new dwellings to be designed for comfort in hotter summers. Qvantum’s products have been developed with these regulatory updates in mind, offering technologies that directly support compliance while reducing complexity for developers.
Q: Developers face the challenge of balancing sustainability targets with cost and space limits. How does Qvantum’s product design help overcome that?
We aim to build heat pumps that are affordable and the modular approach we take to manufacturing helps us deliver this. It also makes installation much easier and faster, which reduces the overall cost.
Q: The QE exhaust air heat pump has attracted a lot of interest. What are its main advantages for housing developers?
Exhaust air heat pumps are an excellent choice for new build housing and are a proven technology across Scandinavia. The QE exhaust air heat pump is purpose-built for situations where heating and ventilation must be delivered together. By recovering heat from exhaust air, the QE increases efficiency while supplying a constant flow of fresh air, helping projects meet the stricter requirements of Part F. Unlike conventional heat pumps, the QE requires no outdoor unit. Its compact, all-indoor design makes it especially suited to apartments or homes with limited space, eliminating concerns around siting, noise, or defrost cycles.
Q: Can you explain how the thermal battery works and how it supports both heating and hot water?
Every Qvantum heat pump includes a built-in thermal battery that can store up to 12kWh of heat energy and reach temperatures of up to 90°C. This gives households the ability to shift their energy use to times when electricity is cheaper, greener or more plentiful, helping to cut bills and ease pressure on the grid. The system can simply top up the thermal battery during low-cost or low-carbon periods and then draw on that stored heat whenever it is needed. All Qvantum products are flexready®, meaning they are designed to connect seamlessly to automated energy grid systems as they roll out in the coming years.
Q: Many developers are working on apartment and other multi-residential projects. How does the Qvantum modular concept support these designs?
Qvantum also takes a modular design approach, with products sharing around 80% of common components. This makes installation and servicing far simpler. For developers this means quicker, easier installations, while homeowners benefit from faster repairs and greater reliability.
Q: Open connectivity and smart control seem to be a big part of Qvantum’s range. How important is digital integration for you and your partners?
All Qvantum heat pumps are OpenAPI-enabled, making it possible to connect for remote monitoring, diagnostics and control. It also enables system upgrades and software updates to be delivered without a site visit, ensuring that every system always operates with the latest software available, helping with any adaptations needed in the future. For example, in the last month we’ve rolled out web-based weather reporting to all units, which means separate weather sensors are no longer needed.
Q: How are you helping installers to work with the Qvantum range?
The first way we are supporting installers is by making our products as easy as possible. They are designed to be plug-and-play, using industry standard components, and a competent professional can be trained to install our products in less than half a day. Our commissioning app is incredibly straightforward too.
Q: Looking ahead, what role do you see Qvantum playing in helping the UK housing sector move towards net zero?
Currently, heating our homes contributes 18% to the total carbon emissions of this country. We know we need low carbon solutions for all homes, and we are committed to supporting the UK housing sector make this a reality.
Qvantum’s approach combines proven Scandinavian know-how with practical UK application, tackling the twin challenges of compliance and cost while introducing intelligent, flexible heating that is ready for the homes of tomorrow.
For more information on Qvantum products or to arrange CPD training, contact the team at Qvantum UK.