Case study: Peter, Maidenhead

✔ Peter has a 16-kilowatt (kW) air source heat pump

✔ His heat pump system cost about £18,000, including upgrades to the property

✔ Peter will get roughly £9,000 over seven years through the RHI scheme

We spoke with Peter from Maidenhead about his heat pump.

In early 2022, Peter decided to reduce his carbon footprint by getting an air source heat pump installed on his property. He was fortunate enough to do this through the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which is now closed.

Here’s what he told us about his experience.

Q. What kind of heat pump do you have?

A. A Samsung 16-kilowatt (kW) air source heat pump.

Q. How long have you had your heat pump?

A. Since April 2021.

Q. Why did you decide to get a heat pump?

A. We wanted to reduce our carbon footprint by replacing gas with electricity as our energy source, and a heat pump seemed the most efficient way to do that.

Q. When it comes to the buying process, what was it like getting a new heat pump? 

A. We were fortunate enough to stumble across a great company (Your Energy Your Way) through a chance Twitter conversation.

They’re in the energy business for all the right ethical reasons – aiming to drive the low-carbon energy transition through an excellent system, design, and expert installation.

Their chief installation engineer is very highly regarded by peers. The founder, Leah Robson, is also passionate about bringing women into the industry.

Q. Did you use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to get your heat pump?

A. We were fortunate enough to be able to beat the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme deadline before it closed to the public. That process was made easy by the installation company.

As a result, we will receive a rebate of around £9,000 over seven years.

Q. How much roughly did it cost upfront to install your heat pump?

A. Just under £18,000, which included upgrading five radiators and reworking existing pipework.

Q. Did you feel that this was good value, or were you surprised by any additional costs?

A. That’s a difficult question to answer. We didn’t know how effective the system would be, but we were committed to converting to a low-carbon heating system for environmental reasons.

The cost appears to be competitive and we had top-quality installation. There were also no surprise costs, as everything was carefully explained after the initial survey.

Q. How much has your heat pump helped you with saving money on energy bills – if at all?

A. It’s still early days, as we’re only now going into the colder months for the first time since the installation.

I’ve also seen that the Scottish Power website allows you to look back at your energy consumption on a daily and monthly basis. This function applies the current unit cost to all previous energy consumption figures.

Based on this, I can definitely say that our total monthly energy consumption has been reduced by over two thirds. So the heat pump’s reduced energy consumption has more than compensated for the switch to the more expensive energy source.

I should also say we’ve had solar panels installed – so that will have reduced our energy use during the daytime.

Q. How does your heat pump compare to your previous heating system?

A. So far, it’s been very effective – although, it hasn’t been tested by a proper cold spell as yet.

It definitely provides a more stable, even temperature throughout the house during operation, which feels more comfortable than the typical see-sawing of a gas boiler system.

Q. Is there anything you wish you’d known before you bought your heat pump?

A. I don’t think so. We did some research beforehand. Plus, our design/installation company explained everything very clearly.

Q. Out of five, how satisfied are you with your heat pump system – and why?

A. I’d say a four. It works effectively, it’s reduced our carbon footprint, it’s made our heating system future proof, and it’ll probably save us money.

I only knocked a point off because it is expensive to install. We were fortunate enough to have the money available, but cost will be a barrier to many people who would like to go down this route.

Q. Would you recommend a heat pump to other homeowners in the UK?

A. Yes, definitely – if you can afford it. But make sure you get an installer who understands the technology because good design and correct installation are vital.