A case study by the Basingstoke and Deane Green Team
Rob can now heat his two-bed bungalow in Black Dam, Basingstoke, more cheaply and efficiently, thanks to one of our free home energy surveys.
Why did Rob have a free home energy survey?
Earlier this year, Rob bought a two-bedroom detached bungalow that was built around 1975 and needed some renovation.
After moving in, Rob was keen to quickly replace its existing warm air heating system (which wasted energy and was very costly to run) with something that would make his home warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat for the winter ahead.
Having seen Facebook posts about our home energy surveys, in the spring he booked a one-hour appointment to get free specialist advice on what he could do to save money and cut carbon at home.
Rob’s new heat pump. When he’s indoors, he can’t hear it at all.
What advice did we give?
Along with simple tips for saving energy, our post-survey report told Rob that he was probably eligible for a grant under the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which can cover up to £7,500 of the cost of a brand-new heat pump.
Our survey also picked up on a few ‘cold spots’ where heat was more easily escaping. So a new heat pump would be as efficient as possible, we recommended installing insulation first to help deal with this before putting in the new heating system.
What did Rob do?
Rob researched several heat pump installers before eventually deciding to use a local MCS certified company. He then invited the installer to visit his home, who told him his bungalow was suitable for a heat pump.
While homes with boilers generally have existing radiators and pipes for hot water, Rob’s bungalow (with its warm air heating system) didn’t. So, while some homes could have suitable radiators already and not need to replace any to put a heat pump in, Rob had to get new radiators and hot water pipes to have the heat pump installed.
Thanks to our survey, Rob knew he could probably get a grant to fully pay for the heat pump up front. The installer applied for the grant and so Rob didn’t have to apply himself or pay for the heat pump and claim the money back.
Having been given the no-strings attached final quote, Rob thought carefully about the cost before agreeing to go ahead.
One of the new radiators that Rob had installed. Rob’s bungalow didn’t previously have any radiators, so he needed to have them installed to get a heat pump.
If your home already has radiators, you may not need to get any changed at all.
So… how much did it cost?
The air source heat pump itself was completely free, thanks to the grant we told Rob about.
If Rob’s home already had suitable radiators, hot water pipes and a water tank, he would’ve just needed to pay to install the heat pump.
But, because his bungalow needed all three, Rob needed to have those put in before he could then have his free heat pump installed.
All this work came to around £6,000. But even if Rob had decided to install a gas boiler instead, he still would’ve had to pay for the new radiators and hot water pipes as he didn’t have any. And his home would have a bigger carbon footprint than it does now.
The wall-mounted thermostat (left) and the control panel (right) for his home’s new air source heat pump.
And what does he think of his new heat pump?
Rob is happy with the guidance and support we gave him, and very much enjoying his new sustainable heating system, including how much more efficient and cheap it is to make hot water.
He’s excited to find out how good it is at heating his home when the winter comes.
Sounds great. Can I get a free home energy survey?
As long as you live in the borough – yes!
Go to www.ThermafyHome.co.uk/Basingstoke to book an appointment. Or you can ring us on 01256 845 777 or email [email protected]