We spoke to Jean, a resident in Shrewsbury, who has retrofitted her home and been a proud exhibitor as part of our Green Open Homes events over the past few years. Read on to hear about what she’s done, and how she’s not only been able to stay warm in the colder months, but also stay cool this summer too.

“many people are unaware of the positives of having an air-to-air heat pump”

Property Description

1970s 4-bedroom detached house. Open plan living space downstairs with integral garage. Cavity wall insulation and well insulated roof space. Originally had gas-fired warm air heating system, this features ducts throughout the house, meaning there are no radiators. This was common in the 60s and 70s. For hot water I have a cylinder with an immersion heater.

What energy efficiency improvements have you made to your home?

“I fitted solar panels on the roof in 2015 which bring the add-on benefit of boosting the immersion heater when producing more electricity that I use in the house. In 2016 a well-insulated east facing extension was added to the dining and living space, with wall to ceiling windows adding solar gain. In 2022, I disconnected the gas warm air heating system and installed an air-to-air air source heat pump downstairs. To improve the heating upstairs, allowing warm air to diffuse between rooms, a second air-to-air heat pump was installed upstairs in September 2023.

Most recently I’ve installed an infrared heater panel in my kitchen, on the ceiling so it points down at me and warms me when I’m in there. It’s very efficient.”

Why did you make these changes?

“The energy crisis following the invasion of Ukraine made me think I would be financially better off without gas heating. Having changed to an electric oven, the gas warm air heating was the last remaining gas appliance, so I now have no gas supply.”

What have been the savings on your energy bill?

“Without gas, I no longer pay gas standing charges. The highest daily spend was £6 at Christmas when my daughter was home and appliances like the shower and heating was used more than usual.”

What have been the benefits to you and your home?

“The heat pumps have been amazingly effective and efficient. It suits my lifestyle and budget without requiring radiators, which has been ideal for me as I had been happy without radiators for years prior. The benefit of cooling in the summer is wonderful, this summer in the worst of the heat I’ve turned it right down to 10 degrees, it’s made the house much more comfortable.

The boost to the immersion heater from the solar PV panels has been a fabulous benefit.”

Who did you get to do the work?

“The first heat pump was installed by Rob at RAC Heating & Plumbing Limited.

The second and the infrared heater were installed by a friend of mine.”

Would you recommend them?

“Yes, I would recommend them.”

What were the costs?

“The first heat pump cost £1,500 installed in 2022, I’m sure prices have gone up since then.

The second heat pump, a Powrmatic Vision, cost £2,000 without installation.

The infrared panel cost £140 again without installation.”

Any further comments?

“I think many people are unaware of the positives of having an air-to-air heat pump and how reasonably priced they are. For my open plan layout, it’s ideal. The ability not just to heat the space but to cool it has been a godsend this summer.”

P.S. from Tony Baker at MEA – with temperatures hotting up, and summer 2027 expected to be even hotter than the scorcher we’ve just had, there’s never been a better time to install an air-to-air heat pump to benefit from the cooling it can provide. Installation is quick and non-disruptive as there’s no water, no radiators and no pipework. If you are taking out electric storage heaters or an oil or gas system you should be eligible for the £2,500 Government grant, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which has been extended to include air-to-air heat pumps. To find out more email [email protected]. You can also learn more about the services we offer on our retrofit page.