Hayley and Toby contacted PBT Installations to investigate the possibility and potential costs of making their home more sustainable and energy efficient. Having lived at their property for 2 years, and with plans to stay living in the house for the next 10 years or longer, the couple were keen to look at renewable energy technologies and the potential savings and return on investment.
At a glance
| Location | Cheltenham |
| Household | Family with young children, working from home |
| Heating before | Gas |
| Heat pump | Stiebel Eltron WPL-A 07 air source, sized for a possible loft conversion |
| Solar | Solar panels on the flat roof |
| Battery | Battery storage, charged in cheap-rate periods on Octopus Cosy |
| Grant | Boiler Upgrade Scheme, £7,500 |
| Saving straight away | £250, from closing the gas account and stopping the gas service fee |
| Aftercare | Annual service by the team that installed it |
Why were PBT installations chosen?
Hayley and Toby were aware of PBT Installations, and when they asked friends, they heard positive feedback so they decided to contact us for a conversation. Hayley and Toby discussed the challenges of working from home and not wanting to heat the whole home constantly, and the ambition to build into the loft. With this in mind, we recommended a Stiebel Eltron Heat Pump installation to move the family away from fossil fuel consumption, and give a steady heat to the house- ideal for working from home.
We also discussed using Battery storage systems to reduce energy costs- the couple can purchase energy during cheap tariff windows with Octopus Cosy to store in the battery and use this energy during peak periods. Finally we recommended Solar PV panels for the flat roof, which would help to generate some energy during summer months to further offset energy costs. The energy generated can either be used as its generated to run the home ( washing machine, dishwasher, heat pump) or can be stored for later use in the battery.
How did PBT INStallations help?
Although the couple knew what they wanted to achieve, PBT were able to help them choose the best technology for their project to help reduce bills and plan effectively for future renovations. PBT were on hand throughout the job to answer questions and handle any issues and with an ongoing maintenance programme, the heat pump is serviced annually by the team who installed it.
Choosing the right solutions for the project
Pete went to visit Hayley and Toby to discuss the current set up of the property and its energy demands. The couple have young children and work from home, so having a space that was warm and comfortable was important, as well as economical to run considering the property is occupied most of the time.
The couple’s plans for the property were also discussed as they are considering extending into the loft space. Based on this, we recommended the STIEBEL ELTRON WPL-A 07 as the best option for providing ample heat for both the property now and in future years should the couple choose to build into the roof.
After speaking to PBT and realising they would be eligible for the government BUS grant of £7,500 against the cost of the heat pump, the couple were keen to look into additional technologies. Solar Pv and Battery storage were also added to the home to maximise return on investments and to help achieve the carbon neutral goal.
The couple were immediately £250 better off after canceling their gas account and ceasing to pay a gas service fee!
Words from the Client
“It’s difficult to know at this point in the project how big a saving we will make, but we are already seeing a decrease in energy costs due to the solar panels. We are looking forward to trying out our new heating system during the colder months”. – Hayley
Heat pump, solar and battery together
A heat pump moves your heating from gas to electricity, so the cost of that electricity matters. Solar panels generate some of it for free, mainly from spring to autumn, and a battery stores cheap electricity to use when prices are higher.
With a tariff like Octopus Cosy, the battery can charge during cheap-rate windows and power the home, including the heat pump, through the expensive peak. Together, the three technologies can cut running costs more than any one on its own.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a grant for a heat pump?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 off an air source or ground source heat pump in England and Wales, or £9,000 if you currently heat with oil or LPG, until 31 March 2027. We apply for it on your behalf.
Can a heat pump be sized for a future loft conversion?
Yes. If you plan to extend, we can size the heat pump for the larger house now, so it can heat the extra space later without being replaced.
What happens to my gas supply after fitting a heat pump?
If nothing else in the house uses gas, you can close your gas account and stop paying the standing charge and any gas boiler service plan. That alone left this family £250 better off straight away.
Related
Read more about air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage and heat pump installations in Cheltenham, find out how much a heat pump costs, or browse more projects.