We moved into a new house that had an oil heating system and the oil boiler needed replacing in the next few years. We didn’t want to stay using oil for environmental reasons, the cost and because we needed to re-order oil each time it ran out, which was a faff.
A regional account manager for transport at Energy Saving Trust, Fiona Appleton works with local authorities across the north of England, supporting them to develop electric vehicle strategies. Along with her husband, Fiona is slowly making her rural home more sustainable by removing an oil heating system and installing an air source heat pump and solid wall insulation.
Why did you decide to install a heat pump?
What was the installation process like?
The installation process was pretty simple. The installers decommissioned our oil boiler and installed a new hot water tank, K2 radiators and the heat pump. It took three days. We were doing other renovations at the same time so also installed underfloor heating and solid wall insulation in two of the ground floor rooms.
What’s the main benefit of having a heat pump?
Not having to be dependent on oil.
Do you receive any payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive? Was this a factor in your decision to install a heat pump?
Yes, we do and yes, it helped with the decision. The payments will cover the cost of the heat pump over seven years.
What advice would you offer something considering installing a heat pump?
They’re great, easy to install and surprisingly quiet – as this can be something people are concerned about.
We have also moved over to a time of use electricity tariff and try to make use of that by heating the house and hot water outside of the peak hours, which saves us money.
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