In January 2024 I started a project to incorporate a Heat Pump into my domestic heating and hot water system. I had considered doing this over 5 years ago but the economics combined with the lack of “green” electricity did not make it at all worthwhile.

The situation is now slightly better – but still not overwhelmingly so! However, we have two problems with the existing gas CH system which were present when we bought the house which we had not appreciated at the time. One is the location of the gas boiler (directly above the main bedroom) and the other the extensive amount of copper pipework under the floating floor which is prone to corrosion – quite severe in places!  So a revamp of the system has become highly desirable. Also, it is becoming very much the “the right thing to do” as the burning of fossils fuels is less and less acceptable and more “green” electricity will be produced in the fairly near future – somehow!

Fortunately, I was a chemical engineer before retiring and (extreme) DIY including plumbing is now a big hobby for me. So, even though government grants are available, my intention is to buy-in all the components (online shopping) and install them myself – which precludes the use of a grant. Much more fun but it will take a fair bit longer. Roughly speaking, I’m expecting to be spending about £5,000 with a payback of well over 10 years – so economics is still not the reason for doing this. The main objective is therefore, to have a system which is as “green” as possible and make the house really secure (low maintenance) and comfortable for the next 25years.