Considering a heat pump? It could protect the planet for future generations
Two years ago, Ann and John, who live in west Marlow, decided to replace their ageing condensing gas boiler to reduce their carbon footprint.
During the two years of researching and investigating the purchase of a Heat Pump to warm their house and heat their water, they contacted 12 companies and had 12 visits and subsequent quotations varying from about £12,000 to more than £19,000. However, the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants of £7,500 to reduce the overall cost. Eventually, they decided to spend £5,700 to buy a Vaillant Arotherm plus 5KW heat pump.
A company from west London installed their heat pump and ensured that their four thermal panels (water) and their 16 photo-voltaic (PV, Electricity) panels were incorporated into the system. The installation took four days, as some pipework had to be replaced, three of their eight radiators were replaced, the thermal panel had to be linked up to a new hot water cylinder and their PV panels were connected to provide some of the power the Heat Pump requires. Their house is now warm all through the day and night and the hot water for their shower is hot.
Although a new gas boiler will cost between £2,000 and £4,000, they contribute significantly to adverse climate change. In addition, an air source heat pump will save them money, now and in years to come, as electricity becomes cheaper and gas prices rise. Fortunately, some small inheritances allowed them to finance this project, but installation costs could be spread over a period of years.
John says: “If you have to replace an ageing gas boiler, or if you have some spare cash, a new heat pump is likely to save you money and reduce your carbon emissions and hopefully protect your children and grandchildren’s futures.”
Marlow Energy Group (MEG) is a non-profit Community Benefit Society formed with the purpose of reducing Marlow’s carbon footprint through the use of carbon-saving energy technology. To find out more visit MEG – Helping Marlow becoming a net-zero town
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