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An Octopus Energy customer is reportedly saving around £267 a year on his energy bill after installing a heat pump on his semi-detached home.
In an effort to future-proof his property, Conrad Hart-Brooke, 51, Leeds, has been upgrading and installing appliances to curtail his family’s energy use “sustainably”.
The latest addition of the heat pump appears to have made a noticeable difference to the father-of-two and his wife’s finances.
Mr Hart-Brooke said: “I have two adult children that arrive home periodically and expect unlimited hot water and a warm house. Mostly however, it’s just me and Mrs Hart-Brooke and our two cats who also expect a warm house.
“We live in the fine city of Leeds in a small commuter village called Woodlesford, in a fairly typical 1960s semi with three bedrooms.
“We have started a journey to make our house as upgraded for the future as possible, so we have added an Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP). We also have a sizable array of solar panels on both sides of the roof – 18 in total – and a battery to help spread our electricity usage in the most sustainable and cost-effective way.
“We have had the heat pump installed and running since the end of February 2024 – not quite one full year yet – so we are still learning.”
However, he noted: “For comparison, our bill for heating for December 2024 was lower than with gas in December 2023.”
While the recent cold snap has meant the heat pump has had to work harder, Mr Hart-Brooke said he recently swapped energy tariffs, which has had a “big impact” on his winter energy costs.
He added: “It shows that tariff is very important in getting the best cost out of a heat pump.”
In the worst-case scenario and based on his winter usage costs, Mr Hart-Brooke said: “The Octopus Cosy tariff with batteries is helping to save me 30% on my heating bill. It’s £617 versus £884.
“That’s not including the further savings I will make in gas standing charge once the gas meter gets taken out in April.”
He added: “The biggest myth I have dispelled for folk is the noise. It’s actually really quiet, and folk who have seen it have been surprised at the lack of noise. Also, the fact it keeps the house warm, even in last weeks -5C, our house was a toasty 21.5 inside.”
A recent Octopus survey of over 1,700 UK households with newly installed heat pumps found that customers were overwhelmingly satisfied with the performance of their appliances.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of former gas boiler users reported that their heat pump made their home more comfortable. Additionally, 83% of all surveyed said they would recommend switching to a heat pump to friends and family.
Alex Schoch, global director of Clean Tech at Octopus Energy, said: “As temperatures plummeted, heat pump performance soared. Even when snow and sleet were dumped across the UK, heat pumps remained robust and proved themselves as a cost-effective alternative to gas boilers.”
How do heat pumps work?
Heat pumps, fitted to a property’s outside wall, extract heat from the air, ground, or water outside and transfer it indoors. They use electricity to compress and increase the temperature of this heat, which is then circulated through radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water systems.
Because they move heat rather than generate it, heat pumps are seen as an efficient alternative to boilers, reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.
However, there are some things to consider before taking the leap – the first being property suitability.
The effectiveness of a heat pump depends on several factors, including the size, layout, and insulation quality of your home. Well-insulated properties retain heat more efficiently, maximising the pump’s performance. Additionally, sufficient outdoor space is required to install the external unit.
The local climate and surrounding environment can also play a role, as extreme temperatures or shaded areas can impact efficiency.
Another factor to consider is long-term cost-effectiveness. Matthew Jenkins, heating expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk said: “While the initial investment in a heat pump may be higher than traditional systems, the long-term savings on energy bills can significantly outweigh these initial costs.”
However, he noted: “Ensuring proper installation is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Always choose a qualified and experienced installer with a proven track record.”
The Government is actively encouraging the adoption of heat pumps through various financial incentives, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides grants for installation costs.
