Choosing change: How the Robb family went gas-free with a Daikin heat pump

Sharon and Davie Robb live in a classic 1950s semi-detached property in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland: a peaceful setting with just the two of them at home. Their house was warm and comfortable, but they wanted to make a change - not out of necessity, but out of purpose, determined to reduce their carbon footprint and remove gas entirely from energy bills.

In realising their ambition, the Robbs worked with Joe Lavery of FLO Renewables to future-proof their home using Daikin’s latest integrated air source heat pump technology.

A passion for the outdoors, and for change

Both Sharon and Davie describe themselves as nature lovers. They spend much of their time walking in the mountains or cycling together, and that close relationship with the environment has shaped how they live at home. “We’re both very passionate about the environment,” says Davie. “We drive electric vehicles, we recycle, we’ve made small changes over time, but this felt like the big one.”

The Robbs’ home was a typical build of its time: two bedrooms, up and down, heated by a traditional gas boiler system with five radiators. Though comfortable and efficient enough, the couple felt it was time to take the next step. “We wanted to eliminate gas completely,” says Sharon. “Having one electricity bill, powered largely by renewables, just felt like the right move for us and how we want to live.”

Getting the green light

With Scottish Government funding supporting their decision, including a £7,500 grant and a £7,500 interest-free loan, the Robbs began exploring heat pump options. “Our electric vehicles were the catalyst,” Davie explains. “We installed a home charger, and from there it all fell into place. We were already on a dual-tariff plan with our energy supplier, and it made perfect sense to do hot water heating overnight at a lower cost.”

The couple tracked the system’s overnight usage closely. “We drained the tank, had showers, and then re-heated the water using our off-peak tariff,” says Sharon. “It cost 17 pence. That was a real eye-opener for us.”

An integrated solution

To bring the heat pump project to life, the Robbs turned to Joe Lavery and his team at FLO Renewables, who specialise in full retrofit installations of renewable systems across Scotland. Joe had previously completed work for friends of the couple, impressing them so much that Davie invited him to take on their project. “Joe’s install was so neat and professionally done. I didn’t need much convincing after my friend’s recommendation and seeing Joe’s work at first hand myself.”

Joe and his team carried out a full removal of the existing gas boiler and radiators, replacing everything with an ultra-efficient, weather-compensated Daikin split system. “We installed Daikin’s integrated indoor unit,” explains Joe. “It’s about the size of a fridge and includes the heat pump controller, some hydraulic components and the hot water cylinder. It’s perfect for homes where space is at a premium.”

Smart use of space

The integrated indoor unit was fitted in an under-stairs cellar space, which had once served as a coal bunker. “That made it all work,” says Davie. “I was worried about the cold in there, but Joe came up with a clever solution: he repurposed one of our old radiators to provide a gentle heat loop in the cupboard, just to keep the chill off the tank.”

FLO Renewables’ approach is to create what they call an “open zone” system — no buffer vessel, no second pump, just one highly efficient circuit designed to deliver stable heat using oversized radiators. “It allows the home to gently dry out and stay comfortable year-round,” explains Joe. “It’s not a typical on-off system. Instead, it’s always available and maintains the background temperature without spikes or waste.”

A quick turnaround, while the Robbs were on holiday

One of the most impressive elements of the installation was the speed. “Davie and Sharon went on holiday and left us the keys,” Joe explains. “We had everything stripped out and installed in just 2 days: new radiators, new copper pipework, everything plastered and finished. When they got back, it was like the system had always been there.”

The team even roughcast the old flue hole so it blended seamlessly into the external wall. “You wouldn’t know it had ever been a gas property,” says Joe.

Comfortable and ready for winter

Though it’s only been a few months, the Robbs are already seeing the benefits. “The house wasn’t cold before,” Sharon admits, “but now it’s just as warm, and we know it’s working much more efficiently.” With seven radiators, including two new additions at the top of the stairs and in the utility room, the distribution of heat feels more balanced throughout the home.

As the weather cools, they’re looking forward to comparing performance over the winter. “We’ve got five years of gas data,” says Davie, “so we’ll be watching closely. But even now, we’re seeing how simple behavioural changes, like using the heat pump at night, can make a big difference – especially through the winter months.”

Driving their future

For the Robbs, this wasn’t about cutting costs - though they do anticipate and welcome long-term savings - it was about making a conscious, proactive change for the better. “We didn’t want to wait until we were forced to switch,” says Sharon. “We wanted to be part of the energy transition.”