Planning ahead with a heat pump in Hampshire

For retired Hampshire homeowner Roger and his wife Martie, switching from a traditional gas combi boiler to a Daikin air source heat pump was a step towards future-proofing their home in Odiham. 

Recognising the aging state of his gas boiler heating system, together with rising energy costs, Roger sought a more sustainable and efficient alternative before facing a potential heating emergency. 

A proactive approach to heating

Roger and his wife purchased their new-build home in Odiham, Hants, in 2017. Equipped with a standard gas combi boiler, the system functioned adequately after resolving some radiator issues. However, by 2023, with the boiler nearing the end of its lifespan, Roger began exploring alternative heating solutions.

Having prior experience with an early heat pump system at his old home, Roger was intrigued by the latest technology. He dedicated several months to research, consulting with four different companies before selecting Hello Renewables, a Hampshire-based specialist headed up by Mike Wyeth.

A Daikin system tailored to the home

Mike Wyeth, who has a wealth of experience in recommending and installing Daikin systems, found the choice fitting for Roger's property: "Inside the house we installed the Daikin Altherma LT Split low-capacity unit and the integrated floor standing indoor unit, which allows for heating and hot water. The Daikin outdoor unit is compact and discreet - ideal for Roger's property, which had limited space between the house and garden shed.

Accessing the government grant

Roger utilised  the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a government grant offering up to £7,500 towards the cost of an air source heat pump installation. "The process was surprisingly simple," Roger says. "You just need a certified installer, an EPC of the right grade, and a quote.” Once submitted, approval can come through in no time at all – as little as a week in Roger’s case, with the grant paid directly to Hello Renewables, simplifying the process for Roger: “Once the job was complete, I simply had to log in to confirm everything was working, and then the remaining funds were released to Mike.”

Smart comfort, all year-round

One of the significant benefits for Roger has been the enhanced control and comfort provided by his Daikin system: "It's very quiet, very efficient, and very easy to run. It gives us total flexibility," 

The Daikin Onecta app allows Roger to switch to holiday mode or adjust temperatures remotely: “We've installed programmable, thermostatic radiator valves that can be controlled from our phones. Consequently, each room is heated independently, and we can set different schedules throughout the day or week. We tend not to use the lounge until the evening, and that easy-to-programme capability means that we’re always comfortable without wasting energy in unoccupied rooms." 

A long-term investment in sustainability

While direct cost comparisons with his previous gas combi boiler are challenging, due to fluctuating energy prices, Roger is confident in the long-term advantages. "At the moment, our bills are about the same - maybe slightly more due to electricity rates," he explains. "But that's not why we did it. We wanted a comfortable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable solution for the future."

Peace of mind with Daikin quality

With only one minor valve issue in over a year, Roger finds the Daikin system dependable and low maintenance.  Mike concurs: "Daikin systems are engineered well and easy to install if you know what you're doing. We've fitted them in lots of properties, and customers are always pleased in my experience."

Looking forward to sustainable comfort

For homeowners like Roger, adopting a Daikin air source heat pump transcends heating - it's about control, comfort, and sustainability. "If you want an easy-to-run home and care about the environment, do it" he advises, "Don't wait for the boiler to fail. Do your own research – but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Daikin!"