A homeowner living in a 1960s bungalow says a combination of solar panels, a battery, and a heat pump changed both the comfort of his house and the cost of running it.
For anyone questioning whether full-home electrification can pay off, his experience offers a striking example.
Here's what to know
In a case study from Energy Saving Trust, the organization's technical knowledge lead, Brian Horne, described installing solar panels, a battery, and an air source heat pump after making the switch to an electric vehicle.
Lowering pollution, improving comfort, and preparing the home for the future were the priorities he named, not just cutting monthly costs.
He said environmental concerns mattered more to him than a quick financial payoff. "It's the knowledge that I'm doing what I think needs to be done," he explained.
Horne said his household energy costs used to be around £230 a month but that they were down to £70 a month, including his heat pump's annual service charge and the cost of charging his electric car.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
By his estimate, the home's energy use cost "somewhere between nothing and £30 a month," which works out to nearly £2,000 in yearly savings.
The work unfolded on different timelines. Horne said the solar panels and battery were fitted in just a couple of days, while the heat pump installation took longer because of planning permission requirements and delayed parts.
More background
Heat pumps work differently from gas boilers. They tend to hold a steadier temperature at a lower setting over a longer stretch of time, which can take some adjustment.
Because the system was installed during a cold spell, Horne said it took a while for the whole house to come up to temperature. Once that happened, he said the change was obvious.
"It really is constant and more comfortable than the gas boiler," he said. "The house is warm all day, too. You're not trying to work out whether to turn the heating on or off during the day and whether to just keep the house warm. It just is."
Solar panels generate electricity, a battery can hold extra solar power or cheap off-peak electricity, and a heat pump can use that electricity more efficiently than a traditional methane gas heating system.
Adding an EV to that combination can cut both transport and household energy costs.
What can be done?
According to Energy Saving Trust, Horne uses a three-level heat pump tariff that gave him three cheap off-peak periods each day to charge his battery. He can then use that stored electricity when rates are high.
He also tops the battery up with surplus solar power.
"It is more comfortable," Horne said. "I didn't think I needed to change, but now I've got it, I think. It's a real benefit, not a made-up one."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
