Heat Pump – Nailsea

Heat Pump Installation in Nailsea: A Smooth Transition from Gas to Green Energy

We recently completed a successful heat pump installation in Nailsea for a detached property built around 30 years ago. The home featured filled cavity walls, double glazing, loft insulation, and no floor insulation—typical of houses built during that time. The homeowner, already committed to renewable energy with a solar PV system, wanted to take the next step by replacing their traditional gas combi boiler with a more energy-efficient air source heat pump.

From the beginning, the goal was clear: minimise disruption and keep installation costs down. Because the existing heating system was in good condition, only a few radiators required upgrading to ensure the heat pump could deliver the required comfort levels throughout the property.

After conducting detailed room-by-room heat loss calculations, we specified a 7kW Vaillant AroTHERM Plus air source heat pump. This system offers excellent performance and efficiency, making it ideal for medium-sized homes like this one. As the old boiler was a combi, the homeowner also needed a hot water cylinder. We installed this neatly in a storage cupboard, replacing the boiler’s original location.

To optimise performance, we included a buffer vessel in the design and split the system into two heating zones—ground floor and first floor. This zoning allows for improved temperature control and energy savings.

The project cost totalled £11,000, but thanks to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), the homeowner received a £7,500 grant, reducing their out-of-pocket cost to just £3,500.

On a standard electricity tariff, the homeowner is expected to save around £250 per year. By switching to a smart heat pump tariff, such as OVO’s, the savings could rise to £500 annually.

This heat pump installation in Nailsea proves that modern heat pump systems can integrate seamlessly into older homes, offering significant cost savings and a lower carbon footprint.