At Reardon’s, we’re embracing the future of sustainable energy by installing an air source heat pump in one of our managed properties. The property currently houses a classic Baxi Bermuda back boiler, installed around 1965 when the house was built. Despite its impressive longevity—nearly 60 years of reliable service—this boiler is becoming increasingly impractical. Spare parts are harder to source, it consumes a significant amount of gas, and it no longer complies with new EPC regulations. Sadly, it’s time for an upgrade.
Initially, we considered replacing it with a standard gas combi boiler. However, with the UK government’s push toward greener energy solutions, we decided to explore newer, more sustainable technology. This led us to air source heat pumps—a move that might become necessary for all properties in the near future.
While on holiday in Brighton, I came across a stand showcasing Octopus Energy’s new air source heat pump and solar solutions. I struck up a conversation with their representative, who introduced me to the “Cosy 6”, Octopus’s own British-made and British-manufactured air source heat pump. The representative explained how the Cosy 6 operates up to four times more efficiently than a traditional gas boiler, effortlessly heating homes and providing hot water.
Beyond its impressive efficiency, the Cosy 6 comes with an 8-year warranty, offering long-term peace of mind. It also ties seamlessly into Octopus Energy’s new Cosy Octopus tariff, which allows tenants to keep their homes warm for less with super-cheap energy rates three times a day, every day.
Intrigued, we invited Octopus Energy to conduct a survey and provide a quote. During their visit, they identified a small amount of asbestos that needed removal but confirmed the property qualified for a Cosy 6 installation, as well as the government’s £7,500 heat pump grant.
The total quote, which included installation, the asbestos survey and removal, and removal of the old boiler, came to £9,160. After deducting the £7,500 grant, our final contribution was just £1,660. This is comparable, if not slightly less, than the cost of a new gas boiler installation.
Another advantage was Octopus Energy’s flexible payment option—a refundable £500 deposit up until the installation date. Once the heat pump is installed, the gas supply to the property will be fully removed, eliminating gas charges and standing fees for our tenant—a significant financial and environmental benefit.
We are very excited to see how this will work long-term and how it might shape the future of heating in our properties.
As of November 25, 2024, we’ve completed all necessary surveys, removed the asbestos, and prepared the property for installation. Now, we’re awaiting an installation date. Once the system is installed, we’ll follow up with another article detailing how it performs for the tenant.