Sue and Mike are seasoned self-builders, having completed two large renovations, including one abroad, a conversion from a bungalow to a five-bedroom property for their son, and three new builds previously. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sue found herself looking for another project, deciding once again to make future plans for single-storey living. After months of searching in their immediate locality, she finally managed to secure a plot with a pre-built slab base and planning permission in place that had been abandoned by the owners. After a year-long legal conveyance and planning amendments, they set about planning their fifth self-build project as pensioners. Their previous experience and knowledge about building a well-insulated dwelling, together with environmental technologies, led them to decide that this time, with no gas being connected (although available), a heat pump for their new build bungalow was the way forward.
Although Sue and Mike had a basic understanding of heat pumps and their benefits, finding a reputable installer posed a challenge. Sue, being the researcher, one day happened to see a post on Facebook from IMS regarding an installation on a small dwelling of a similar size to theirs. She zoomed in on the photograph to take the details of the company. They needed an installer they could trust to deliver a seamless installation and ensure their new home was energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Initially, Sue and Mike reached out to us for a quote, impressed by our award-winning installations. However, they decided to give their energy supplier a try since they were already customers with them at their existing property. Unfortunately, the experience with the energy supplier was far from satisfactory. Delays and red tape, unreliable communication, and non-committal installation dates led to a lack of confidence in their ability to complete the installation on time. Due to these issues, Sue and Mike decided to return to us, seeking the reliability and professionalism they needed for their new build.
Due to their imminent moving date, we did our utmost to assist, offering a timely installation and juggling their jobs around to accommodate the moving date. Luckily, the week was very hot, so Sue and Mike were only without hot water facilities for five days. Their kindly neighbour reached out and offered “showering facilities” for that short period of time.
Some months previously, after conducting a full heat loss calculation for their bungalow, IMS recommended a Vaillant 5kW AroTHERM+ Air Source heat pump with a 190-litre uniTOWER integrated hot water cylinder, which Sue had selected and shortlisted due to the “tidier look” it offered in her utility room. We also assisted them in securing funding from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The heat pump operates so quietly and efficiently that they hardly notice it running. The consistent warmth throughout the bungalow has been a significant comfort. Friends and family are impressed with the “gentle all-round pleasant feel” in every room.
“It’s just doing its bit. We honestly don’t know when it’s on; we only know because the floor is warm.”
Sue also appreciates the ability to monitor the system easily, although she does not adjust any settings.
“Now it’s easy. I monitor it monthly, and record the details in my file, even reading the meter daily. It’s been very interesting over the winter months, but we’re ahead of where we were at the last property. It’s just warm everywhere; it’s a similar temperature in all the rooms with no cold spots. It’s just wonderful, it really is, we’re very impressed.”
Sue and Mike have no regrets about their decision. They value the consistent warmth, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of their new heat pump system. They also praised our customer service, saying,
“There never once was a time when they said no, sorry, we can’t come. You’ve always found the time, and Louis is a lovely guy; he really is a treasure.”
They are now eight months into it and Sue eagerly awaits her statistics for the first year’s overall running costs. Coupled with the in-roof solar system, their electricity account causes no worries whatsoever.
Overall, Sue and Mike’s experience highlights the importance of a reliable, professional installation and the benefits of modern heating technologies in new builds.