Mr Martin and Mrs Martin 

Background 

Paul and Susan Martin have lived in their current property since 2011. When they moved in, the home was heated by an oil boiler. They had storage heaters in their previous home. Whilst they marginally preferred storage heaters to the oil heating system, they were not particularly keen on either and found both to be expensive to run. When the storage heaters were removed, said Susan, she told the workmen she wanted to feature them on ‘Antiques Roadshow’. 

Measures 

The household had an air source heat pump (ASHP) installed in 2019. The heating was set manually for Paul and Susan.  As well as the ASHP, the loft insulation was topped up to 300m. Paul and Susan’s home was already fitted with double glazed windows and cavity wall insulation. They also had new, thicker curtains put in.  

Throughout the installation, the household were supported by a dedicated Customer Liaison Officer from Broadacres, who guided them through the process and ensured they were kept informed regarding the work that would be carried out and when it would be done.  The Customer Liaison Officer also ensured that the household understood how to use their new heating system, and provided advice regarding electricity tariffs. 

Impact 

Susan said the new heating system has made significant improvements: it is warmer, it heats up quicker, and once it is on it stays warm. The curtains that they had put in also make the home feel much warmer: Paul and Susan tuck these behind the radiators in order to keep the heat in, which they say works really well. 

They now find their home much more comfortable. It is now much nicer to move between rooms as the whole house is the same temperature, whereas before they could only heat the room they were using at the time. They also found that, with storage heaters, some rooms constantly remained colder than others. This has enabled them to use the dining room again, which is the room they like to use for special occasions. Previously, this room took ages to get warm and they would have to turn the heating right up, whereas now it is much easier to heat. At times, Paul and Susan have found themselves having to turn the heating down, which never happened before the ASHP installation. 

The household are also very happy with the appearance of the radiators, which ‘look great’ and ‘make the room’, feels Susan. The heating is much cheaper than the storage heaters or any previous heating system that Paul and Susan have had, and they have already noticed savings with the ASHP: they are now paying bills of only £94.00 per month. Overall, they find the ASHP to work much better for them.