Damian & Rachel Lofthouse – Property Overview
Type: Semi-detached, three-bedroom house with a utility room and a garden office
Occupants: Damian, Rachel, and Murphy (their cat)
Damian and Rachel live in a typical semi-detached house, managing their existing fossil fuel heating system while striving to reduce their environmental footprint. Like many homeowners, they faced challenges with an aging oil boiler and sought a sustainable solution to future-proof their heating needs.
The Challenge
When Damian and Rachel moved into their home, it came with an outdated oil boiler. Over the years, the boiler became increasingly unreliable, failing on multiple occasions. The couple also faced issues with the oil tank, which was positioned just outside the utility room. This placement not only blocked natural light but also created a faint smell of oil throughout the house—a source of daily irritation.
Beyond functionality, the oil boiler posed safety and compliance concerns. The tank’s location no longer met building regulations, and moving it to comply would have been impractical due to space constraints in their garden. These challenges were compounded by the growing urgency to reduce carbon emissions and move away from fossil fuels.
“We knew it was only a matter of time before the boiler failed completely,” Damian recalls. “When it finally gave out, it forced us to take action.”
Initial Considerations
The couple’s first plan was to replace the oil boiler with a gas combi boiler, but the timing proved problematic. The pandemic struck, and their scheduled installation was cancelled due to lockdown restrictions. While frustrating at the time, this delay gave Damian and Rachel an opportunity to reassess their options.
“We thought, why install something that might need replacing again in five or ten years? We wanted to find a future-proofed solution that aligned with our environmental goals,” Damian explains.
They began exploring renewable technologies. Heat pumps initially caught their attention, thanks to government subsidies that made installation costs comparable to a gas boiler. However, due to the proximity of their property to their neighbour’s, planning permission was required. Waiting 16 weeks for approval was not feasible during the middle of winter.
Discovering the tepeo ZEB
While researching alternatives, Damian came across tepeo’s ZEB through Octopus Energy’s website. The ZEB stood out as a direct replacement for traditional boilers, offering a simple, low-carbon solution without the complexities of heat pumps.
“Once we started learning more about the ZEB, it felt like the perfect fit,” Damian says. “It was a quick and non-disruptive installation, and it worked with our existing radiators and pipework.”
After speaking with a local installer, Leaping Hare Renewables, Damian and Rachel decided to make the switch.
The Installation Experience
The ZEB installation was completed in just two days. The process involved removing the old oil boiler and integrating the ZEB into their existing central heating system.
Damian initially had concerns about the ZEB’s weight, as the utility room has a raised floor. However, the installers addressed this by spreading the load with a reinforced floor panel, ensuring the system was stable and safe.
“The installers were fantastic—efficient, tidy, and professional. They even capped the old boiler’s flue and fixed the wall,” Rachel recalls. “We really couldn’t have asked for a smoother experience.”
The ZEB replaced the need for the oil tank, freeing up valuable outdoor space and eliminating the residual smell of oil. It also significantly reduced the noise associated with the old system.
Transitioning to Low-Carbon Living
For Damian and Rachel, the ZEB was part of a broader commitment to reducing their household’s carbon footprint. They already had solar panels and a battery installed, which allowed them to optimise energy usage.
“The ZEB integrates perfectly with our solar setup,” Damian explains. “During the summer, the panels generate enough electricity to cover most of our needs, and we build up credits to offset winter costs.”
One of the initial challenges was finding the right electricity tariff. Without a smart tariff, running costs during the first winter were higher than expected. However, switching to a tariff with off-peak rates dramatically reduced their expenses.
“We now spend about £250 a month on electricity in total a month in winter, this is all our electrical use, not just heating, which means the running cost of the ZEB is less than what we paid for oil, which was around £250 a month for the heating and hot water only.” Damian notes.
Key Benefits of the ZEB
Environmental Impact:
The ZEB has helped Damian and Rachel make a tangible contribution to combating climate change. By eliminating their reliance on fossil fuels, they’ve significantly reduced their household’s carbon emissions.
Ease of Integration:
Unlike heat pumps, the ZEB required no major modifications to their property. It worked seamlessly with their existing radiators and pipework, making the installation quick and cost-effective.
Improved Home Environment:
The ZEB operates quietly and without combustion, eliminating the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. The removal of the oil tank also improved the aesthetics and usability of their outdoor space.
User-Friendly Technology:
While Damian admits he’s a tech enthusiast, he found the ZEB’s app straightforward and intuitive. He appreciates the ability to schedule charging times, although he hopes future updates will include API integration for enhanced automation.
Comparing the ZEB to Other Options
Damian and Rachel briefly considered a heat pump, but the extensive property modifications required—such as upgrading radiators and pipework—proved to be a significant barrier.
“The ZEB was the least disruptive option. It was almost a plug-and-play solution compared to the upheaval a heat pump would have caused,” Damian explains. “And it was installed in just two days, which was a huge relief heading into winter.”
The couple also values the ZEB’s scalability. Unlike heat pumps, which can be impractical for smaller properties or homes with limited outdoor space, the ZEB is a versatile solution that fits a wide range of housing types.
A Call for Policy Change
Despite their positive experience, Damian highlights a key barrier: the upfront cost of the ZEB.
“Heat pumps benefit from government subsidies, which makes them more affordable. If the ZEB had similar support, it would be a no-brainer for most households,” he says.
Damian is passionate about advocating for policy changes to level the playing field for renewable technologies. He believes subsidies for the ZEB would unlock its potential to decarbonise more homes, especially for households that might otherwise opt for gas boilers due to cost.
Future Plans
The couple continues to explore ways to enhance their low-carbon lifestyle. Their next steps include replacing their electric shower with a thermostatic mixer to make better use of their hot water system and installing infrared heaters in the garden office.
An electric vehicle is also on the horizon, although Damian admits they’re waiting for their current car to reach the end of its life.
Conclusion
The tepeo ZEB has transformed Damian and Rachel’s home, providing a practical and sustainable heating solution with minimal disruption. Their experience demonstrates how accessible renewable heating technologies can make a meaningful difference for homeowners.
While the initial cost remains a hurdle, Damian firmly believes the ZEB represents the future of home heating. With greater awareness and policy support, it has the potential to play a significant role in the UK’s journey to net zero.
“Switching to the ZEB was one of the best decisions we’ve made,” Damian concludes. “It’s quieter, cleaner, and fits seamlessly into our lives. We’re proud to be doing our part for the planet—and Murphy enjoys it too!”