Trevor Cox – Property Overview
Location: London, UK
Type: 3-bedroom detached house
Installed: May 2023
Trevor Cox, a retired homeowner in London, began renovating his 3-bedroom detached house in stages after living there for more than 20 years. Over time, Trevor has taken a methodical approach to improving his home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort, upgrading the property with external wall insulation, underfloor insulation, double glazing, and updated wiring. Each change brought incremental improvements, with the ultimate goal of reducing emissions and creating a more sustainable, low-carbon home for the future.
By early 2023, Trevor’s existing gas boiler—installed in 2017—was still operational but had recently fallen out of warranty. As Trevor started considering long-term heating solutions, an email arrived from his energy supplier, OVO Energy, inviting him to take part in a trial to install and use the ZEB. The ZEB presented an opportunity to align his heating system with his broader renovation plans.
“It just happened at the right time,” Trevor explains. “I was already in the process of renovating my home, and the ZEB fit perfectly into my plans to cut emissions for the future.”
Seamless Integration with the Existing System
One of the key factors that appealed to Trevor was the ZEB’s ability to integrate seamlessly with his existing heating setup, including radiators and Hive smart controls. Unlike some other low-carbon heating options, the ZEB didn’t require a complete overhaul of his home’s system or disruptive retrofit work. Its design also made it easy to position under the stairs, making efficient use of space without sacrificing performance.
“I found it very difficult to keep the house warm in the past,” Trevor recalls, “but the ZEB ticked all the boxes. It worked seamlessly with what I already had, without the need to retrofit a whole new system.”
The Installation Process
The ZEB was installed in May 2023. While the process required careful handling due to the unit’s weight, Trevor found the installation itself to be straightforward, thanks to the support and expertise of tepeo’s team.
“The ZEB is heavy, and it needed to be moved in carefully.” Trevor explains. “But once it was placed under the stairs, everything worked smoothly. The team did a great job, and they kept me informed throughout the process.”
Trevor emphasises the clarity provided by tepeo before and during the installation, which helped address any initial concerns.
“The brochure and discussions with the team were very clear. I had some questions at first—naturally, as it’s new technology—but they were all answered. The process was very straightforward.”
Optimising Energy Usage and Costs
Trevor’s home already has a high standard of insulation, contributing significantly to the ZEB’s efficiency and performance. The ZEB is particularly well-suited to small to medium-sized homes like Trevor’s, where energy demand is relatively consistent and manageable.
In addition, Trevor uses Hive thermostatic valves to control individual room temperatures, which further optimises energy usage.
“I tend to heat certain rooms selectively, which works perfectly with the ZEB,” Trevor explains. “The hallway, kitchen, and main living spaces are consistently warm and comfortable, and I don’t waste energy heating rooms I’m not using.”
Integrating with Solar PV and Battery Storage
Trevor also benefits from a 5 kW solar PV system and 7 kW battery storage installed in his home. By charging the ZEB during off-peak hours (2 a.m. to 5 a.m.) using Octopus Energy’s Flux tariff, he maximises cost savings and reduces reliance on peak electricity rates.
“It’s still early days, but I’m confident it will be cheaper overall to run than my gas boiler,” Trevor says. “The ability to charge during the cheap rate and store energy is a huge benefit. Combined with my solar PV and battery storage, it’s a very effective setup.”
Real-Life Experience with the ZEB
The ZEB’s warmth and reliability have made a tangible difference to Trevor’s home. While some ZEB users have noted creative ways to utilise its warmth—such as drying clothes or creating cosy spaces for pets—Trevor prefers a more traditional approach. Tucked neatly under the stairs in a cupboard, the ZEB remains out of sight while delivering its primary function: keeping the home consistently warm and comfortable.
“I monitor the ZEB’s performance regularly through the app,” Trevor says. “It’s very easy to customise its charging levels. I typically charge it to about 90%, which gives me more than enough energy throughout the day.”
Overcoming Initial Teething Issues
As with any new technology, Trevor experienced some minor teething issues during the initial trial. However, tepeo’s customer service team was on hand to resolve these quickly and efficiently.
“Any issues, like a component needing to be replaced or app adjustments, were handled quickly and efficiently,” Trevor explains. “The support has been fantastic. I’ve always felt that tepeo cares about getting things right, and that makes a big difference.”
A Long-Term Solution for a Low-Carbon Future
Trevor Cox’s experience with the ZEB highlights its ability to deliver reliable, low-carbon heating without requiring disruptive changes to a home’s existing heating infrastructure. For homeowners like Trevor—who have invested time, effort, and resources into making their homes more energy-efficient—the ZEB provides a practical solution that aligns with long-term sustainability goals.
“The ZEB has been a great addition to my home,” Trevor says. “It’s efficient, works perfectly with my current system, and fits with my goal of creating a low-emission future.”
As more homeowners look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining comfort and reliability, Trevor’s experience demonstrates the ZEB’s potential to play a key role in transitioning homes to low-carbon heating. Its combination of efficiency, ease of installation, and smart energy usage makes it a compelling option for those seeking to future-proof their heating systems.