Thanks to John Downe from Hungerford Environmental Action Team (HEAT) for this report of HEAT’s recent event in Hungerford, introducing local residents to real-life case studies of working heat pumps.
“On a very pleasant sunny evening, HEAT transported eleven pre-booked interested local people in an all-electric minibus around a selection of the heat pumps that are installed in Hungerford.
“At each of the six homes visited the owners met the group, explained about their heat-pump installation and answered questions about their experiences of using this system to provide their heating through the winter months.
“The homes ranged from two to six bedrooms, from three hundred to six years old and with heat pumps that had been installed between 2018 and 2025. Their previous heating systems were mostly gas boilers but one had been an oil boiler and one used to be heated by electric panel heaters.
“All the householders reported that they were kept cosily warm during the winter and always had enough hot water for all family members. In response to questions about noise, none of homes nor their neighbours had noticed any issues. In terms of running costs they all reported being satisfied, with one reporting a 50% reduction in energy costs since dispensing with gas for heating and cooking.
“Apart from the home previously heated by electric panel heaters – where new radiators were needed throughout – the installations were carried out within a week and with many of the existing radiators and all their pipework still being suitable for use. The different installations had been undertaken by a mix of energy companies, a heat pump manufacturer and independent heating engineers and all had benefitted from either the current £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) government grant or the predecessor incentives.
“At the end of the tour, participants were returned to the Hungerford Hub and Library (itself heated by a heat pump and which is now, with solar panels, a rare net-zero carbon energy building) for some final questions and discussion.
“A summary of the participant’s written feedback praised the tour as being “well-organised, engaging and highly informative”, that it “helped debunk myths” and that “attendees left feeling more confident about heat pumps and their suitability”. It concluded that ”several are now actively considering installation”.
“If you are interested in replacing your (possibly ageing and decreasingly reliable) gas or oil boiler before this winter, email heat_hungerford@yahoo.com to ask any questions or get some suggestions on how to proceed. You can find out about the BUS grant here gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme.”
