‘We installed a heat pump last year – here’s what I’ve learned’

Can a heat pump really keep a family home warm, cut bills and simplify energy management? Ten months after installing Octopus Energy’s Cosy 9 heat pump, one household shares what life with a heat pump is actually like

Paul’s a happy customer - but what has he learned about the heat pump lifestyle since installation day? (Octopus Energy)

In April last year, Paul and his wife replaced the 18kW gas system boiler in their four-bedroom house in south Liverpool with an Octopus Cosy 9 heat pump. Living with their three children, the couple was motivated by both environmental concerns and the potential for long-term savings.

Electrifying central heating offered flexibility they hadn’t had before: cheaper electricity rates, and in Paul’s case, the ability to use electricity generated from his own solar panels and stored in a home battery to help power the heating. While many homeowners may not have a solar system, it’s a bonus that shows how heat pumps can work even more efficiently when paired with renewable electricity generation.

“I’m very enthusiastic about phasing out fossil fuels from all areas of life as quickly as possible,” Paul says. “And I also love the extra flexibility that it gives you by electrifying central heating rather than relying on gas. Things like cheaper smart tariff rates, using the electricity I generate from my solar and/battery system and, of course, the occasional free electricity sessions from Octopus all help with our central heating and hot water as well.”

When ambition meets reality

For many homeowners like Paul, the upfront cost is perceived as a barrier. But extensive Government support and grants is making that decision far easier (Octopus Energy)

Before making the switch, Paul did his homework. He had no doubts about the system’s ability to heat their home, seeing the fears often voiced about heat pumps as similar to “range anxiety” with electric vehicles – something he had experience with and had long learned was largely unfounded. “I had zero anxiety at all about whether or not we’d be able to warm our house effectively. I guess that’s the heating equivalent of ‘range anxiety’. But both my wife and I have driven EVs for years, so we know that fears about them are a myth. I knew concerns about heat pumps not working in winter or in older houses are a myth too.”

Don’t listen to the naysayers or the people who have zero actual experience of heat pumps when they trot out the tired old disproved myths

The biggest barrier for many homeowners, including Paul, is the upfront cost. Government support, however, made the decision far easier. “I knew getting a heat pump would unlock far cheaper energy bills going forward, so it was worth doing everything I could to get one. Obviously, the £7,500 government grant was invaluable, and getting it was dead easy. Octopus did all that for me on my behalf.

Four days, minimal disruption and a warmer home

Paul considered a Daikin system but ultimately chose Octopus’ own Cosy 9 heat pump. The decision was guided by integration and future-proofing: the Cosy’s controls sit within the same app as their electricity account, aligning perfectly with other smart systems in the home, such as EV charging and solar battery storage. “I feel that is where the future innovation and clever automations are more likely to be – in the same way that Octopus can intelligently charge my car when energy is cheapest and greenest, I’m hoping that will become an option one day,” Paul explains.

Installation took just four days and caused minimal disruption. The results have exceeded expectations. “Our house has been lovely and warm all the time this winter,” Paul says. “Don’t get me wrong, our previous gas boiler was capable of heating the house, but reservations about carbon emissions and the extremely high cost of gas central heating in recent years put us off having it on much in previous years.”

Heating your house using cheap off-peak electricity is a huge benefit which just doesn’t exist with gas

Noise has not been an issue. “99% of the time you’re completely unaware of any noise. The heat pump’s gentle whirring happens outside, and when it’s cold, you’re generally inside. During the warm summer months when you’re outside your house in the garden, it’s generally off apart from when it’s doing the hot water cycle – even then, you have to go and stand right next to it if you want to hear it. It’s so quiet.”

Comfort is now a priority rather than a compromise. There’s plenty of hot water for morning showers and the kids’ baths at night, and the family keeps the thermostat at 23–24°C, a significant step up from last year’s 17°C. “This winter is the first time since the energy crisis that we’ve been toasty and warm inside, without having to worry about huge bills. Heating your house using cheap off-peak electricity is a huge benefit which just doesn’t exist with gas,” Paul says.

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Why we wouldn’t go back

With no gas standing charge, no risk of carbon monoxide or anxiety over fluctuating gas prices, Paul’s confident he made the right move (Ryan Jenkinson for Octopus Energy)

Ten months on, Paul says there are many things he no longer misses: the gas standing charge, the risk of carbon monoxide, and the anxiety over fluctuating gas prices. He has become a passionate advocate for heat pumps, stressing that the technology works effectively even in homes that are far from “perfect” in terms of insulation or installation conditions.

“Just like with electric cars, don’t listen to the naysayers and the people who have zero actual experience of heat pumps when they trot out the tired old disproved myths about them being too noisy, not working, or costing a fortune. Take it from someone who has one and lives in a house with far from ideal and perfect installation conditions – they work brilliantly.”

For the family, the switch has not only brought tangible financial and environmental benefits but also a sense of reassurance and control over their home energy use. It’s a glimpse into what a greener, smarter and more cost-effective future for home heating could look like.

Explore Octopus heat pumps or verify our claims on the Octopus Energy website.