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For retired facilities manager Geoff, getting a heat pump to replace his gas boiler was a ‘no brainer’.

Living in a new-build bungalow and describing himself as ‘tech savvy’, Geoff was researching heat pumps when he spotted an email from Octopus Energy, highlighting a potential £7,500 ​saving​​ ​thanks to the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

His traditional gas boiler was nearing the end of its warranty, so he answered a few questions and was quoted a very affordable price he was very happy with.

Heat pumps are an alternative to a traditional gas boiler that use electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to the home.

An Octopus Cosy heat pump typically costs £3,818, which is significantly less than the £5,295 average UK heat pump will cost you.

But Geoff’s final price was even lower thanks to a combination of heat pumps being easy to install in his modern bungalow, and the £7,500 paid towards it by the government scheme.

Retired facilities manager Geoff had an Octopus heat pump installed on the outside of his modern bungalow. He said the decision to get the efficient device was a 'no brainer'

> Find out more about Octopus Energy’s Cosy heat pumps

He was sold – not just thanks to the quote he was given but because of the ongoing efficiency a heat pump provides and its low​er​ running costs.

A key benefit of a heat pump – and one that makes Geoff’s daily life much more comfortable – is that a heat pump can provide a consistent and steady temperature throughout the home.

This is different from a boiler that cycles on and off. Even when it is sub-zero outside, your heat pump can keep your home consistently toasty.

‘My heating hasn’t been off since September,’ says Geoff. ‘I leave it on for 24 hours a day at the same temperature, 22 degrees. It is the 24/7 convenience and comfort of it that I like. There are no peaks and troughs like with a boiler, and the air is a lot drier with a heat pump – a gas boiler can be too hot or humid.’

Having your heating on all the time may sound like an expensive extravagance, but Geoff is making considerable savings long term.

In fact, his monthly savings were so noticeable that he was motivated to get solar panels installed to generate his own electricity and bring his costs down even further.

Alongside his solar panels, Geoff has a Tesla battery storage system - both installed through Octopus. He also has a Volkswagen ID.5 electric vehicle which he charges on his Octopus electricity tariff – together they’re a whole, green home ecosystem.

A heat pump can cut the carbon footprint of your home heating by around 83%

The benefits of a heat pump

Even without a solar and battery system like Geoff’s, the efficiency of a heat pump can cut the carbon footprint of your home heating by around 83 per cent – so it’s beneficial for the planet as well as for your bank account.

​​​Combined with solar and battery, running costs can be exceptionally low, and you can heat your home on self-generated renewable energy.

By running the heat pump overnight, Geoff makes the most of cheap electricity rates and then lets the ‘heat pump simmer along during the day’.

‘January was my most expensive month, but my heating was only £35,’ he says.

It isn’t unusual for customers to find that switching away from a traditional gas boiler on an Ofgem-capped standard variable tariff to a smart heat pump tariff like Cosy Octopus can save them money – sometimes around £300 a year, according to Octopus.

> Get a heat pump quote with Octopus Energy

Your Octopus heat pump and the rest of your energy system can be managed through the Octopus app which is 'really simple to use'

How a heat pump can make your home smarter

Life can be made simpler by getting a ‘smart’ tech heat pump because the device, your home energy account and even your EV charging can all be controlled via an app, such as Octopus Energy’s.

Geoff manages everything through his smartphone because ‘the Octopus app is just really simple to use.’

Octopus Energy’s heat pumps even get regular software updates, with new features added over their lifecycle.

Other heat pump ‘smart’ features include ‘weather compensation’ functions that allow them to adjust their output based on weather forecasts, grid integration and demand management.

Heat pumps are not only smart to use, but they can also save space and be less disruptive. Unlike gas boilers, heat pumps are installed outside the home and are usually located on the side of the house.

The outdoor unit is generally very quiet, making just a gentle hum, and because of their outside location, homeowners find them unobtrusive and not unsightly.

Geoff is happy with his heat pump being on the outside of his bungalow: ‘The boiler was in a little utility room in the hallway, which is just off the bedroom, and you could hear it pretty much all the time. Because the heat pump is outside, you don’t hear anything.’

Octopus has a variety of Cosy heat pumps – and its Cosy system is the first to be designed, built and installed at scale by a UK energy provider

Find out more about getting a heat pump

Whatever type of property you live in, you ought to be able to find a heat pump that works for your home because there are many different types. Octopus has a variety of Cosy heat pumps – and its Cosy system is the first to be designed, built and installed at scale by a UK energy provider.

This also helps customers benefit from a complete end-to-end service from tech and installation to tariff, warranty, and aftercare.

Plus, a heat pump can last for 20 years which reduces stress and helps you out financially. And Octopus Cosy heat pumps come with an eight-year warranty too, so you’re well covered.

To learn more about Octopus heat pumps and explore potential savings and verify claims, go to the Octopus website.

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