Consumer Stories
West Midlands
Overview:
A family in the Village of Alvechurch has been undergoing an extensive renovation of their home. Breeze Hot and Cold Installations is proud to contribute to transforming their house into an efficient, sustainable, and beautiful home. The family has been mindful to ensure that their changes are environmentally friendly whilst also future-proofing their home.
They successfully secured a government grant for the installation of their Air Source Heat Pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which offers up to £7,500 towards the cost of a new heat pump.
The Air Source Heat Pump set up required a cylinder and buffer tank which was compactly installed with the cylinder placed under the stairs, centrally located in the family home. There is often a misconception that the kits for ASHPs take up a large amount of space, but this installation demonstrates how they can be efficiently integrated into a home.
The set up:
VAILLANT AROTHERM PLUS 7KW
VAILLANT 200L UNVENTED HP CYLINDER
VAILLANT SENSOCOMFORT VRC 720
VAILLANT VR 92 ZONE CONTROL
VAILLANT VR 71 WIRING CENTRE
VAILLANT VR 921 SENSONET INTERNET GATEWAY
Consumer Feedback:
How long did it take: “We received our design back in November 2023 and it was commissioned in April 2024. It seems that it took a while but that was no reflection on Breeze Hot and Cold Installations. Simon and Nick had no choice but to work around the contractors on site and us, making decisions and being available for meeting on site. They were both very accommodating and flexible working around various timings.”
What did it involve: “We had to move out of the property anyway as we were having extensive building work carried out at the same time so it didn't really affect us in a way it might have if we were living in the property. It involved having to lay a conduit under the floor from the pump outside into the house where the tank was situated. Conversations with the contractor were had to make this happen. Also liaising with the Solar guys and electrician was necessary to link everything up.”
Were they happy with the result: “We are very happy with the result, still need to have a play with it during winter and set the temps etc. but so far it's working beautifully.”
Common concerns about heat pumps: “I don't think we had any concerns about having a heat pump. I think it was mainly about can we afford it!”
Disruption in the home: “We had to move out of the property anyway as we were having extensive building work carried out at the same time so it didn't really affect us in a way it might have if we were living in the property.”
Noise: “The noise of the pump is no louder than our fridge. It is not an issue at all. It's almost reassuring to hear it working. That is, when I notice it, which is not very often. It doesn't make noise all the time, as far as I can tell. Unless that is because I don't notice it because it's so quiet.”
Warmth and comfort: “Water pressure is brilliant, hot water temperature is perfect. (we were told it won't be scorching like it is when it's heated by a boiler but I have not found much difference, it's still boiling hot!)”
Aesthetics and ‘look’ of the heating unit: “The look of the heating unit is very snazzy! It's tidy and functional. Nick has laid it out in a way that every element is accessible and serviceable. (Probably because he knows he is the one that will end up servicing it!) It has taken up a bit more room that we expected but that is probably because I didn't consider what was fully involved. It's tucked away under the stairs so it has no impact on the space in the house. Only that we were disappointed to lose storage space but that just means that we'll have to be more ruthless in having 'stuff' which I'm happy about. The pump at the front of the house is by no means ugly, it is small and tucked away and you will barely notice it once our garden is sorted and beautified.”
