Our Heartwarming Journey to a Greener Home with a Heat Pump

A Big Step Toward a Cosier, Greener Home with a Heat Pump from Octopus Energy

Last week, on October 6, 2025, our home became the stage for an exciting transformation. We decided to ditch our old, clunky gas boiler for a sleek, eco-friendly air-source heat pump (ASHP) installed by Octopus Energy. For us, this wasn’t just about upgrading our heating—it was about making our home more sustainable and future-proof for our family. The five-day installation process was a whirlwind of activity, a few challenges, and plenty of moments that made us feel confident in our choice. Here’s the story of how it all unfolded, from coffee chats with the crew to the thrill of a warmer, greener home.

Kicking Things Off with the Crew

Max, Tristian and Rick

The project began with a warm welcome from Rick and Tristian, our two plumbers, and Max, the electrician. Over cups of coffee on the drive, we bonded over their cool electric vans (so quiet compared to the usual work vans!) and their passion for green energy, although Tristian was still learning the tricks and tips of driving EV’s. I could tell right away that these guys knew their stuff, and their easygoing vibe put us at ease. They walked us through the plan, and I felt a mix of excitement and nerves—this was a big change for our home!

What’s in the New Setup?

Our new system is a Daikin Altherma 8kW monobloc heat pump, designed to keep our home toasty and our hot water flowing. Here’s what went into it:

Daikin Altherma 8kW Monobloc with Blygold: A nifty outdoor unit that pulls heat from the air, coated with Blygold to protect it from rust.
215L Hot Water Cylinder: A tank to store all the hot water we need for showers and dishes.
Expansion Tank and Volumiser: These keep the system’s water pressure and flow just right.
Electrical Bits and Bobs: Breakers, fuses, sensors, and controls to make everything run smoothly.
Plumbing and Wiring Galore: Meters of pipes and cables to tie it all together.

It sounded like a lot, but seeing the team map it out made me confident it would all come together.

Heat Pump Ready for the Install

The Installation: Our Five-Day Adventure

Day 1: Goodbye, Old Boiler

The first day felt like the start of a home renovation show. Rick, Tristian, and Max scoped out our old gas boiler setup—a traditional system with an immersion heater, header tank, and controls. They checked every component, planned their attack, and ordered extra parts. One hiccup? A D2 pump they needed might not fit in the tight space we had. I held my breath, hoping they’d figure it out. They laid protective film across our floors (a lifesaver for our carpets!) and got to work disconnecting the boiler’s wiring and draining the radiators and water storage. They also started running new electrics and fitting brackets for the heat pump. By the end of the day, they’d removed the gas meter (after a final reading) and reconnected our cold water supply so we were not left high and dry. I was amazed at how organised they were, even with all the chaos of tools and pipes.

Day 2: Out with the Old, In with the New

Day two was about clearing out the past. The team fully removed the boiler and sealed the hole where its flue used to be. They capped off old gas and water pipes and hauled out the ancient header tank from our loft. It felt like our home was getting a fresh start. Outside, they mounted the heat pump on its brackets and started connecting it to the main pipework. Inside, they set up a fuse box and wired an outdoor temperature sensor. They also began installing the hot water cylinder. But then came a curveball: one of the existing pipes they planned to use was completely clogged with rust and gunk. I could see Rick’s frustration, but he calmly explained they’d clean it out or create a workaround. Watching them tackle that issue made me appreciate their ability even more.

Day 3: New Radiators, New Vibes

By day three, our home was starting to feel different. The team swapped out our old, tired radiators for shiny new ones that would work better with the heat pump. More plumbing happened in the heating cupboard, and they installed the expansion vessel and volumiser in the loft. I popped my head up there to check it out and was impressed by how neatly everything was arranged. It was messy for a bit, with tools and pipes everywhere, but I could see the vision coming together.

New Rad in our cloakroom – never had one there before

Yay, new one covers the undecorated area

New Towel Radiator

Big bertha radiator – its in the biggest and coldest room

New Towel Radiator

Day 4: Almost There

Day four felt like the home stretch. The crew kept working on the radiators and plumbing, and Max focused on the electrical side, wiring up the immersion heater, D2 pump, and controls in the heating cupboard. I was surprised by how many little details went into making everything work. By now, our home was a bit chilly without heating, so we were bundling up in sweaters and eager for the system to come online.

Day 5: The Big Moment

Friday was the day I’d been waiting for. The team powered up the heat pump, and outside I could hear the soft hum and the draft of chilled air as it came to life. They filled the primary system, checked for leaks, and tested the pressure. The hot water system and radiators were charged next, with the team carefully checking the flow rates. They wrapped all the pipes in insulation (lagging, they called it) to keep the heat in. After signing off the paperwork, the system was officially commissioned. I felt a rush of relief and excitement—our home was officially greener! Max and Rick walked us through the controls, and I couldn’t wait to feel the warmth.

The Challenges We Faced

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. The D2 pump’s tight fit had me worried we’d need to rearrange half the house, but the team found a clever workaround by adjusting its position. The clogged pipe on day two was another heart-sinking moment—I imagined costly delays—but Ricks quick thinking and elbow grease saved the day. Living in a construction zone for a week was a bit disruptive, with tools and workers coming and going, but the crew’s tidiness and friendliness made it bearable. Plus, their electric vans meant no loud engines waking the neighbours!

How It Feels Now

Now that the heat pump is up and running, our home feels like a cozy haven. The radiators warm up gently, which takes a little getting used to, and the hot water is reliable for our morning showers. The system is so quiet compared to our old boiler, which used to grumble like a grumpy old man. We haven’t seen our first energy bill yet, but I’m hopeful the heat pump will save us money and shrink our carbon footprint. Walking past the sleek outdoor unit, I feel a little proud knowing we’re doing our part for the planet. Yes, we know its not that cold yet, but provisionally at 12 degrees, we have our house at 31 degrees with only using about 5kWh of energy!.

Initial energy use for Heat Pump

Tips from Our Experience

If you’re thinking about a heat pump, here’s what I learned:

Chat with Your Supplier & Installers: Getting to know Rick, Tristian, and Max made the process feel personal and reassuring. Ask questions—they’re happy to explain!
Brace for a Bit of Mess: Five days of work meant some noise and clutter, but Octopus Energy’s team kept it manageable.
Check for Support: Look into grants or incentives for heat pumps. Octopus Energy’s website (octopus.energy) has details on what’s available.
Trust the Process: It’s a big project, but with a skilled team, it’s worth the effort.

Wrapping Up: A Warmer, Greener Future

I do believe that switching to a heat pump was one of the best decisions we’ve made for our home. It wasn’t just about replacing a boiler—it was about creating a warmer, more sustainable space for our family. Rick, Tristian, and Max made the process feel like a team effort, and Octopus Energy’s expertise gave us confidence every step of the way. If you’re curious about going green with a heat pump, check out Octopus Energy or explore the myriad of youtube videos online showing all the positives and of course some negatives about heat pumps in general.

For us, this is the start of a cosier, greener chapter, and I can’t wait to see how it transforms our home for years to come.

Photo Gallery