Bishop Auckland, Teesdale Housing Association

These two bedroom properties, owned by Teesdale Housing Association, in the North East of England were selected for the project in partnership with Community Energy Solutions (CES). The Bungalow was the first property to be trialled with the HeatKing air source heat pump in late 2008 and proved so successful that further properties have now had the system installed.

Previously, the bungalow was heated using solid fuel and whilst the coal boiler was able to fully heat the home the bills were approximately £35 per week (2009 prices) and to keep the boiler operating was a dirty daily job bringing in the coal (whatever the weather!) and cleaning the ashes. The air source heat pump has made a significant difference to the lives of the residents.

The 6kW air source heat pump was fitted to the side of the property and fixed to the floor on a concrete base. Connected to a newly installed double radiator system throughout, the install was completed in just one day and for DHW the previously installed immersion heater was retained. The system has proved to be clean and easy to use but the most significant benefit has been the 42% saving in the fuel bill, which has delighted the residents!