From oil to optimised: Why Jane’s thrilled with her ZEB upgrade.
About You & Your Home
It’s just me and my dog living in our converted stone barn. Built in 1875, it’s part of a group of listed buildings, which means that external changes such as installing solar panels or heat pumps would be subject to planning permission. So I knew that finding a green heating solution for the future would not be easy!
Before the ZEB I had a wet central heating system and hot water tank powered by an oil-fired boiler – as there is no gas in my neighbourhood, the only alternatives at the time my house was converted would have been Economy 7 storage heaters or solid fuel.
When I bought my house just over two years ago I knew that the oil boiler would need replacing relatively soon. In addition, my oil tank was awkward to refill and service due to limited access. Meanwhile, I was increasingly uneasy at continuing to use fossil fuel for heating, as had also been the case at my previous house, and I was determined to find a greener solution.
Why You Chose the ZEB
I chose the ZEB because I wanted to feel that I was doing my bit – making a more sustainable choice and doing something positive for the planet.
Did you consider anything else? If so, what helped you make the final decision?
At the start of my search, I looked for a way of keeping the wet system, even considering a pellet stove at one point, but the position of my chimney made this impracticable and it would still be generating carbon, albeit greener than fossil fuels. I reluctantly concluded that the wet system would have to go. Electric wall radiators of some kind seemed the only solution.
But these turned out to be alarmingly expensive to buy and install, and I realised they might also be expensive to run, as unlike traditional storage heaters they would not be using a cheap tariff.
That’s when I came across Southern Counties Heating Solutions, who supply and install the tepeo ZEB, and I realised I had found a boiler that would work with my existing wet system, use stored off-peak electricity, and have literally no emissions!
Southern Counties explained that the boiler would work with any existing wet system, but that as part of the installation the existing radiators would be optimised and the whole system overhauled. This sounded good to me, just what the house needed.
Nothing else quite met my needs in terms of cost and installation.
I did consider electric radiators and even solid fuel at one point, but I really wanted to keep my existing wet radiator system and it felt like a waste and a lot of effort to remove it. I wasn’t keen on having a heat pump unit on display in the garden, in the remote event that it even got planning permission. That’s why the ZEB felt like the best option: a simple, plug-and-play replacement that met my needs perfectly.
What factors were most important in choosing a low-carbon heating system?
1. Reducing my carbon footprint
For me this was a major driver and I was delighted when I found a solution to replacing my oil boiler which didn’t involve fossil fuels.
2. Running costs and smart energy use
Affordability was also very important, but it wasn’t the only factor for me. I knew I might not save a huge amount on running costs, but having peace of mind that I was making a more sustainable choice for the planet made it worthwhile. In the event, the ZEB is working out to be surprisingly economical.
3. Easy installation and minimal disruption
Easy installation with reduced upheaval, working with the existing wet radiator system, was very appealing to me.
4. tepeo’s approach and values
I really appreciated tepeo’s approach – manufacturing here in Britain and offering a personal, supportive experience where you can actually speak to someone on the phone throughout the journey.
Overall the experience felt personalised and professional and was handled in a timely way, which made a big difference.
Getting Set Up
The installation took a couple of days with the final set up completing within a week. Southern Counties Heating Solutions installed the ZEB and I was very pleased with the efficiency of the workforce.
Everything went as expected. It takes a little time to adjust if you’re using the Smart Charge setting on the ZEB, but once it’s set up, it runs smoothly and is good to go. I just adjusted the setting in the app – switched from Smart Charge to Manual, but I can easily switch back if I want. Still learning as I go and figuring out what works best for me.
The only hiccup was setting up the appropriate tariff with my energy provider, which was out of tepeo’s hands. But once all the necessary factors were aligned it was very straightforward to sign up to the appropriate tariff online.
Living with the ZEB
I have had my ZEB 5 months now.
Overall, it’s performing really well and keeping my house noticeably warm. It sits in my kitchen and gives off a low level background heat not unlike that of an Aga – which keeps my dog happy!
In comparison to my old heating system it is definitely more benign – no vague oily odours, and barely any noise. That’s something I’m mindful of and appreciate.
Using the app has become a bit of a hobby. I like to check in and see how things are doing. I can also adjust the ZEB settings fairly seamlessly.
Your Thoughts So Far
It feels great not to be burning oil and the system seems a lot more economical. It is also very useful having the ZEB in the kitchen, both as a gentle heat source, and also as something solid to put things on, or indeed to use for airing washing!
I am very pleased with it and I like to recommend it to anyone remotely interested as I feel people should know about it! People go down the electric radiator route not realising this type of system exists.
And Finally…quick fire round!
If you could do anything differently, what would it be?
I wish I’d known about it sooner and saved myself some time on research.
What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about getting a ZEB?
I’d say go for it! I love my ZEB.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Having an adjustable charging schedule and the ability to tweak the system to suit your needs as you go definitely makes things much easier, and puts you in control.