The Challenge: Finding Low-Carbon Heating for a City Apartment
Living in a one-bedroom flat inside a converted historic lace mill, the homeowner wanted a heating solution that didn’t need an outdoor unit. While heat pumps seemed like a green option, limited space ruled them out.
Previously, the apartment relied on a gas boiler, but ongoing changes in the building meant homeowners could no longer depend on the old gas heating system. Something had to change.
While waiting for a permanent fix, portable oil-filled radiators provided some warmth—but at a high running cost and with less comfort than central heating. The homeowner found themselves using heating only when absolutely necessary, leading to moisture and damp building up over time.
For this property, the new system needed to:
- Work in a flat with no outdoor unit
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
- Supply reliable warmth and hot water
- Avoid the high running costs of direct electric heating
- Fit neatly into limited available space
- Integrate with the current home setup, with minimal disruption
Why the ZEB and a Compact Hot Water Solution?
The homeowner’s goal was simple: make a sustainable choice without sacrificing comfort or driving up bills.
As an Octopus Energy customer, they discovered the ZEB Heat Battery Boiler while looking for alternatives. After talking to the tepeo team, pairing the ZEB with a compact hot water solution made practical sense: it offered both heating and hot water in one neat, space-saving setup—without the need for an outdoor unit or bulky hot water cylinder.
Other low-carbon options had drawbacks: a heat pump didn’t fit the flat, and direct electric heating would be expensive to run. The ZEB felt like the ideal balance: a low-carbon electric system that stores heat, makes use of cheaper, greener electricity, and fits seamlessly into everyday living.
Support from tepeo and trusted installer Selby Heating helped make the decision easy.
“I really wanted something that would integrate seamlessly with my existing set up at home—without the need for drastic changes.”
Installation: Quick, Uncomplicated, and Apartment-Friendly
The installation process was smoother and less disruptive than expected, completed within a week. It covered:
- Removal of the old system
- Flushing radiators
- Installing the ZEB Heat Battery Boiler
- Adding the compact hot water solution
- Upgrading to a new mains shower
Importantly, the new system fitted neatly into the space left by the old boiler, so the switch to low-carbon heating was practical, not daunting.
Living With the ZEB
Six weeks after installation, the homeowner experienced a warmer, more comfortable home with reliable hot water and consistent heat where it was needed. The ZEB kept the bathroom and utility room cosy, providing heat exactly when required.
Thanks to the compact hot water solution, mains-pressure showers were back on tap, and hot water costs were as little as 50p a day. Managing the system was straightforward with the intuitive tepeo app.
“The app is great, smart, simple, and intuitive. Looking forward to using it more once I actually need to heat my apartment during winter.”
The biggest immediate benefit was simple: restored hot water, a toasty bathroom, and the confidence of being ready for winter.
“I have hot water again in my apartment, and a toasty bathroom when needed.”
“I am confident that all money spent on the ZEB has added straight to the value of my apartment.”
Word of mouth soon followed, as neighbours came to see the ZEB in action.
“Several people in my building have been to look at it, as it’s a solution very few knew about.”
The Result: Comfort, Hot Water, and Lasting Confidence
The new system provided a clean, practical replacement for gas heating—delivering true peace of mind. After a cold, expensive winter with temporary heaters, the homeowner could see and feel the difference in comfort, cost, and sustainability.
“I should have contacted tepeo sooner. That would have been one less cold and expensive winter.”
Why This Solution Worked
This lace mill apartment highlights how the ZEB can overcome real-world barriers where traditional low-carbon systems are tricky to install:
- No outdoor unit: Perfect for properties where heat pumps won’t fit.
- No gas needed: Fully electric, low-carbon heating and hot water.
- Compact installation: Slotting into the footprint of the previous system—no bulky changes.
- Space-saving hot water: Compact solution delivers mains-pressure hot water.
- Works with existing radiators: Minimal disruption, retaining the familiar wet heating system.
- Designed for smart, greener electricity: ZEB stores heat when power is cheaper and greener.
- Easy control: The tepeo app puts management in the homeowner’s hands.
A Practical Heat Pump Alternative for Apartments
Heat pumps are important for the UK’s clean heat journey, but they’re not right for every home, especially flats and converted spaces with no outdoor unit. The ZEB and compact hot water solution show another way—providing low-carbon comfort, easy installation, and real-world practicality.
“Only to give credit to the tepeo team – I look forward to working from home this winter in my shorts and t-shirt again!”
Thinking About Low-Carbon Heating for Your Apartment?
The ZEB could be a great fit if you’re seeking:
- A gas boiler or heat pump alternative
- Reliable, low-carbon electric heating
- No need for an outdoor unit or bulky hot water cylinder
- Consistent warmth and hot water, even in small or converted spaces
- Control over your system and costs via the tepeo app
Every home is unique. That’s why we always start with a home check—to make sure the ZEB matches your needs, layout, and lifestyle.
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