The challenge: an old exhaust air heat pump that no longer worked for the home
When the homeowners moved into their three-bedroom townhouse in Whitstable, the property already had an exhaust air heat pump installed.
An exhaust air heat pump uses warm air extracted from inside the home to help provide heating and hot water. In principle, it can be a useful low-carbon heating solution. In this home, however, the system never quite worked for the way the household lived.
Most of the time, it is just the two of them at home. But with grandchildren and family regularly popping in and out, they wanted heating that felt reliable, flexible and easy to manage — whether for a normal day at home, a family meal, or an unexpected sleepover.
Their previous exhaust air heat pump had become expensive to run and offered limited control over the heating. Repairs and maintenance were also difficult, partly because it was a Swedish system and parts and servicing were not always easy to access locally.
When the system needed another costly repair, the homeowners decided it was time to look for a better long-term option.
They wanted:
- a reliable heating system
- better control over temperature and usage
- lower disruption during installation
- a more sustainable heating choice
- a system that could work well with off-peak electricity
- confidence that support would be available if needed
Why they chose the ZEB
The homeowners were not keen to go back to burning fossil fuels. A lower-carbon heating system mattered to them, but their main priority was simple: they wanted heating they could trust.
They first heard about tepeo through a local plumbing company, who put them in touch with SGS, a heating installer based in Ramsgate, Kent.
After visiting the property and completing a detailed survey, SGS recommended the tepeo ZEB heat battery boiler as a good fit for the home.
The homeowners considered both another heat pump and the ZEB, but ultimately felt the ZEB was the right choice for their property and lifestyle.
They were drawn to:
- the reliability of the system
- the ability to use off-peak electricity
- better control through the tepeo app
- a more familiar central heating experience
- the potential for lower-disruption installation
- tepeo’s approach and values
- the professionalism and support from SGS and tepeo
The homeowners also made space for the ZEB in the garage and added a stud wall to help create a more even, insulated environment around the unit.
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The installation: teamwork, care and minimal disruption
The installation involved removing the old heating system, which was the biggest part of the job.
There was some disruption for a few days while floorboards were lifted, mainly to remove the previous system. But the homeowners felt the team worked steadily, professionally and carefully throughout.
Once the work was completed, everything was put back neatly and the home was ready to go.
The homeowners said the support from both SGS and tepeo helped them feel reassured throughout the process. The detailed survey, clear advice and professional approach gave them confidence that the ZEB was being installed properly and that the system would suit their home.
Living with the ZEB
After their first winter month with the ZEB, the difference was clear.
The homeowners found the ZEB easy to understand, even though it was a new type of heating system for them. Most importantly, the house felt warm again.
“The ZEB is performing really well and is easy to understand, even though it’s a new system for us. It’s keeping the house warm — no more layering up in vests!”
One of the biggest changes was the performance of the radiators.
“The radiators actually get hot now, which is a lovely change from before when they never really heated properly.”
The homeowners also feel they have much better control over their heating. Features like Away Mode and Boost Charging have made the system easy to manage from a mobile device.
“I like to check on things occasionally via the app — it’s really reassuring to see what the system is doing and make any adjustments if needed.”
For a household that had previously felt frustrated by limited control, this has been a major benefit.
The result: warmth, control and peace of mind
The biggest improvement has been emotional as much as practical.
The homeowners now feel confident that their home will be warm when they need it to be. They have regained control over their heating, and they no longer worry in the same way about whether the system will perform.
They also gained back useful upstairs cupboard space after removing the old system — a welcome bonus in a busy family home.
The ZEB is now paired with the Octopus Cosy tariff, giving the homeowners eight hours of low-cost electricity. This helps them make better use of off-peak electricity and supports the ZEB’s smart charging approach.
Since installation, they have already had three neighbours visit to see how the system works.
“We feel it’s important to let people know what options are available.”
Advice for other homeowners
For anyone considering a ZEB heat battery boiler, the homeowners’ advice is simple:
“It’s definitely worth exploring if you’re considering a new heating solution. If you’re curious, you can arrange for the team to carry out a survey to see if it’s the right fit for your property. There was no pressure to buy — they really just wanted to see if it would suit our heat requirements and lifestyle.”
That honest, suitability-led approach was an important part of the experience.
The ZEB is not right for every home, which is why the home check and survey process matters. For this Whitstable townhouse, it gave the homeowners the confidence to move forward with a system that suited their home, heating needs and lifestyle.
Why the ZEB worked for this home
This case study shows how the ZEB can be a practical option for homeowners looking for an alternative to replacing an old or inefficient heat pump.
For this property, the ZEB offered:
- reliable low-carbon heating
- better control through the tepeo app
- smart charging using off-peak electricity
- compatibility with the home’s heating needs
- a more familiar central heating experience
- support from trained installers and the tepeo team
- reassurance after a difficult experience with the previous system
Heat pumps can be a great option for many suitable homes. But where a previous system is not working well, or where homeowners want a different low-carbon route, a heat battery boiler can offer another way forward.
Thinking about replacing an old heat pump?
If your current heating system is expensive to run, difficult to maintain, or no longer giving you the comfort and control you need, the ZEB may be worth exploring.
The best next step is a home check. We’ll look at your heat demand, current heating setup, available space, tariff options and whether the ZEB could be suitable for your property.