Quick Summary: The Switch at a Glance
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The Property: 2-bed first-floor flat (built in the 1990s) in Cambridge.
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The Problem: An inefficient (50%), ugly, and costly gas back boiler, coupled with leasehold and space constraints that made an Air Source Heat Pump impossible.
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The Installer: Brimstone Energy.
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The Solution: The tepeo ZEB heat battery.
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The Results: Complete removal from the gas grid (saving on standing charges), kept all existing radiators, smart off-peak charging with an E.ON tariff, and a perfect cupboard installation.
The Challenge: Saying Goodbye to the Gas Back Boiler
Getting rid of gas, decarbonisation, and securing low-cost energy is possible, even when it appears more difficult for some properties than others. Toby Greenwood from Cambridgeshire found himself in a position where making the switch to green energy presented some serious challenges.
Toby, tell us about your flat and your problem
“I live in Cambridge in a first-floor, two-bed flat, built in the 1990s. I moved in last year, it’s a nice area close to town, and I’m busy updating things… bit by bit. The flat had an old back boiler for heating, which sat in the fireplace and used gas to heat the water and send it round the house to heat the radiators.”
Tell us why you wanted to change your old gas boiler
“First up, I wanted to decarbonise. I knew running the old gas back boiler was not environmentally friendly. The boiler was costing me lots of money. It was old, in need of maintenance, it looked pretty ugly, I wasn’t sure of its safety, it was about 50% efficient (or inefficient!), and it constantly burned gas to run its pilot light. “It had to go!” I’d already taken the kitchen off gas, so I also wanted to save money and have energy security by coming off the grid completely.”
What were your options for getting rid of your gas heating?
“I looked into getting an Air Source Heat Pump. There were barriers that meant a heat pump wouldn’t work for me. I guess it’s the same for others, too. I’m in a leasehold, first-floor flat, so there were practical issues about where I could put a heat pump. On top, there would be planning issues, meaning I’d need to work with the freeholder, which had already proven to be difficult previously. I also had the problem of needing to upgrade all my radiators to work with the heat pump. A heat pump just wasn’t the right option for me and my property, so I got searching for other electric heating options. This is when I found the tepeo ZEB as an alternative.”
The Solution: Discovering the Heat Battery Boiler
How did you decide the tepeo ZEB was right for you and your property?
“I got in touch with tepeo, and someone came out to visit my flat. They took measurements, looked at the staircase and installation, and referred me to Brimstone Energy as one of their tepeoPRO installers. Matt responded quickly.
He set up a video call, as well as a visit from the Brimstone team. We chatted about delivery, installation, getting the ZEB up to the first floor, and finding where to put it in the house. I wanted the ZEB to be out of the way, and I had a cupboard where I hoped it could go. Matt was positive throughout and listened to each of my questions – I remember him saying, “We can make it work.””
Switching from gas heating can seem like a big choice. What tepeo ZEB research did you do?
“I was happy with the support and guidance from tepeo and Brimstone. This put my mind at rest. I looked at Brimstone’s website and read (and watched) other case studies. I was even invited to visit another house in Cambridge where they’d installed a ZEB. The owner was happy with the ZEB and Brimstone, mostly because of the service and because it just worked as a straight heating replacement. I was sold.”
You’ve mentioned the stairs. Was installation a problem?
“I was worried about whether the stairwell up to my flat was too tight. Brimstone had installed the ZEB in other flats, so it’s fair to say I was interested in how they’d make it work. The ZEB was unloaded on a robot crawler, the team built up a platform on the lower steps to create the turning space and carefully brought the ZEB upstairs. It was pretty impressive!”
The Result: Clean, Controllable, and Cost-Effective
Where have you put the ZEB in your home?
“Once the ZEB was upstairs, it was fitted perfectly into the cupboard in my spare room. I guess they weren’t thinking of heat batteries 30 years ago, but it seems like the cupboard was made to measure. I came back from work, and it was in. They did a quality job – I don’t know how they managed to do it so neatly.”
Is the ZEB and your system working well?
“Yes! I’ve tested it, I’m pleased with the app, where I can see charge on the ZEB, and it looks smart tucked away in the cupboard. Already, I’m not paying for gas to run the pilot light on the old boiler and, being off the gas grid, I’ll save money every day on not having to pay the standing charge. Also, let’s not forget I’ve kept all my existing radiators by choosing a heat battery. I’m now in the process of switching to a new energy tariff. I’m going to be going with E.ON, so I’ll be able to charge up the ZEB at night for a low cost, and use it during the day when prices are high. Matt helped me with this, and I think I’ll end up paying about half for my energy. Brimstone also advised on my hot water system. I’ve kept my hot water immersion tank and now have a timer switch. This means I’ll heat the water overnight on the cheap rate, too, just like with the ZEB.”
Quick-Fire Q&A: Working with Brimstone Energy
What was Brimstone’s communication like? “Fast. Email replies were quick, everything was explained, and I felt looked after.”
Was the installation smooth or stressful? “Smooth. From the first phone call to my new heating, it was all done in a month. Like I said, I went to work at the start of the installation and came home to a new boiler, perfectly installed in my cupboard.”
What was Brimstone Energy like to work with? “Friendly and professional. There was no mess, and I haven’t quite figured out how they managed to do it all so neatly.”
Would you recommend Brimstone Energy? “Yes, of course. Matt and the team are excellent.”
And finally, any advice for people thinking about a tepeo ZEB? “You can do it, and it works. As you plan, look into getting on the right low-cost tariff. Think about the bigger picture as well – I’ve also insulated my ceiling as another efficiency measure. Then, reach out, have a visit, and get a quote. Getting rid of gas could be closer than you think.”