What do homeowners really want from low-carbon heating?

If you’re thinking about moving away from gas, oil or LPG, you’re probably considering a lot more than just carbon emissions.

Research published by Nesta in July 2026 looked at how 7,000 people across Britain feel about heat pumps and low-carbon heating. While the research focused specifically on heat pumps, many of the questions people raised will likely feel familiar to anyone considering changing the way they heat their home.

Here are some of the findings that stood out to us – and where a heat battery boiler like the ZEB could fit into the picture.

Cost, comfort and reliability matter most

Across the groups Nesta studied, cost was a key consideration, closely followed by comfort and reliability. While reducing carbon matters, homeowners understandably want to know what a new heating system could cost to buy, install and run – and whether it will keep their home warm.

Where the ZEB fits in

The ZEB heat battery boiler is designed to offer a familiar heating experience while moving away from fossil fuels. In suitable homes, it works with existing radiators or underfloor heating, while storing electricity as heat ready to use when it’s needed.

For most homes, buying and installing a ZEB typically costs between £5,995 and £11,000, depending on the property and any additional work required. 

Running costs will vary from home to home, but Smart Charging and thermal storage allow the ZEB to make use of suitable lower-cost electricity periods. Many of our customers who previously heated their homes with gas tell us their ZEB running costs are similar to, or slightly lower than, their previous heating costs.

That combination of familiar comfort, clearer upfront costs and more flexible energy use can make the move to low-carbon heating feel much more achievable.

What does that look like in a real home? Read Dan’s story.

Homeowners want to understand the whole picture upfront

Nesta found that people were generally open to making improvements to their home where needed, but most would rather understand and complete the work together than discover extra requirements bit by bit.

Having a clear picture of what an installation involves can make a big decision feel much more manageable.

Where the ZEB fits in

At tepeo, we take pride in helping homeowners understand the full picture before making a decision. Our assessment process is designed to help you understand suitability, the work involved and the likely costs before deciding.

Start with our Home Check for an initial indication of suitability. If your home looks like a good fit, you can book a conversation with a tepeo expert about your heating setup and questions, or continue to the next assessment step.

From there, we work closely with our tepeoPRO installer network across the UK, all of whom are trained in ZEB technology. If you prefer the digital route, our Digital Home Assessment uses details, photos and videos of your home to help assess your existing heating system, hot-water arrangements, electrical supply, heat demand and proposed installation location.This helps identify any changes that may be needed and supports your installer in preparing a quote. Your tepeoPRO installer will confirm the installation requirements and any further checks or survey needed before work goes ahead.

Storing energy is an attractive idea

One of Nesta’s most interesting findings was the appeal of greater energy self-sufficiency.

People liked the idea of capturing, storing and using energy at home, as well as having more flexibility around changing energy prices.

Where the ZEB fits in

Energy storage is at the heart of how the ZEB works.

It charges using electricity and stores that energy as heat, ready to be released later when your home needs it.

Its Smart Charging technology helps decide when and how much to charge based on factors including your tariff, local weather and your heating needs, giving you more flexibility around when you use electricity.

People want confidence that the technology will work in their home

Another recurring theme was reassurance.

Homeowners wanted to know that low-carbon heating was proven, practical and suitable for their particular property. And that matters because every home is different.

Where the ZEB fits in

The same practical question matters when considering a heat battery boiler. The ZEB is designed to offer another route away from gas, oil or LPG while keeping the familiar feel of a wet central heating system.

For suitable homes, replacing an existing boiler can often be completed in around 1-2 days, and the ZEB comes with up to a 10-year warranty and a care plan for added peace of mind.

Because it stores electricity as heat, it also works differently from a direct electric boiler. Rather than relying on electricity only at the moment you need heating, the ZEB can charge in advance and use Smart Charging to take advantage of suitable lower-cost tariff periods. That flexibility can be particularly valuable as energy prices and tariffs continue to change.

For homeowners looking to future-proof their heating, the ZEB combines low-carbon electric heating, thermal energy storage and familiar radiators or underfloor heating in one system.

And while heat pumps will be the right choice for many homes, they won’t suit every property. Where an outdoor unit, property constraints or other practical considerations make a heat pump more difficult, a heat battery boiler can offer another low-carbon alternative.

The ZEB won’t be right for every home either – but that’s why having more than one route away from fossil-fuel heating matters.

Not sure which boiler alternative could suit your home? Read our guide to choosing a better boiler →

Could a ZEB work in your home?

The easiest way to start is with our quick Home Check.

It looks at some of the key factors that affect suitability and gives you an initial indication of whether a tepeo ZEB heat battery boiler could be right for your property.

Complete the Home Check →