The case for a heat pump
We surveyed in October 2025, modelled the heat demand at 10.8kW peak, and confirmed the existing radiators (all oversized mid-1990s panels) could run at a 45°C flow temperature without replacement. That single finding made the whole project viable — heat pumps struggle when you're forced to rebuild the radiator circuit.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (£7,500) was filed as part of the installation quote, meaning the headline price the family saw was already net of the scheme.
What we installed
An 11kW monoblock air-source heat pump from a major European manufacturer, positioned on the north gable (with acoustic spacing from the neighbour's boundary measured and documented). The existing hot-water cylinder was replaced with a 250L unvented heat-pump-rated cylinder. No radiator changes. One smart thermostat replacing two dumb dials.
Oil tank decommissioned and removed on day three. Install took four working days including MCS certification.
What we ruled out
Solid-wall internal insulation was on the original quote. The Ipswich Victorian terrace had a 1990s render finish that was actually performing reasonably (we measured a U-value of 1.4 — not great but not the worst part of the envelope). The biggest heat loss was the loft, which had 100mm of compressed wool from a 1980s install.
We did the loft first, watched the bills for a winter, and the homeowner is sitting on a confirmed bill drop without spending the £8k on internal walls.
The outcome
First winter run validated the design: on the coldest morning (-2°C outside), the system held 21°C across all four bedrooms and both downstairs rooms without backup heat. SCOP projected at 3.4 based on the first 60 days of runtime data.
Annual running cost estimated at £1,090/year — a 35% reduction vs. their final oil year. The property moved from EPC D 62 to C 74 on the post-install re-rate.
“Our last oil delivery was £1,940. OMEGA handled the BUS grant, fitted the heat pump in four days, and the house is warmer than the old system ever managed.”