Andrew and Debra - Air Source Heat Pump and Solar PV

Andrew and Debra, Selby – North Yorkshire HUG2 – Jan 2025

“It’s myself, my wife and our 14-year-old Golden Retriever Lola who live in our bungalow.” Andrew says. “Debra is a retired deputy head, and I’m retired military – we moved back to the UK from Spain so we could help look after our parents in their golden years and give back to them.

“When we moved to the village – we knew there was no gas. But it’s hard to fully know the state of things when you’re just viewing a house isn’t it. When we got in, we found an at least 20-year-old oil boiler. We realised just how inefficient it was, and it wasn’t contributing to being very green. It was probably the best thing since sliced bread back then, but 20 years go by and now it’s not very efficient.

“We filled out a form on the council website, expressing we’d be interested when we found out about the scheme. We didn’t know if we’d qualify, and then YES got in touch with us over the phone to say that we would qualify for something and then that’s how it all began really.

“We didn’t know where to start so we were guided through the entire process by YES and also West Yorkshire Gas. Emerson from YES was particularly helpful over the phones, they were always very polite, punctual and helpful throughout the whole process.

“We have had Solar panels, and an Air Source Heat Pump installed. We also initially qualified for some wall insulation, but upon further inspection the house wasn’t right for that. We asked West Yorkshire Gas what sort of heat pump we’d be getting, and they sent us all the information! It was very helpful, we had the manual, the technical spec, even the drawings for the solar panels. It was very thorough and helpful.

“It was of course freezing when it was installed. We ended up staying in between the living room and bedroom – as it’s very cold when it’s snowing outside, and heating isn’t on! But I tell you what – when you’re chattering your teeth and then someone turns on your heating, you’re very very grateful! It was just down to the time of the install – with Winter and the snow!

“They came on 2^nd Jan and then the final bit of rubbish was taken away just yesterday on the 22^{nd of} Jan – so it’s been about 14 days spread out – through no ones fault – and there’s been very little disruption. The install team from West Yorkshire Gas were all very efficient, and even helped move all our furniture and carpets, and put them back properly. They tidied up after themselves, and Shane from West Yorkshire Gas even organised to have our old oil deposit taken away a couple days later.

“It’s a bit early to say how much it’s helped – but we’re enjoying what we have and the heat, and are excited to see the solar panels in action over summer.

“The whole team have been phenomenal. We just want to say thanks to everyone involved. You don’t often get the chance to thank someone properly when they leave after a job, so thank you for calling so we can offer our thanks to the whole team.

“If you’re thinking about getting something like this done – just do it! If we get an electric car, we’ll be looking into the EV charger – but at the moment we’re enjoying what we have and will be finishing the decorating in February as we knew there’d be some disruption, so we’ve delayed that!”