Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Heating and Air Conditioning | Bristol
Bristol’s weather can swing from damp winter chills to unexpected summer sizzles, so your home needs heating and air conditioning that responds instantly without wasting energy. HEP’s certified engineers upgrade and maintain high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps, smart thermostats, and ultra-quiet AC systems that trim utility bills while keeping every room perfectly comfortable. We combine detailed home-energy assessments with top-tier equipment to cut carbon footprints and create healthier indoor air—all backed by local know-how and fast, friendly service.
Whether you’re retrofitting a Victorian terrace or fitting out a modern flat, our tailored installations, 24/7 emergency support, and transparent pricing make saving energy effortless. Join thousands of Bristol homeowners who trust HEP to future-proof their comfort; book your free consultation today and feel the difference tomorrow.
FAQs
How can I improve the energy efficiency of my heating system in Bristol’s mild-maritime climate?
Start by sealing draughts around doors, windows and loft hatches, then top up loft insulation to at least 270 mm and consider cavity-wall or external-wall insulation. Once the building fabric is efficient, install weather-compensating controls on your boiler or a smart thermostat that learns your schedule. Lower flow temperatures (around 50-55 °C) on a modern condensing boiler improve its efficiency, while adding thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) lets you zone heat to occupied rooms only. Finally, have the system power-flushed and balanced so each radiator receives the right flow rate.
What is a heat pump and is it suitable for Bristol homes?
A heat pump extracts low-grade heat from the air, ground or a nearby water source and upgrades it to a useful temperature for space heating and hot water. Because Bristol rarely experiences prolonged sub-zero temperatures, air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) work well and are the most common retrofit choice. They can deliver 3–4 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity used, slashing carbon emissions when paired with renewable electricity tariffs. To perform at their best, your home should have good insulation and oversized or low-temperature radiators. Planning permission is generally not required for ASHPs in Bristol unless the unit is unusually large or sited on a listed building.
How often should my heating or air-conditioning system be serviced to maintain peak efficiency?
Gas and oil boilers should be serviced once a year to keep combustion efficient, maintain manufacturer warranty and ensure safe operation. Air-source heat pumps and air-conditioning units benefit from an annual inspection that checks refrigerant pressures, cleans coils, replaces filters and verifies that defrost cycles and fans are working correctly. For larger commercial systems, the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations require an air-conditioning inspection by a certified assessor at least every five years if the combined cooling output exceeds 12 kW.
Are there financial incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient heating or cooling in Bristol?
Yes. Homeowners can apply for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers £7,500 towards the installation of an air-source or ground-source heat pump, subject to eligibility criteria and an EPC that recommends a heat pump. Low-income households may qualify for a free or heavily subsidised upgrade through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) or the Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) route. Businesses can claim 100 % first-year relief on heat pumps, chillers and controls through the Annual Investment Allowance. Bristol City Council also operates occasional grants and low-interest loans for energy-saving measures—check the council’s Energy Service for current offers.
What thermostat settings balance comfort and energy savings?
The Energy Saving Trust recommends setting your main thermostat between 18 °C and 21 °C during the heating season. Every 1 °C reduction can cut heating bills by roughly 6 %, so experimenting with 19 °C rather than 21 °C can yield meaningful savings. In summer cooling mode, aim for 24–26 °C; each degree lower can raise electricity use by 3–4 %. A programmable or smart thermostat that automatically lowers temperatures when you are asleep or away prevents unnecessary run-time and can shave a further 10 % off annual energy costs.
How do I know if my existing boiler or air-conditioning unit is inefficient and needs replacing?
Signs include rising energy bills despite similar usage, radiators or vents that take a long time to heat or cool, frequent breakdowns, and equipment older than 12–15 years. For boilers, an EPC rating of Band D or below, or a seasonal efficiency under 85 %, indicates room for improvement. Visible rust, soot deposits, or an obsolete pilot light also signal an ageing appliance. For air-conditioning, SEER ratings below 13 (pre-2010 systems) mean high running costs compared with today’s A+++ units that exceed SEER 20. A qualified heating engineer can run combustion efficiency tests or measure refrigerant pressures to quantify performance and advise on replacement options like condensing boilers or heat pumps.