Thinking about switching to an air source heat pump in Edinburgh? Sometimes, the best way to understand the benefits — and what to expect — is through real stories from local homeowners.
At Latent Heat Edinburgh, we’ve helped many Edinburgh residents upgrade to efficient, low-carbon heating systems tailored to the city’s unique properties. Here are a few recent case studies showcasing a range of homes, challenges, and solutions.
Case Study 1: Detached ‘Edinburgh Bungalow’ Corstorphine area
The Challenge:
This traditional detached bungalow was undergoing some modernisation by the new owners. They approached Latent Heat for advice on how best to replace their heating system.
The Discussion:
During our initial discussion, the customer was taking the opportunity to fully insulate their home. They already had cavity wall insulation and had decided to upgrade their loft insulation and replace their old double glazing.
There was discussion about a boiler solution and an air source heat pump solution. We also supply and fit ‘Hydrogen mix ready’ Vaillant boilers. As there was a £15,000 funding package available from Home Energy Scotland funded by The Scottish Government, they decided to go the Heat Pump Route.
After the heat loss calculations were completed it emerged that a single fan 7 kW unit would be what was required together with a new hot water cylinder and associated items.
The Solution:
We were able to install the heat pump at the side of the house under ‘Permitted developments’. Their attached garage was a decent size, dry and not used for a car. We were able to install the hot water cylinder, buffer and other items neatly in a corner, still allowing a car to fit in the garage.
The Result:
- The homeowner now enjoys a cozy home.
- Our installation was delivered simultaneously alongside other internal alterations and improvements on time and within budget.
- They achieved their primary objective – to reduce their carbon footprint
- The property’s has an improved EPC rating
Case Study 2: Modern Detached home in South Edinburgh
The Challenge:
A family in a large new-build detached home wanted to replace their 18 month old existing gas boiler with a low-carbon solution.
The Discussion:
The customer was up to speed on what renewables were available and the current Home Energy Scotland Grants and Zero % loans that were available. The question was ‘how can be as green as we can without breaking the bank?’
The house already enjoyed a small solar array that had been installed by the builder.
Being open minded, we started with his primary mission – to get gas out of the property. What else could be done?
We then talked about increasing his solar array to take advantage of his large roof.
Solar allows the sun to contribute to the electricity usage. Once it’s installed it continues to contribute to your energy requirements for 25+ years, needing only a wash from your window cleaner from time to time. It can help run your heat pump, create hot water and other electrical needs as long as the sun shines.
Solar panels are great during the day, but when the sun goes down it stops providing an input. How can we capture the sun and use it to our advantage?
Batteries were next on the agenda – capture and store the solar power. Capturing energy from the sun, storing it and then using it when you need it makes sense.
Now that batteries are in play, how can you maximise their potential?
Import cheap electricity from the greener energy providers who want you to buy and store their energy when nobody is using it. The wind turbiness keep turning, most of us are asleep.
Many green electricity providers offer cheap electricity overnight and at other times of the day. Around 12p per kWh can be typical (Octopus 13/6/25) – pretty much half price!
In search of a possible fantastic solution……
You will always have to pay an electricity bill unless you have a solar farm, but how do we get it as low as possible?
Obviously there are many variables but it might look something like this.
Batteries low at midnight, charge them up with cheap electricity between 12.30 and 4.30 – batteries full.
Air source heat pump comes on at 5.00 am to warm the house – batteries being drained of your cheap electricity.
You are heating your house for 12p a unit until drained. If you are achieving a COP of 3, that is effectively 4p a unit to heat your home with the heat pump as long as the batteries have energy to give. That’s much cheaper than gas.
The sun comes up and helps run your home including the heat pump and/or tops the batteries up.
The sun sets, evening falls, the batteries are being used for heat and other electrical demands
And repeat.
The Solution:
We installed a 7 kW Heat pump at the side of the house under ‘Permitted developments’. We replaced around 6 radiators with larger ones and moved some existing radiators to new locations to reduce upfront costs. We installed additional solar panels after obtaining straight forward permission from the DNO. Finally, we installed 2 x 9.5 kW Batteries.
The Result:
- Fast, professional installation completed in around 2 weeks
- Immediate eligibility for Scottish Government heat pump grant
- Lower carbon footprint and future-proof heating solution
- The sun has been put to good use
Why Edinburgh Homeowners Choose Latent Heat
- Local expertise: We know Edinburgh’s homes inside out, including tricky designs and conservation areas.
- Tailored designs: Every heat pump system is customised to your property and lifestyle.
- Grant assistance: We maximise your access to Home Energy Scotland funding.
- Reliable aftercare: From installation to maintenance, we’re here for the long term.
Thinking About a Heat Pump in Edinburgh?
If these case studies sound like your situation, let’s talk. We offer free home visits, honest advice, and no-obligation quotes — all tailored to Edinburgh’s unique housing.