When people hear air-to-air heat pumps, they often think of one thing: air conditioning.
But the reality is these systems are one of the most versatile, efficient and flexible home comfort solutions available – and they work all year round.

At Gregor Renewables, we install air-to-air heat pumps in homes across Bristol and Bath, and many homeowners are surprised by just how much they can do.

What is an Air-to-Air Heat Pump?

An air-to-air heat pump transfers heat from outside air to inside your home (and vice versa). It works alongside your existing heating system, so it doesn’t matter what you already have installed  – gas boiler, oil, electric or heat pump, and most houses and flats are suitable.

If a home isn’t suitable, we’ll always tell you honestly. No pressure, no upselling, just straightforward advice.

Cooling: Comfortable Homes During British Summers

We all know our summers are getting hotter, and when a heatwave hits, homes can become uncomfortable fast. Which can cause problems when working from home or sleeping at night.

Air-to-air heat pumps allow you to:

• Keep key rooms cool and comfortable
• Escape the worst of the heat during the day
• Sleep better at night with cooler bedrooms
• Keep pets safe and comfortable while you’re out at work

Got solar panels?
When paired with solar PV, running costs during high-generation periods can be very low, sometimes close to nothing.

Heating: Smart, Efficient Warmth in Colder Months

Air-to-air heat pumps aren’t just for summer, they’re incredibly useful in winter too.

Homeowners love them because they:

• Heat individual rooms without firing up the whole house
• Warm spaces quickly thanks to fast-reacting technology
• Provide a reliable backup heat source if your central heating fails

All making them ideal for home offices, bedrooms, extensions or garden rooms.

They give you flexibility, comfort and peace of mind all year round.

And that’s not all…

Fan Mode: Fresh, Balanced Air

Sometimes you don’t need heating or cooling,  just better air movement.

When you use the fan mode it:

• Circulates air to keep rooms feeling fresh
• Helps balance temperatures throughout the space
• Improves comfort without additional energy use.

De-humidifier Mode: Quietly Solving Everyday Problems

Air-to-air heat pumps also act as powerful de-humidifiers, helping tackle common UK household issues.

Perfect if you struggle with:

• Condensation on windows
• Drying washing indoors during winter
• Damp or mould-prone rooms

By removing excess moisture from the air, these systems help create a healthier, more comfortable home, especially during long, wet winters.

How much do they cost?

A basic single room unit starts at £1500 – depending on the style you want and the scope of the job. Running costs vary depending on what you’re using it for, but they have the same efficiency ranges as air to water heat pumps of around 300%

Honest Advice from a Local Team You Can Trust

We’re proud of the standard of our work and passionate about doing things properly. Every system we install is:

• Designed correctly — never rushed or oversized
• Installed by our own local, in-house engineers
• Fitted neatly, with respect for your home
• Fully explained, with ongoing support you can rely on

Whether you need one unit or multiple, we’ll design a system that suits your home, your budget and how you actually live in it.

Is an Air-to-Air Heat Pump Right for You?

If you’re thinking about a smarter way to heat, cool and control your home, air-to-air heat pumps are well worth considering.

Get in touch to discuss your options — no obligation, just honest advice from a team who care.

Call 0117 935 2400 or 01225 738 397 and ask to speak to our Renewables team.

Planning ahead now means you’re ready before the first heatwave arrives!

The post What You Don’t Know About Air-to-Air Heat Pumps appeared first on Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy.

Your boiler works hard behind the scenes to keep your home warm and your water hot, but like any appliance, it won’t last forever. A typical boiler lifespan is around 10-15 years, depending on how well it’s maintained. Knowing when it’s time to replace your boiler can save you from unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and inefficient energy bills.

We know that replacing a boiler is a big household expense, and not a decision anyone takes lightly. That’s why we’re here to help you understand your options and make the process as smooth as possible.

Here are five key signs your boiler may be ready for an upgrade:

1. Frequent Breakdowns

If you find yourself calling out an engineer more than once or twice a year, it’s a clear signal that your boiler may be nearing the end of its life. Replacing parts repeatedly can quickly add up, in many cases, a new, reliable boiler will be more cost-effective in the long run.

2. Rising Energy Bills

Older boilers lose efficiency over time, meaning they need to burn more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. If your energy bills are climbing and you haven’t changed your usage habits, your boiler could be the culprit. Modern A-rated boilers are far more efficient and can significantly reduce your heating costs.

3. Uneven Heating Around Your Home

Are some rooms too cold while others are too hot? Or does it take longer than it used to for your home to warm up? Inconsistent heating is often a sign your boiler is struggling to circulate water properly, and it might be more than a simple repair can fix.

4. Unusual Noises

While no boiler is completely silent, banging, clunking, or whistling sounds (sometimes called “kettling”) are usually a sign of internal issues like limescale buildup or failing components. If the noises persist even after servicing, it could be time for a replacement.

5. Visible Leaks or Corrosion

Water leaks, rust, or other visible signs of damage should never be ignored. Leaks can cause serious damage to your property and indicate that the internal parts of your boiler are deteriorating.

Considering Your Options: Boilers & Beyond

At Gregor Heating, we understand that a new boiler is a major investment. Our team can guide you through the process, help you choose the right model for your home, and even discuss financing options to spread the cost. In some cases, there are grants that can help make your home more energy efficient, which could include replacing boilers or introducing renewable heating solutions.

But upgrading your heating system isn’t just about swapping old for new, it’s also a great opportunity to think about the future. More and more households are switching to air source heat pumps, a highly efficient, low-carbon alternative to gas boilers.

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air outside (even on cold days!) and using it to warm your home. They can:

• Cut your carbon footprint by reducing reliance on fossil fuels
• Lower your running costs over time, especially if paired with solar panels
• Future-proof your home against upcoming energy efficiency standards

Our experienced team can assess your property, explain how heat pumps work, and help you decide whether a heat pump, a modern gas boiler, or a hybrid system is the right choice for you.

Get in touch today to arrange a free consultation with Gregor Heating, whether you want a straightforward boiler replacement or are ready to take the next step towards greener, more efficient home heating.

The post 5 Signs Your Boiler May Need Replacing appeared first on Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy.

Purchasing a new boiler, heat pump, solar thermal system, or solar panels with battery storage is one way of doing this. A new product offers cutting edge technology and greater efficiently, and is a big investment, one you would have spent a while considering.

It’s a big step towards a more efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective home. And with your new product running so smoothly from the outset, it can be tempting to let things run untouched for a few years. Afterall, you don’t want another expense!

We look at this differently, we recommend servicing from the outset – stay with us! Here’s why.

Protect Your Investment

Heating and renewable energy systems are complex, and, like any high-performance equipment, they need regular attention to keep performing at their best. Servicing helps to:

• Maintain efficiency – keeping your system in top condition saves energy and lowers running costs.
• Prevent breakdowns – spotting small issues early helps avoid unexpected (and expensive) failures later.
• Prolong system life – regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your equipment.
• Ensure safety – safety checks are vital, particularly for gas appliances, to guard against risks like carbon monoxide.
• Keep warranties valid – most manufacturers require annual servicing to maintain the warranty.

How Often Should You Service Your System?

Here’s our recommended schedule:

• Boilers – Annually. It’s essential for safety, efficiency, and warranty compliance, especially before winter.
• Heat Pumps – Every year. Ensures your system runs efficiently in all seasons.
• Solar Thermal Systems – Checked every year to maintain efficiency and prevent costly damage, with a fluid top-up/replacement every three to five years.
• Solar PV & Battery Storage – A health check every 1–2 years keeps performance and safety on track.

Why Gregor?

We’ve been a trusted name across Bristol, Bath, and the Southwest for over 35 years. With Gregor Heating and Renewables, you’re not just getting a service, you’re getting the backing of a team that genuinely cares about keeping your home warm, efficient, and running smoothly.

Here’s why customers choose us year after year:

We’re a Which? Trusted Trader

This means we’ve passed a rigorous assessment and adhere to the high standards set by one of the UK’s most respected consumer organisations. We were also recently awarded Which? Trusted Trader of the month for July 2025. It’s your reassurance that we’re committed to honest, high-quality service every time.

MCS Approved Installer

We’re certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, which means our work on renewable technologies (like heat pumps and solar systems) meets government-backed industry standards.

Local expertise

Our team of engineers are experienced, friendly, and responsive, backed by decades of local trust.

Servicing for all systems

From gas boilers to advanced renewable technologies, we’ve got the skills to service it all. We can service and maintain your Air Source Heat Pump, Ground Source Heat Pump and Solar Thermal Systems. The team can service all leading makes and models including Daikin, Mitsubishi and Vaillant.

Ask About Heat:Plan – Simple, Reliable Boiler Care

For boiler owners, we offer Heat:Plan, a convenient monthly plan that covers your annual boiler servicing and gives you peace of mind all year round. With Heat:Plan, you get:

• Your annual service included
• Priority breakdown response
• General Plumbing Jobs
• Access to our local, responsive team
• Fixed monthly payments – so there are no surprises

It’s the hassle-free way to keep your boiler running efficiently and reliably.

Our advice is to always be prepared! Don’t wait for something to go wrong. Protect your investment, your comfort, and your peace of mind, and your wallet with regular servicing from Gregor Heating and Renewables.

Contact us today to book your service or find out more about Heat:Plan and our renewable system support.

The post Why Servicing Your Heating & Renewable Systems Matters – And Why Gregor Should Be Your First Call appeared first on Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy.

In recent developments within the UK’s energy policy landscape, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has been pivotal in orchestrating discussions on Sustainable Investment (SI) changes. One of the most significant shifts highlighted in Ofgem’s BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) Forum is the transition from mandatory insulation measures to recommended ones – more specifically, they have removed the requirement for an EPC to have cavity wall and loft insulation as a requirement. Instead they have put the onus on the Installer to advise on loft and cavity wall insulation as the best course of action in order to reduce energy and running costs.

This somewhat controversial change marks a substantial policy evolution, bringing both opportunities and challenges for homeowners, policymakers, and the renewable energy sector.

The Policy Shift: From Mandatory to Recommended Insulation

Historically, the UK’s energy efficiency policies mandated specific insulation measures for residential properties. This approach ensured that homes were adequately insulated, reducing heat loss and, consequently, the energy required for heating. However, the new policy direction, as discussed in the BUS Forum, suggests a move towards recommending rather than mandating these measures.

Reasons Behind the Shift

1. Flexibility for Homeowners: By recommending rather than mandating insulation measures, homeowners have greater flexibility to choose solutions that best suit their individual circumstances. This approach respects the diverse nature of the UK housing stock, which varies widely in age, construction type, and current energy efficiency levels.

2. Encouraging Innovation: A recommendation-based approach can stimulate innovation in the energy efficiency market. Homeowners and developers might explore a broader range of insulation technologies and materials that might not have been considered under a strict regulatory framework.

3. Policy Alignment: This shift aligns with broader policy trends focusing on advisory and supportive measures rather than prescriptive mandates. It aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions rather than imposing blanket solutions.

Potential Implications of the Transition

Increased Costs Due to Larger Heat Pumps

One of the critical concerns raised at the BUS Forum is the potential for increased costs associated with this policy shift. The insulation of a home is crucial in minimizing heat loss. Without mandatory insulation, there is a risk that some homes may not achieve optimal insulation levels. Consequently, to maintain comfort and energy efficiency, larger and more powerful heat pumps might be required to compensate for the higher heat loss.

The Cost Dynamics

1. Upfront Investment: Larger heat pumps come with a higher upfront cost. For many homeowners, this could represent a significant financial burden, particularly when combined with other energy efficiency upgrades.

2. Operational Costs: Bigger heat pumps generally consume more electricity, leading to higher operational costs. This scenario could potentially offset the benefits gained from using renewable energy sources, such as heat pumps.

3. Long-term Savings: While the initial costs might be higher, properly sized heat pumps paired with adequate insulation (even if not mandatory) can result in long-term savings. The challenge lies in ensuring that homeowners understand and are willing to make this investment.

The Role of Education and Incentives

To mitigate these potential cost increases, the forum emphasized the importance of education and financial incentives:

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating homeowners on the importance of proper insulation and the long-term financial and environmental benefits can drive voluntary compliance with recommended measures.

2. Incentive Programs: Financial incentives, such as grants, loans, or tax rebates, can help offset the higher initial costs of larger heat pumps and additional insulation. These programs can make energy efficiency upgrades more accessible and appealing.

3. Technical Support: Providing technical support and guidance to homeowners can ensure that they make informed decisions about the best insulation and heating solutions for their homes.

The transition from mandatory to recommended insulation measures marks a significant shift in the UK’s approach to energy efficiency. While this change offers greater flexibility and encourages innovation, it also presents challenges, particularly in terms of potential increased costs for homeowners in order to reach the requirements to pass their EPC.

However, with the right mix of education, incentives, and support, we believe this policy shift can still achieve its goals of improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring comfortable living conditions for all UK residents.

The discussions at Ofgem’s BUS Forum have laid the groundwork for addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities presented by this new policy direction. Gregor are committed to supporting homeowners transitioning to an energy efficient home and a more sustainable energy solution. You can trust that our team will always prioritize transparency and recommend solutions that best suit your needs.

We believe that as the UK continues to strive for a sustainable future, these evolving policies and their implementations will be crucial in shaping the nation’s energy landscape and at Gregor we aim to stay ahead of the game so we can support homeowners as we have been doing so for over 30 years.

The post Considering a Heat Pump? Don’t be Mis-sold! Key Changes from Ofgem’s BUS Forum on Insulation Measures and What You Need to Know. appeared first on Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy.

Solar PV

As one of the most tried and tested technologies around Solar PV is a safe bet.

First to deal with a little urban myth. The hotter the day the greater the performance, right?

Wrong.

Did you know that an air temperature of between 18 and 22 degrees range is optimum for Solar PV. Anything hotter than that and you really won’t get maximum performance from them.

At high temperatures they, in fact, generate their own energy shield to protect from temperatures over 30 degrees so don’t work efficiently in really hot weather at all.

Another common misconception is PV can run heat during winter months but it can’t although this is where storage options such as batteries come into their own.

That said, it still is a sensible choice to consider solar panels. Let’s face it if our winters are getting milder, during the lighter, better days the generation from panels is going to increase compared to even 10 years ago.

On a clear, sunny, warm day the average 3KW system will generate 3KW or operate at maximum capacity. This will drop to 95% with wispy clouds and if warm but cloudy to around half or 1.5KW energy, this is still enough to keep things running.

Choose solar PV:  if you have a south facing roof free from obstructions (e.g. large chimney or a big tree). Get a free quote by filling in questionnaire 

Heat pumps

What many people don’t understand about heat pumps is that they work best on low temperatures. It’s a big job to undertake and your property must be properly insulated before even considering putting in heat pumps.

Heat pumps operate at an average 45 degrees (compared to boilers at an average 70 degrees) so need bigger a surface area to process.

Another sticking point is the insulation. In order to qualify for the existing BUS grant of £5K towards a heat pump installation you have to have insulation.

Be that cavity wall insulation, double glazing or decent roof insulation or all three, in an ideal world. If your EPC suggests insulation is needed, this must be addressed before you proceed with heat pump installation.

If your property has solid walls you would need to internally insulate or externally clad or else the heat loss will be too high for the heat pump to operate efficiently.

Another thing to take into account is that if you are retro-fitting an existing property and heating system you need to consider most of radiators will be need to up-sized. Many people do not realise the extra considerations needed here.

Installing heat pumps is a science in itself. Any good surveyor needs to calculate the potential heat loss of the building, determine the size and make recommendations for a feasible way forward.

Choose Heat Pump if: you have the correct insulation and the space to expand. Get a free survey by filling in our questionnaire.

Whatever heating solution you cboose, the renewable team’s top energy saving top tip is…

“Ensure your Radiators have thermostatic bulbs. Use energy saving controls and have decent level of roof insulation. If you can envelope your house if heat and do your best to ensure it’s not escaping, it will help reduce the costs.”

For more information about renewable heating solutions visit our specialist website 

The post Which renewable technology option is best for my property? appeared first on Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy.

The BUS follows the Domestic Renewable Heating Incentive (DRHI), which closed at midnight on 31 March 2022 and will allow people to apply for a one-off grant payment of:

• £5,000 towards the cost of an air-source heat pump (ASHP) or biomass installation

or

• £6,000 towards the cost of a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) installation.

Homes and small non-domestic buildings on and off the gas grid, including owner-occupiers, private landlords and custom-builds, are eligible for the BUS. New buildings and social housing will not be eligible for support.

All applicants must have a valid EPC and if the EPC states that cavity wall or roof insulation is recommended, this work must be done, and a new EPC issued before applying for the BUS Scheme. They will also need to use a MCS registered installer to undertake the work.

If you have started an installation project from 1^st April this year you will be eligible to apply for a BUS grant once it has launched.

The Spring Statement also welcomed VAT relief on Energy Saving Measures which includes  solar panel and heat pumps installations. From 1^st April 2022, these will be zero rate VAT for a period of 5 years. By way of example of the incentives this can have, the Chancellor said; “A family having a solar panel installed will see tax savings worth over £1,000 and savings on their energy bill of over £300 per year.“

Steve Gregor commented:

“These are welcome moves by the Government to keep providing grant funding and VAT relief for homeowners that are looking for more carbon friendly ways to heat their homes.

 “As an MCS registered installer, Gregor Heating has been installing renewable technologies for over ten years and we are delighted to be able to assist customers looking for a reliable expert to help with their home heating needs.”

If you are interested in looking at renewable technologies to heat your home then check out our dedicated website for success stories of renewable technologies.

The post What does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme mean for you? appeared first on Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy.

Earlier this year, the charity achieved its ambitious vision of moving to a larger space at Spring Street, Bedminster and providing 12 containers that have been converted into self-contained studio flats and provide temporary accommodation until a service user can find a more permanent home. As well as the bus that is already being used by up to 12 people a night.

Our renewables team was pleased to continue to support the project in fitting the heating in the form of Mitsubishi air-to-air units,  providing one external fan unit and two indoor wall units, for all 12 of the living blocks.

As we head into the coldest time of year, it’s great to see that they are now all up and running, with individual showers, ready to be occupied giving vulnerable people the opportunity to have warm and cosy bed for the night.

Read here to find out more about Jasper and the story behind Help Bristol Homeless.

What a truly amazing story, that we are proud to have played a small part in.

The post Bedminster charity achieves its vision in building a community appeared first on Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy.

When the Feed-In Tariff (FiT) was introduced in 2010, it did a good job of creating a solar industry and reducing the installed cost of systems. It did this by offering an incentive of receiving payments for generating their own electricity.

It is estimated that almost 1 million homes in the UK now have solar panels fitted (source: Solar Trade Association)

When the FIT scheme came to an end on 31 March 2019 it sparked rumours that solar may no longer be such a hot option.

The current government is looking into replacing the feed-in tariff under its Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and from 1st January 2020, the large energy companies are obliged to offer tariffs for solar.

This is good news for the industry and means you should definitely consider solar panels as an option, if you still need convincing, here are three great reasons why.

1.    Save money

The cost of solar panel installation has come down considerably in the years since the introduction of FiT.

Fitting solar panels is now, on average 25% of the cost of when the tariff was first introduced in 2010 when it was around £20,000 to buy and install panels, but now it’s about £5,000.

And long term it’s a great investment. Using the sun to generate your energy will payback over time in some instances reduce your energy bills by 50% and more.

The even better news is that the installation of solar panels is classed an ‘energy efficiency measure’ and will raise the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of your property, which can increase the value of your property.

2.    Future proof your home

The technology is getting better and better. Lots of the main suppliers including LG and Panasonic have improved the technology meaning that with regular care – we recommend that solar panels are cleaned twice a year –  they can last for up to 25 years (with a slight degradation of performance of around 20% over 25 years)

It also provides the bedrock of a great system that you can build on and be able to use additional energy created for your own need.

With FiT, homeowners were generally restricted to installing 4GW but with these restrictions now lifted, you can go bigger and installing 5.2GW on a roof can generate up to 5000kWh per year on an unshaded south facing roof.

The benefit of this is that you can build onto it in the future with extras including storage batteries, charge hot water cylinders, electric car chargers and heat pump technology.

Household solar batteries allow people to consume their own electricity rather than export it, and could provide power in the event of a power cut (back up battery systems)

Electric Vehicles are growing in popularity, the number of new cars registered increases month on month energy generated through solar panels could power an electric car charger – no more expensive fuel bills.

An air source heat pump runs on electricity and is a good alternative to LPG or oil or electric heating. You could use some of your solar power to run the heat pump, on sunny cold days.

3.    Making a clean choice

If you have concerns regarding the future of planet Earth, you will be conscious that every day we continue to use fossil fuels to provide energy the more we are adding to our carbon footprint and the climate change crisis.

Renewable technologies like solar power, give you a choice. It is estimated that once 10 million people have solar power in the UK one third of households could be utilising solar energy meaning 40% of the total volume of electricity would be generated from the sun in the summer.  How fantastic would that be?

Generating your own energy means you will reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and protecting you from rising energy costs.

Solar panels need to be installed on your home by an MCS certified (or equivalent) installer and the average installation can be done in one day.

And with companies like Nationwide Building Society earmarking £1billion to give customers cut-rate ‘green’ mortgages and loans for eco-home improvements it could be a more affordable option for more people.

If you are interested in installing solar panels call our renewables team for a free survey and quotation.

The post Future proof your home with solar panels appeared first on Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy.

The housing development project being built by developer, Willmott Dixon, involves Bristol City Council building and selling private homes in order to fund social housing.

The project is Phase 3 of the council’s New Build Housing Programme to increase the supply of new homes in the city and tackle the city’s housing crisis.

The industry-leading development demonstrates how low carbon heating solutions, such as ground source heat pumps, can be used at scale as an alternative to mains gas. It paves the way for house builders to transition to zero carbon, in line with the government’s proposed Future Homes Standard, which is set to mandate that gas boilers can no longer be fitted in new build homes from 2025.

Ground source heat pumps have been specified for the Ashton Rise project. A shared ground loop of 36 vertical boreholes are being drilled up to 170m deep, to collect low-grade stored heat energy from underground. Pipework will feed this energy into individual heat pumps within each property, which upgrade the heat energy to temperatures high enough to provide 100% of the heating and hot water for each home.

The ground source heat pump technology will ensure homeowners receive equivalent performance to a gas boiler, but with extremely low carbon dioxide emissions, up to 70% less than gas, with zero local nitrogen oxide and sulphur emissions.

Gregor Heating is working alongside Kensa Contracting, who are responsible for the ground array infrastructure at the site, to install the ground source heat pumps and hot water cylinders. The Gregor team is also responsible for installation of the new plumbing system for the entire site.

“It is an exciting time for the industry”, said Craig Jeffaries, Gregor Heating’s director. “This is the start of the Bristol City Council’s commitment to using renewable heat in new homes and it’s great to see Bristol leading the way in using technology that seeks to reduce carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.”

David Broom, Kensa Contracting Commercial Director, added, “By installing ground source heat pumps in new homes, Bristol City Council is creating a pathway to zero carbon  in line with the ambitious targets for the city. Projects such as Ashton Rise that take advantage of shared ground loop array system architecture demonstrate the ability to deliver this practically as well as the benefits and scalability of the technology.”

Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees, recently commented on the council website: “Building homes remains a top priority for us. We are not just building houses, we are trying to build quality homes and create communities where people can thrive.”

Completion is expected in Spring 2021.

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