19 May 2026
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Expensive electric heating was replaced with an air source heat pump, making the home warmer and cutting energy costs by up to 75%. This case study shows how retrofitted heat pumps can deliver efficient, low-carbon heating for UK homes.
Hailed as England’s best preserved cotton town and known for its Victorian architecture, rich textile heritage, and its filming locations for Peaky Blinders and Brassic, the town of Bracup in Lancashire is also home to John Herden, a retired art teacher who lives with his son. Previously, John heated his detached two-bedroom home using an all-electric system, but the house lacked the warmth that John and his son needed, leaving them feeling uncomfortable in their own home. The system was also very expensive to run, and with the added expense of charging John’s electric car every night, it was costing him over 27p per kWh. In need of a solution that would make his home warmer, more comfortable and more energy-efficient, John began to research which solutions available on the market could meet his needs without breaking the bank.
During his search, John spoke to a close friend who’d had an air source heat pump installed in his home just 12 months prior. He could feel how much warmer and more comfortable his friend’s home felt compared to his own, and with a much lower running cost. Recognising the longterm benefits and cost-effective heating that replacing his old system with a heat pump could bring, John approached Magna Renewables soon after to help him make the switch.
Helping homeowners transition away from fossil fuels
A Renewable Energy and Insulation company, Magna Renewables, helps homeowners to transition away from fossil fuels and give them solutions that will provide a more powerful, cleaner and more efficient way of powering their homes. Operating across the UK with its authorised installers, the company prides itself on ensuring every installation is done correctly and assists customers for the life of the warranty and beyond for renewable technologies, ranging from air source heat pumps, ground source and water source heat pumps and solar PV.
Magna Renewables specialises in retrofits and is well-versed in the misconceptions that still challenge the market and stop people from embracing renewable technologies. Despite the long-term benefits and positive customer accounts, some view heat pumps as sitting at a crossroads between old housing and new technology. And it is fair to say, that when the correct installation methods for retrofit aren’t followed, the technology gets blamed rather than the poor installation. However, a company such as Magna Renewables that installs retrofits correctly evaluates heat loss, emitters, controls and insulation to guarantee the heat pump performs as it should.
Last year, Navien UK launched its range of PEM750 monoblock heat pumps into the UK, and asked Magna Renewables to support with the launch. The company was happy to partner with the brand; and installed several field trial heat pumps, including one in the company director’s own home.
Vincent Van Hien, Company Director for Magna Renewables, commented: “We installed a few field trial heat pumps, one of them in my own home. We were really impressed with how they performed, so decided to start installing them in our everyday projects. The impact that it had on my own home, was that it actually changed the whole feel of the house, it became so much more comfortable and warmer, and we saved a lot of money by switching to an air source heat pump.”
More than one reason to make the switch
The heat pump installed in John’s home is tailored to meet the needs of both retrofit and new build properties, and in both applications will meet customer demand for energy efficiency, consistent comfort and long-term savings.
The installation itself was straightforward, as this particular heat pump is easy and flexible to install. Its monoblock design simplifies installation by housing all critical components within the unit, which allows for easier wiring and faster set-up. Should the installer have needed assistance, Navien offers excellent backup support for installers and engineers while they are working on-site.
Since the installation, John and his son have not felt the cold and can finally feel comfortable at home, especially when they have visitors. While he had to have bigger radiators fitted and the insulation checked, the cost savings and increased energy efficiency have made the transition worthwhile. John also no longer needs to worry about the cost of charging his electric car overnight, as he can charge it fully for only 7p per KwH, giving him a running cost of 1.8p per kWh at night with the air source heat pump.
Because the energy can be stored in a battery storage system, John can also use that energy during the winter months and is likely to reduce his energy bill by 75%. The heat pump also came with smart controls and the Navien Smart Plus app, which tells John exactly where his electricity is being used and gives him full control over his home, as he can now switch on his hot water and adjust the temperature at the touch of a button. Installers can also identify and resolve any issues remotely via the app, improving efficiency and reducing the need for call-outs.
John said: “I’ve felt great, because I’ve not been cold – ever. What a difference compared to last year, when I would have to turn on the heating if visitors came. I’ve been watching the usage during the cold snap we’ve had over the past two days, and during the night, it’s using around 4 kWh, and I have cheap electric most of the night, about 35 pence.
“I have an app which tells me where my electric is being used and where it’s going... it’s getting easier, put it that way, for an old man.”
Retrofit has a big part to play
Demand for heat pumps is growing fast, with around 260,000 heat pumps installed as of early 2025, which is roughly 1% of UK households. And while there are people who think otherwise, retrofit is going to be a big part of decarbonising the UK.
“The technology is improving, and heat pumps have come a long way; they are quieter and more efficient, and with other technology such as battery storage and cheap overnight tariffs, it makes sense for homeowners to consider transitioning their homes to air source heat pumps,” continued Vincent.
Jonathan Howarth, Sales Manager for Magna Renewables, added: “The main benefits of fitting a Navien heat pump are the design, which stands out from others on the market, the extended warranty, which gives customers peace of mind and the support for installers that Navien offers, helps us show our customers that they are choosing the right product for their home.”
https://magnarenewables.co.uk
