Case Study

Cornwall retrofit: from oil to ground source with Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding

  • LocationTruro, Cornwall
  • SectorPrivate

Why Malcolm made the switch to ground source

For Malcolm, switching from oil to What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?Ground Source Heat Pumpsground source heating was about more than savings. He wanted to cut carbon emissions and future-proof his home. His old oil system didn’t fit with the greener lifestyle he was aiming for so he decided it was time for a change.

By installing a Kensa ground source heat pump, Malcolm moved away from fossil fuels and towards long-term energy security for his detached home in rural Cornwall.

We used to have a heating, oil system, for three properties, and we managed to replace that fully.
So, probably the best part of the project was getting rid of our big oil container.
We used the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, for each heat pump. So, that was £7,500 times three. And that came straight off our contractor’s works, right at the very end.
It very much plugged into our existing wet system. So all our radiators and piping has basically, largely remained the same.

How the project was undertaken

This was a big project. With three heat pumps, one Evo and two Shoebox NXs, heating the main house and two cottages, it needed careful planning from the ground up.

Malcolm contacted Kensa who were able to recommend local installer, Ed Savage of Installer, EPS Plumbing, Heating & Green EnergyCase StudyEPS Plumbing.

EPS Plumbing, Heating & Green Energy took it in stride. They used hidden voids in walls to run pipework with minimal disruption. Outside, the team carefully worked around mains water, electricity and an old oil line to install the slinky ground arrays.

They didn’t just overcome the challenges - they made improvements along the way. Garden areas were reinstated better than before, with smarter topsoil management that even improved drainage and soil quality.

1/2

The difference now

Today, Malcolm’s heating is more comfortable, more consistent and far easier to control. His energy bills have gone down - but the real reward is knowing he’s drastically reduced his reliance on oil.

It's been absolutely fantastic, no complaints.

Advice for getting a ground source heat pump

Malcolm encourages others to approach a switch to ground source heating in practical steps. He recommends starting with an EPC and assessing insulation and heat loss first. He also stresses the importance of understanding your land’s suitability for a ground array, working out compatibility with existing systems, and checking for available government grants.

For me the financial break-even is between 10–15 years, but reducing the environmental impact of replacing heating oil and improving our energy security were far more important factors.

 

Looking ahead

Malcolm is keen to help others understand what’s possible with ground source heating. His project proves that even complex retrofits can be successful -and transformative. With his system now up and running, he’s looking forward to a warmer, greener future.

 

Start your journey

You might be interested in: