Renewable Heating Hub Homeowners' Q&A

Are Britain’s new homes really fit for the future? I'm joined by George Clarke, TV architect, and Ben Laverty from Mitsubishi Electric to explore new towns, new builds, low-carbon homes and why the British public deserves better from the housing industry.“I personally feel like we’ve let the public down,” says George, in a conversation that challenges how we design, build and plan our homes, while recognising the economic pressures, planning difficulties and skills shortages that make meaningful change so challenging. From the positioning of houses and windows to insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and ventilation, we discuss why better housing needs a thoughtful approach from the very beginning, with comfort, affordability and environmental performance considered together.Expect strong opinions, practical insights and plenty of laughs as we explore what it would take for Britain to build better.Please support Renewable Heating Hub by exploring our books, courses and audio guides:📕 Britain’s Heat Pump Shitshow https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/britains-heat-pump-shitshow/📘 The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/ultimate-guide📗 From Zero to Heat Pump Hero — completely rewritten and updated for 2027 https://amzn.to/4f47f4C🛠️ Bodge Buster — completely rewritten and updated for 2027 https://amzn.to/3YPIcep📙 Heat Pumps Explained https://link.amazon/B0g9cmDYa🎓 Heat Pump Fundamentals course https://learn.renewableheatinghub.co.uk/fundamentals.htmlUse code INTRO50 at checkout to receive 50% off the Heat Pump Fundamentals course this summer.Join the Renewable Heating Hub forums for independent homeowner advice, technical discussions and real-world heat pump experiences: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsIf you would like to sponsor an episode, please email editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk.🌿 FOLLOW RENEWABLE HEATING HUB 🌿Website: https://renewableheatinghub.co.ukForums: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/renewableheatinghubInstagram: https://instagram.com/renewableheatinghubEmail: editor@renewableheatinghub.co.ukGot a question or experience to share? Leave a comment below or join the discussion on the forums.

In this episode of the Renewable Heating Hub Podcast, I'm joined by TV architect and Mitsubishi Electric ambassador George Clarke, alongside Rob McGaughey, Head of Smart Cities and Heat at ScottishPower. Together, they explore the practical realities of moving away from fossil-fuel heating; from designing homes properly and improving their fabric to installing, commissioning and operating heat pumps successfully. Topics covered include: • Why good low-carbon design starts with orientation, glazing, insulation and a fabric-first approach • The importance of accurate heat-loss calculations and property-specific system design • What homeowners are most concerned about when considering a heat pump • Why installation quality, commissioning, training and aftercare are essential • George’s experience of replacing his gas boiler with an air-source heat pump • How heat pumps operate differently from traditional boilers • Building consumer confidence and looking beyond negative headlines • Connecting heat pumps with solar panels, batteries, EVs and smart energy tariffs • Why every home and every household needs a tailored solution It’s an honest, practical and entertaining conversation about comfort, cost, carbon and the future of heating Britain’s homes. Please support Renewable Heating Hub by exploring our books, courses and audio guides: 📕 Britain’s Heat Pump Shitshow https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/britains-heat-pump-shitshow/ 📘 The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/ultimate-guide 📗 From Zero to Heat Pump Hero — completely rewritten and updated for 2027 https://amzn.to/4f47f4C 🛠️ Bodge Buster — completely rewritten and updated for 2027 https://amzn.to/3YPIcep 📙 Heat Pumps Explained https://link.amazon/B0g9cmDYa 🎓 Heat Pump Fundamentals course https://learn.renewableheatinghub.co.uk/fundamentals.html Use code INTRO50 at checkout to receive 50% off the Heat Pump Fundamentals course this summer. Join the Renewable Heating Hub forums for independent homeowner advice, technical discussions and real-world heat pump experiences: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums If you would like to sponsor an episode, please email editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk. 🌿 FOLLOW RENEWABLE HEATING HUB 🌿 Website: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk Forums: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/renewableheatinghub Instagram: https://instagram.com/renewableheatinghub Email: editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk Got a question or experience to share? Leave a comment below or join the discussion on the forums.

In this episode of the Homeowners’ Q&A podcast, I'm joined by Simon Baseden from AAC Group to compare air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps. They explore heat loss calculations, system sizing, installation costs, whole-house heating, cooling and the common design mistakes homeowners should avoid. Can an air-to-air heat pump replace a boiler and heat an entire UK home? Is air-to-air really cheaper than air-to-water? And how do installers heat bedrooms, hallways and other rooms when warm air cannot easily travel through closed doors? Please support Renewable Heating Hub by exploring our books, courses and audio guides: 📕 Britain’s Heat Pump Shitshow https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/britains-heat-pump-shitshow/ 📘 The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/ultimate-guide 📗 From Zero to Heat Pump Hero — completely rewritten and updated for 2027 https://amzn.to/4f47f4C 🛠️ Bodge Buster — completely rewritten and updated for 2027 https://amzn.to/3YPIcep 📙 Heat Pumps Explained https://link.amazon/B0g9cmDYa 🎓 Heat Pump Fundamentals course https://learn.renewableheatinghub.co.uk/fundamentals.html Use code INTRO50 at checkout to receive 50% off the Heat Pump Fundamentals course this summer. Join the Renewable Heating Hub forums for independent homeowner advice, technical discussions and real-world heat pump experiences: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums If you would like to sponsor an episode, please email editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk. 🌿 FOLLOW RENEWABLE HEATING HUB 🌿 Website: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk Forums: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/renewableheatinghub Instagram: https://instagram.com/renewableheatinghub Email: editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk Got a question or experience to share? Leave a comment below or join the discussion on the forums.

Heat pumps work. So why do so many installations fail? Mars is joined by JT Stewart from Slipstream for a revealing transatlantic investigation into heat pumps in Britain and the United States. Although the two countries use the technology very differently, homeowners on both sides of the Atlantic are being hit by familiar problems: oversized systems, poor design, inadequate training and sales processes that can put profit before performance. Britain has largely embraced air-to-water heat pumps. America is dominated by air-to-air and ducted systems. But does either country genuinely install them well? Mars also examines how these failures compare with the problems uncovered in his book, Britain’s Heat Pump Shitshow. Please support Renewable Heating Hub by exploring our books, courses and audio guides: 📕 Britain’s Heat Pump Shitshow https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/britains-heat-pump-shitshow/ 📘 The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/ultimate-guide 📗 From Zero to Heat Pump Hero — completely rewritten and updated for 2027 https://amzn.to/4f47f4C 🛠️ Bodge Buster — completely rewritten and updated for 2027 https://amzn.to/3YPIcep 📙 Heat Pumps Explained https://link.amazon/B0g9cmDYa 🎓 Heat Pump Fundamentals course https://learn.renewableheatinghub.co.uk/fundamentals.html Use code INTRO50 at checkout to receive 50% off the Heat Pump Fundamentals course this summer. Join the Renewable Heating Hub forums for independent homeowner advice, technical discussions and real-world heat pump experiences: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums If you would like to sponsor an episode, please email editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk. 🌿 FOLLOW RENEWABLE HEATING HUB 🌿 Website: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk Forums: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/renewableheatinghub Instagram: https://instagram.com/renewableheatinghub Email: editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk Got a question or experience to share? Leave a comment below or join the discussion on the forums.

MCS has spent years presenting itself as the badge homeowners can trust when choosing a heat pump installer.But has it actually protected them?In this episode of the award-winning Homeowners’ Q&A Podcast, Mars speaks with experienced heat pump installer Barry Sharp from Renewable Heat about the failures of the old MCS system and whether the newly redeveloped scheme can finally deliver meaningful protection for homeowners.Please support Renewable Heating Hub by exploring our books, courses and audio guides:📘 The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumpshttps://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/ultimate-guide📗 From Zero to Heat Pump Hero — completely rewritten and updated for 2027https://amzn.to/4f47f4C🛠️ Bodge Buster — completely rewritten and updated for 2027https://amzn.to/3YPIcep🎧 Heat Pumps Explained: A Jargon-Free Guide for Homeownershttps://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/listen/heat-pumps-explained-a-jargon-free-guide-for-homeowners/🎓 Heat Pump Fundamentals coursehttps://learn.renewableheatinghub.co.uk/fundamentals.htmlUse code INTRO50 at checkout to receive 50% off the Heat Pump Fundamentals course this summer.Join the Renewable Heating Hub forums for independent homeowner advice, technical discussions and real-world heat pump experiences:https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsIf you would like to sponsor an episode, please email editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk.🌿 FOLLOW RENEWABLE HEATING HUB 🌿Website: https://renewableheatinghub.co.ukForums: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/renewableheatinghubInstagram: https://instagram.com/renewableheatinghubEmail: editor@renewableheatinghub.co.ukGot a question or experience to share? Leave a comment below or join the discussion on the forums.

The UK has a new government, a new Energy Secretary and a fresh opportunity to reshape the future of domestic heating.But will the latest policy changes actually make heat pumps more affordable, more reliable and more attractive to homeowners?In this episode of the award-winning Homeowners’ Q&A Podcast, Mars speaks with Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of HPA UK, about what the new government could mean for heat pumps, home electrification and the wider renewable heating sector.The conversation examines the removal of VAT from household electricity and asks whether this first intervention goes far enough to address the long-standing price imbalance between electricity and gas.Charlotte also discusses the future of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the £7,500 and £9,000 grants currently available to eligible homeowners and whether the scheme could become vulnerable as the government reprioritises spending.Please support Renewable Heating Hub by exploring our books, courses and audio guides:📘 The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumpshttps://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/ultimate-guide📗 From Zero to Heat Pump Hero — completely rewritten and updated for 2027https://amzn.to/4f47f4C🛠️ Bodge Buster — completely rewritten and updated for 2027https://amzn.to/3YPIcep🎧 Heat Pumps Explained: A Jargon-Free Guide for Homeownershttps://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/listen/heat-pumps-explained-a-jargon-free-guide-for-homeowners/🎓 Heat Pump Fundamentals coursehttps://learn.renewableheatinghub.co.uk/fundamentals.htmlUse code INTRO50 at checkout to receive 50% off the Heat Pump Fundamentals course this summer.Join the Renewable Heating Hub forums for independent homeowner advice, technical discussions and real-world heat pump experiences:https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsIf you would like to sponsor an episode, please email editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk.🌿 FOLLOW RENEWABLE HEATING HUB 🌿Website: https://renewableheatinghub.co.ukForums: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/renewableheatinghubInstagram: https://instagram.com/renewableheatinghubEmail: editor@renewableheatinghub.co.ukGot a question or experience to share? Leave a comment below or join the discussion on the forums.

Do solar panels really make a heat pump cheaper to run or is the supposed “perfect marriage” between solar PV and heat pumps more complicated than homeowners are led to believe?In this episode of the award-winning Homeowners’ Q&A podcast, Mars is joined by Richard Burrows from Pirate Heating Supplies to examine what actually happens when solar PV, heat pumps, battery storage, electric vehicles and smart tariffs are brought together in a modern electrified home.This video is sponsored by ServiceMy: https://servicemy.co.uk/air-source-heat-pumpPlease support us by getting a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps. Order now: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/ultimate-guideDon’t forget to subscribe for more expert discussions on renewable heating: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsBuy Bodge Buster: Heat Pump Guide for Homeowners: https://amzlink.to/az0PcYSpz4WZ0Buy From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzlink.to/az0hkHqoyZ2xS🔗 Subscribe for more episodes and check out our website at Renewable Heating Hub for resources and advice: https://renewableheatinghub.co.ukIf you would like to sponsor an episode please send an email to editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk🌿 FOLLOW US HERE 🌿Renewable Heating Hub: https://renewableheatinghub.co.ukRenewable Heating Hub Forums: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/renewableheatinghubInstagram: https://instagram.com/renewableheatinghubEmail: editor@renewableheatinghub.co.ukGot more questions? Comment below or email us at editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!

Most homeowners spend weeks researching which heat pump to buy. But what if the machine itself isn’t the biggest factor determining comfort, efficiency and running costs?In this episode of the award-winning Homeowners’ Q&A Podcast, we're joined by Liam Knowles from The Heating People to investigate one of the most overlooked stages of a heat pump installation: commissioning.We explore what proper commissioning should actually involve, why so many heat pumps are left running at fixed flow temperatures, how weather compensation should be configured and why simply getting the radiators hot is not proof that a heating system has been commissioned correctly.This video is sponsored by Stiebel Eltron: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/stiebel-eltronStiebel Eltron free webinars: https://www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk/en/service/showsandevents/hpnextshowsandevents.htmlPlease support us by getting a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps. Order now: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/go/ultimate-guideDon’t forget to subscribe for more expert discussions on renewable heating: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsBuy Bodge Buster: Heat Pump Guide for Homeowners: https://amzlink.to/az0PcYSpz4WZ0Buy From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzlink.to/az0hkHqoyZ2xS🔗 Subscribe for more episodes and check out our website at Renewable Heating Hub for resources and advice: https://renewableheatinghub.co.ukIf you would like to sponsor an episode please send an email to editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk🌿 FOLLOW US HERE 🌿Renewable Heating Hub: https://renewableheatinghub.co.ukRenewable Heating Hub Forums: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forumsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/renewableheatinghubInstagram: https://instagram.com/renewableheatinghubEmail: editor@renewableheatinghub.co.ukGot more questions? Comment below or email us at editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!