A Thurso entrepreneur has set the standard for sustainable living by installing the first air-to-water heat pump of its kind in the UK in his home.
As the owner of RDI Renewables, Ryan Pollard has spent more than a decade championing sustainable energy. In addition to biomass, traditional oil and gas heating, wood burning stoves and insulation, his company designs, installs and services modern high efficiency energy systems for domestic and commercial clients throughout the Highlands. With a focus on innovation and quality, RDI Renewables ensures optimal energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprints for their clients. Their reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction makes them the go-to experts in North Scotland.
Now Ryan has taken his commitment a step further by transforming his own home renovation into a model of modern sustainability. From underfloor heating to solar panels and batteries, he installed a comprehensive range of renewable energy solutions in his property. Among the upgrades, he is excited to install the UK’s first Panasonic M Series heat pump. After a trial period of only a few months, he has seen for himself how, by combining the latest technologies, he has improved both the well-being and the bottom line for his family of five.
“I’m a heating engineer and I’m enthusiastic about what I do for a living. Now I’m practicing what I’m preaching,” Ryan said. “My mission is to have a very comfortable house without having to blow the budget on energy bills. I’m going to be paying bills, but as long as those bills are at least half as much as anyone else is paying for twice the comfort, then I’m very happy with the end result.”
Designed with large domestic or small commercial properties in mind, the M Series combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. It allows Ryan and his family to enjoy low running costs without compromising comfort, especially when combined with other technologies.
“Our underfloor heating and insulation work together with the heat pump,” Ryan said. “It is very much match made in heaven and allows me to get the best possible performance with the Panasonic M.”
While Ryan admits that a heat pump can be beyond the average homeowner’s budget, his family was able to install one through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme. The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme provides qualified homeowners, even those not on benefits, a grant, interest free loan or a combination of both to install clean heating systems and energy efficiency measures. Ryan received a grant for £7,500 for his heat pump, and the balance through a zero interest loan available through the scheme. Rural properties outside of the town can qualify for a grant of up to £9,000.
His Panasonic M heat pump connects to the Internet, which allows him to control it remotely and the RDI team to monitor it in the unlikely event an issue arises. The intuitive interface offers real-time data, empowering Ryan’s family to make informed decisions about their energy usage.
It’s early days for his system, but Ryan calculates that the cost for the heating and hot water in his 33 year old, 300 square metres home has dropped dramatically.
“With my solar panels and storage batteries, it won’t cost me anything in the summer, and very little in the spring and autumn,” Ryan shared. “I estimate that in the end, our bills will work out to between £600-800 per year for heating and hot water, and that’s with ourselves and three kids in the house taking long showers and keeping the house warm and cosy through the coldest nights.”
To find out more about the Panasonic M series heat pump and other renewable energy solutions for your home or business, visit rdirenewables.co.uk or call 01847 890012.
