PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2025 22 Renewable Energy


Whole-home solutions are the future


Rising energy costs and tighter building regulations are driving demand for integrated home energy solutions, creating installer opportunities beyond traditional heating, argues Paul Smith from NIBE UK.


T


he UK’s journey to decarbonise heat is entering a decisive stage. Tighter


building regulations,


rising energy costs and growing homeowner demand for comfort and effi ciency are converging to reshape expectations of what a home energy system should deliver. For installers, this shift represents not just a technical challenge but also a business opportunity, moving beyond single-technology installations to whole-home low carbon solutions. Households are under pressure to reduce both bills and carbon emissions. Regulations are driving this transition too. With Future Homes Standard requirements coming into force in 2025, the direction of travel is clear. Fossil fuel systems will give way to low-carbon alternatives, with heat pumps leading the way.


But the conversation is no


longer just about heating. Homeowners want reassurance that renewable systems can provide year-round comfort: effi cient hot water, consistent indoor air quality and smart control over diff erent living spaces. That is why the focus is shifting towards integrated, whole-home approaches that bring together renewable technologies and effi ciency- enhancing systems.


Beyond heating Heat pumps are increasingly the foundation of sustainable homes, but on their own they only tell part of the story. Pairing a heat pump with a high-effi ciency hot water cylinder ensures families don’t compromise on comfort. Adding mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) can further reduce energy use while improving indoor air quality, which is becoming a growing priority in modern homes. Room-by-room control is another important element. Homeowners used to thermostats in every room expect similar fl exibility from low- carbon systems. Smart zoning


and control technologies make it possible to tailor comfort in bedrooms, living spaces and work-from-home offi ce spaces, while maximising effi ciency. The NIBE S2125 ASHP (pictured


Paul Smith MD at NIBE UK


above), with its ability to deliver high supply temperatures up to 75°C even when it’s -25 °C outside, can be paired with the VVM S320 indoor module and Megacoil hot water cylinder, off ering effi cient heating, hot water and smart system control in a single package. Additionally, the S-Series range, with features like weather-forecast compensation, touchscreen control, integrated fl ow meters and WiFi connectivity, elevates comfort by adapting to the household’s needs and environment without adding complexity for the user.


Being able to offer a heat pump alongside a compatible hot water system, ventilation technology and smart controls is becoming a competitive advantage


Accessible, aff ordable One of the main concerns for homeowners, and a frequent question for installers, is cost. Aff ordability is improving as innovation and scale take eff ect. Manufacturers are designing heat pumps and related technologies specifi cally for the UK housing stock, including retrofi t projects where space or noise might once have been barriers. At the same time, training and support networks are expanding, giving installers greater confi dence to diversify their off ering. Financial incentives,


such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, are helping bridge the aff ordability gap and give homeowners the reassurance they need to make the switch. But more progress will be needed if the UK is to match the pace of electrifi cation seen across Europe.


Opportunity for installers For installers, whole-home low carbon systems off er the chance to deliver seamless, future- ready solutions. Customers are increasingly looking for end- to-end packages rather than piecemeal upgrades. Being able to off er a heat pump alongside a compatible hot water system, ventilation technology, and smart controls is becoming a competitive advantage. Our S-Series heat pumps, combined with indoor modules, hot water cylinders, smart controls and optional PV integration, allow installers to create fully integrated systems that provide comfort, effi ciency and control across every room, while features like remote diagnostics and easy commissioning reduce installation complexity and site visits.


Proof in practice Integrated low-carbon solutions are not just theoretical. Projects across the UK are showing what’s possible. A notable example is a development in Lincolnshire, where 13 new homes were equipped with NIBE ground source heat pumps. In this project, fi ve 12kW


F1155 and eight 6kW F1255 ground source heat pumps were installed, each connected to a shared ground loop. These systems were paired with NIBE Megacoil hot water cylinders and underfl oor heating, delivering effi cient heating and hot water across the homes. This project not only demonstrates the practicality of our integrated systems but also highlights the growing trend of developers and homeowners embracing low-carbon technologies.


The road ahead The UK’s housing stock is diverse, and no two projects are identical. But the principle of whole-home low-carbon comfort gives both homeowners and installers a clear vision: a home where comfort, effi ciency and sustainability are not in confl ict but working together. For households, it means


lower bills, healthier living and confi dence that their home is ready for the future. For installers, it means expanding skills, embracing innovation and seizing the opportunities of a growing market. With more than 70 years of


experience in renewable energy systems, NIBE has seen fi rsthand how technologies once considered niche can become mainstream. Today, our portfolio of heat pumps, cylinders, ventilation systems and smart controls refl ects this evolution, giving installers the tools to bring integrated, whole-home comfort to life. By focusing on whole-home


low-carbon solutions, our industry can take a signifi cant step forward, ensuring that the homes we build and renovate today meet the comfort, cost and climate expectations of tomorrow. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/37


CUT TO THE CHASE


 Homeowners are increasingly aware of the benefi ts of whole- home comfort solutions


 Integrated systems combine heating, hot water, ventilation and smart controls


 Room-by-room control is considered by many homeowners to be a requirement


 Affordability is improving through innovation, scale and government incentives


 Installers can gain a competitive advantage by offering end-to-end packages


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