Electric Alternative: The ZEB by tepeo
Take a look at an alternative to heat pumps and electric boilers. We caught up with Tepeo to chat about what they have to offer UK homeowners!
Overview
In some circumstances heat pumps aren’t suitable for properties – and that can be for a variety of reasons. But if you’re on the path to a greener home and can’t install a heat pump, don’t lose hope; there are alternatives.
tepeo & the Energy Challenge
We caught up with Iain Duncan, tepeo’s Business Development Director, to chat about all things green tech and get under the skin of the ZEB. Here’s what we found out…
Founded in 2018, tepeo started their mission to find a solution to fossil fuel heating and came up with something that could help the UK in the transition to a renewable electricity system. As an entirely UK-based firm (including research, engineering and manufacturing), tepeo wanted to solve the problem of the carbon emissions from domestic heating and develop a boiler replacement that fits with our existing heating systems.
Balancing the Power System
With more of our electricity grid transitioning over to renewable sources (such as solar or wind), our system becomes more reliant on daylight and wind to generate energy. This means that there will be strain during certain times when demand for electricity is higher and the renewable sources can’t cover the demand (for example, solar power isn’t generated once the sun goes down, but demand for power increases in the evening). We need to decrease the strain on the system by storing and using electricity more flexibly; so we are balancing electricity supply and demand.
An Alternative Solution
As smart and efficient as heat pumps are, there are still properties in the UK where they cannot be installed due to space, disruption, noise and cost. There needs to be another solution for these homes in order to get to net-zero and make low carbon heating available to everyone.
Introducing the ZEB by tepeo
A Zero Emission Boiler acts like a battery; powered by electricty, it is able to store energy within a thermal core until it’s needed for heating the home or hot water. ZEBs can fit into existing heating systems, whether they use radiators, underfloor heating and water tanks.
The ZEB can ‘learn’ your heating habits through tepeo’s Smart Charging process – automatically charging up and providing heat for when you need it. It can also be controlled by an app.
Find Out MoreHow does the ZEB work?
The ZEB is powered by electricity and works like a battery to store energy as heat until it is needed. Rather than heating water on-demand like conventional boilers, the ZEB stores heat to use when it’s required.
Electric heating elements charge up a “core” inside the ZEB – storing a lot of energy in a small footprint. This core doesn’t degrade like a typical chemical battery, meaning it is longer-lasting, reliable and simple.
The heat-management technology then releases the heat to the radiators, underfloor heating and water tank when the thermostat calls for it. By using ‘smart charging’ technology, the ZEB can automatically take advantage of low tariff times to pull electricity from the grid when demand, prices and carbon emissions are low. Also, by learning your habits and using weather data, the ZEB can anticipate your heat usage and adjust your schedule accordingly to save you money and carbon. All of these adjustments happen automatically but can be monitored and controlled via their app.
Benefits of ZEB Technology
Greener than gas or oil
Cheaper than electric boilers
Easy to use, install and maintain
Don't have to change any pipes or radiators, it fits with your home system
How much does it cost?
The ZEB costs £6,000 to purchase, which includes VAT and delivery. Currently, the ZEB isn’t zero-rated for VAT purposes (20% VAT applies) and doesn’t receive any subsidies. If you’d like to help speed this process up, please write to your MP using the instructions here, requesting that the ZEB benefits from funding options alongside heat pumps!
Who can install the ZEB?
An ideal home for a ZEB installation will have space for the unit within the building envelope, has a hot water cylinder already (or the capacity to install one), and a heat-demand of less than 12,000kWh pa fuel consumption to maintain low running costs. Most property types are suitable for a ZEB, but will always be surveyed first to check.
You can use tepeo’s online Home Check to see if the ZEB is right for you! tepeo also have a host of installers who can help with installations and advise if it’d be suitable. Check out their list of installers. Training for tradespeople to install the ZEB is quick and easy, due to the similarities between the unit and a typical boiler, (taking approximately 2 hours) at their base in Wokingham, online or on-the-road.
Green tech is evolving – consult the pros!
The green technology landscape is rapidly evolving, and while the options discussed in this article offer an alternative solution to heat pumps, it’s important to note that they are not definitive or exhaustive. The effectiveness and suitability of these technologies can vary depending on your individual needs and property. We encourage readers to conduct their own research, consult experts, and carefully consider all available options before making any decisions. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or endorsement of any specific product or solution.
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