A homeowner in East Molesey, Surrey, has spoken out about the struggles he has faced with his air-source heat pump (ASHP) system, labelling it a “money trap” as his energy bills have soared up to four times higher, leaving his family shivering through the winter months. Vahid Aminzadeh purchased his four-bedroom home four years ago, which already had an ASHP installed and lacked a gas supply. Initially paying £80 a month for electricity and gas, Vahid hoped the heat pump would be a cost-effective alternative. However, he soon encountered issues with the system, forcing the family to resort to using plug-in fan heaters and a backup electric hot-water system at an additional cost of £15 per day. Despite his efforts to research and adjust the system, Vahid struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors, with the house barely reaching 15 degrees Celsius during the first winter.
As a dad and a robotics engineer, Vahid dedicated time to understanding the ASHP better and managed to increase the temperature to 23 degrees Celsius in the following year. Unfortunately, this came at a high cost of over £300 per month in electricity bills. The situation worsened when the heating system malfunctioned, leaving the family in the cold even after seeking help from multiple engineers at a significant hourly rate. Vahid was quoted £500 for new parts, with a long waiting period for their arrival, or a hefty £7,000 for a complete replacement system. The family of three has resorted to wearing layers of clothing and onesies to keep warm, highlighting the distress and discomfort caused by the malfunctioning ASHP.
Expressing his frustration, Vahid criticised the installation companies for prioritising grants over service quality, leaving homeowners like him stranded with faulty systems. The lack of efficient support and high service charges have added to Vahid’s dismay, as he struggles to find a viable solution to resolve the heating issues in his home. Despite the availability of solar panels and an energy-efficient property rating, Vahid has been unable to rectify the heating problems, leading to additional expenses and inconvenience for his family.
The limitations imposed on switching to a gas heating system due to environmental concerns have further complicated Vahid’s predicament, as he grapples with the consequences of a malfunctioning ASHP. The ongoing battle to maintain a warm and comfortable living environment has taken a toll on Vahid and his family, impacting their well-being and mental health. The lack of timely and effective solutions has highlighted the challenges homeowners face when dealing with complex heating systems and unreliable service providers in the energy sector.
Vahid’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners considering alternative heating solutions, emphasising the importance of thorough research, reliable installation services, and accessible maintenance support. The ordeal faced by Vahid and his family underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the energy industry to safeguard consumers from falling into financial and emotional distress due to inadequate heating systems. As the quest for sustainable and efficient heating technologies continues, the impact on individual households must be carefully evaluated to ensure a seamless transition to eco-friendly solutions without compromising comfort and affordability.