Welcome to the forums. You’re not alone in your concerns. What you’ve described is exactly the kind of story we’ve heard far too often, especially under schemes like ECO4, which are well-intentioned but, in practice, have resulted in a lot of rushed, poor-quality installations. And unfortunately, some homeowners have been left worse off than they were before. There's a whole thread here: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums/renewable-heating-air-source-heap-pumps-ashps/totally-bewildered/

From what you’ve said, it sounds like your current heating setup (wood burner and freestanding electric heaters) is working for your needs, your bills are low and you’re comfortable. That’s really important. In situations like yours, the real question is: what are you gaining by switching to a system like this?

Let’s look at the ECO4 recommendation:

ASHP can work well, if it’s designed and installed properly, but that’s a big if. ECO4 installs are often one-size-fits-all, and don’t take account of what you personally want or need. They’re also often over-engineered with lots of extra kit (new hot water cylinders, oversized pipework, complex controls) that can leave people like yourself with systems that are difficult to use or maintain.

New storage heaters. That suggests some internal conflict in the design. If you’re being offered an ASHP and new electric storage heaters, that’s a red flag!!!

Solar panels: Can be a great long-term addition if installed properly. But again, under ECO4, the quality of install varies wildly. 

Here’s the hard truth: these companies are often more focused on ticking boxes for funding than delivering something that works well and suits you. The work might technically be “free” to you, but that doesn’t mean it’s without cost... disruption to your home, long-term complexity and possibly higher bills or poor comfort if it’s not done right.

To be frank, based on what you’ve written, I’d be cautious. If you’re warm, comfortable and managing your bills, there’s no shame in saying no thanks to something that might not improve your situation, and I say this purely because ECO4 have just been so horrendous. I'm yet to see a good one.

You’ve already done the most important thing: asked questions before signing anything. That’s more than many get the chance to do.

Let us know what you decide.

If you decide to move ahead with the heat pump, you can still keep the wood burner as backup if that gives you more peace of mind. 

Hi @notanexpert 

Welcome to the forum.

I can understand your anxiety about moving away from what you know and the possibility of a bodged install.

Firstly let's deal with the survey recommendations. Insulation yes, PV solar panels yes, solar water heating no and storage heaters no.

The ASHP I would also say yes, but you want s good install. THE eCO 4 grant gives you so much, in your shoes I wouldn't turn it down.

You wouldn't want solar water heating as PV panels are much more versatile and maintenance free. There is no need for storage heaters if you plumb for a ASHP.

I have seen some excellent ECO4 ASHP installations. Try and do your best to vet the possible installers. 

If you are worried about understanding how to control the system there are some excellent systems out there that will do it all for you. Homely and Havenwise are two.

Agree with both @bontwoody and @editor : You need to vet the installer. If you can vet your installer, and only get the equipment you need, it's a good option.

And you'll have your wood burner as backup. 

Hi @notanexpert 

I think as others have said there are lots of good elements in ECO4 and it would be a pity to turn these down.  The ASHP does depend on a good install, done well it is likely to improve comfort and, given your current heating is at least in part (resistance) electric, significantly reduce cost.  Done badly you will have trouble.  Fortunately its usually possible to tell from the proposal and some interrogation which of these is likely to happen.

Like others I would say

ASHP system - yes but vet the installer/proposal.  Note you will need radiators/pipework to the radiators, but presumably that will be done at the same time as the floor insulation and hopefully mostly under the (suspended?) floor?

Floor Insulation - yes (but be aware its quite disruptive unless they have a magic way to do it - so worth finding out)

New Storage Heaters - no, thats the point of the ASHP (but see comment below)

Solar water heating  - no, max out on solar panels (solar PV) instead)

Solar Panels - yes, as many as you can get and its relatively difficult to make a mess of these

If you are prepared to post any proposals for the ASHP (and/or other elements) here then I am sure you will receive excellent guidance.  I think the key is to tie everything down in the proposal 

If for any reason you dont go for the ASHP then storage heaters plus a night time cheap rate electricity tariff is a reasonable option.  Still disruption because you will need cabling to each point, but less than an ashp (albeit for less benefit).

How much is your current electricity bill roughly?

I am presuming you dont have to commit until you have proposals, in which case is there anything to lose by seeing what people have to offer, other than some time.  

Posted by: @hcas

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Agree with both @bontwoody and @editor : You need to vet the installer. If you can vet your installer, and only get the equipment you need, it's a good option.

And you'll have your wood burner as backup. 

I’m not an expert on ECO4, but from what I understand, you don’t get to choose the installer in the traditional sense… the managing agent or company running the scheme usually assigns one. You can reject them if you’re not comfortable, but I don’t believe you have the ability to pick and request a specific installer. Happy to be corrected if someone knows otherwise.

@jaynieq @dwynwen @powysperson do you have any advice for @notanexpert?

@editor that's true Mars but I believe the same organisation will often work with the same installer in an area.