Beyond heat pumps

Why Bolt Electric Boilers Are the Perfect Alternative for Many UK Homes

In recent years, heat pumps have become the go-to recommendation for homeowners looking to move away from gas boilers. While they certainly have their merits, they're not the ideal solution for every home. Many properties across the UK face significant barriers to heat pump installation—from limited outdoor space to incompatible internal systems. This is where Bolt electric boilers step in, offering a compelling alternative that addresses these challenges without compromising on environmental benefits.

When Heat Pumps Aren't Viable: Common Challenges

Unsuitable Radiator Systems

One of the biggest obstacles to heat pump adoption is existing radiator systems. Heat pumps operate most efficiently at lower flow temperatures (typically 35-45°C) compared to traditional gas boilers (60-80°C). This means:

  • Microbore Piping: Many UK homes built in the 1980s and 1990s have microbore piping (8-10mm diameter), which is too restrictive for the larger water volumes needed by heat pumps.
  • Radiator Size: Existing radiators are often too small for heat pump systems, requiring expensive replacements throughout the property.

Space Constraints

Heat pumps need space—and not just any space:

  • Outdoor Units: Air source heat pumps require a sizeable external unit with adequate airflow and clearance from boundaries.
  • Urban Limitations: Terraced homes, flats, and properties with small gardens may have no suitable location for an outdoor unit.
  • Planning Restrictions: Conservation areas and listed buildings often face restrictions that prohibit external heat pump units.

Installation Disruption

Heat pump installations typically involve:

  • Extensive Modifications: Replacing radiators, upgrading pipework, and installing buffer tanks.
  • Major Disruption: Weeks of work affecting multiple rooms of your home.
  • Landscaping Changes: External groundwork for positioning outdoor units and running pipework.

Hot Water Performance

Many homeowners report challenges with heat pump hot water delivery:

  • Slow Recovery Times: Heat pumps can take considerably longer to reheat water between uses.
  • Limited Volume: Without additional tanks or immersion heaters, hot water can be restricted.
  • Inconsistent Temperature: Fluctuations in water temperature during peak demand periods.

How Bolt Addresses These Challenges

Works with Existing Systems

Bolt electric boilers are designed as a direct replacement for gas boilers:

  • Compatible with Standard Radiators: No need to upgrade to oversized radiators.
  • Works with Any Pipework: Including microbore systems where heat pumps simply aren't viable.
  • Immediate Heat Delivery: Provides the same high flow temperatures as traditional boilers.

Space-Saving Design

Bolt's compact form factor makes it suitable for almost any home:

  • No External Unit: Everything is contained in a single, wall-mounted indoor unit.
  • Similar Footprint to Gas Boilers: Fits in the same spaces as existing boiler installations.
  • No Flue Required: Unlike gas boilers, there's no need for external ventilation.

Minimal Disruption Installation

Transitioning to a Bolt system is remarkably straightforward:

  • Direct Replacement: Can typically be installed in a single day.
  • No System Modifications: Works with your existing heating infrastructure.
  • No Groundwork Required: No external landscaping or structural modifications needed.

Superior Hot Water Performance

Bolt excels at delivering hot water reliably:

  • Instant Heating: Provides hot water quickly with no waiting period.
  • Consistent Temperature: Maintains stable water temperature even during peak demand.
  • Battery Boost Option: The optional Bolt battery provides additional power for high-demand situations.

The Renewable Energy Advantage

While heat pumps are often touted for their energy efficiency, Bolt offers its own sustainable credentials:

Solar Integration

Bolt is designed from the ground up to work with renewable energy:

  • Direct Solar Connection: Connect up to 4kW of solar PV directly to the Bolt system without requiring an inverter.
  • Solar Maximisation: Uses renewable energy first, only drawing from the grid when needed.
  • Future-Proof Design: Ready for expanded solar capacity as your renewable journey grows.

Battery Storage

Unlike most heating systems, Bolt is built around energy storage:

  • Off-Peak Charging: Programme the Bolt battery to charge during cheaper, lower-carbon overnight electricity.
  • Energy Independence: Reduce reliance on the grid during peak hours.
  • Existing Battery Compatible: Works alongside your current home battery system.

Zero Carbon Potential

With the right energy setup, Bolt can offer truly carbon-neutral heating:

  • 100% Renewable Operation: When paired with renewable electricity (either self-generated or from a green tariff).
  • No Combustion: Unlike gas boilers, there are zero emissions at the point of use.
  • Electrification Ready: Aligned with the UK's strategy for grid decarbonisation.

Real-World Performance: Case Studies

Victorian Terraced Home in London

The Challenge: A mid-terrace property with no external space for a heat pump unit, microbore piping throughout, and planning restrictions due to conservation area status.

The Solution: The Bolt Argon system was installed as a direct replacement for the existing gas boiler, with installation completed in a single day.

The Results: The homeowner reported consistent heating performance matching their previous gas system, but with the added benefit of no longer being dependent on fossil fuels. Their smart metre integration allowed them to programme heating around their off-peak electricity tariff, resulting in manageable running costs.

1980s Four-Bedroom Detached House

The Challenge: A large family home with high hot water demand from multiple bathrooms. The property had been quoted over £14,000 for a heat pump installation requiring all radiators to be replaced.

The Solution: A Bolt Argon system with additional battery module was installed, working with the existing radiators and pipework.

The Results: The family retained their high-performance hot water delivery while integrating with their existing solar panel system. The Bolt battery ensured they could run multiple showers without temperature drops, even during peak evening demand.

Cost Considerations

While the upfront cost of a Bolt system is comparable to a heat pump, there are significant savings to consider:

  • No System Upgrades: Avoid the cost of replacing radiators (often £5,000+ for a typical home).
  • Simpler Installation: Installation costs are typically lower than heat pump fitting.
  • No Groundwork: Save thousands on external groundwork and landscaping.
  • Running Cost Control: With solar integration and off-peak charging, running costs can be effectively managed.

Is Bolt Right for Your Home?

Bolt is particularly well-suited for properties where heat pumps face challenges:

  • Homes with microbore piping
  • Properties with limited outdoor space
  • Listed buildings and conservation areas
  • Homes with high hot water demand
  • Properties already using or planning to install solar panels
  • Anyone seeking a less disruptive transition away from gas

Conclusion: A Practical Path to Electrification

While heat pumps will continue to play an important role in the UK's transition to low-carbon heating, they are not a universal solution. Bolt electric boilers fill a critical gap in the market, offering homes previously deemed "unsuitable" for electrification a practical and effective path forward.

By providing a direct replacement for gas boilers that works with existing systems, requires minimal disruption to install, and integrates seamlessly with renewable energy, Bolt is helping to ensure that no home is left behind in the transition to cleaner heating.

Whether heat pumps aren't viable for your property, or you simply prefer a solution that offers more flexibility and familiarity, Bolt represents a significant step forward in making sustainable heating accessible to all UK homes.