Best HVAC Installer finalists

Matthew Bird

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Qualifications

• Domestic Gas – CCN1, CENWAT, CKR1, HTR1
• LCL Awards – Level 3 in installation and maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps
• LCL Awards – hot water systems (inc G3 unvented cylinders)
• LCL Awards – Level 3 in low temperature heating and hot water systems

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

N/A

Please tell us about one or more projects you are particularly proud of

We worked with our client to replace their old gas-fired boiler and traditional wall mounted radiators with a renewable energy powered solution that provides both heating and cooling in their 1960s, two-storey detached family home that has 5 beds, 1 family bath, kitchen/diner and utility room.

The homeowners, a family of two adults and three children, had recently moved into the property and wanted to move away from fossil fuels and find a low-maintenance eco-friendly alternative.

Their goal was to create a more sustainable, future-ready home, with plans for further upgrades like solar PV and battery storage. Comfort was also a key driver: one occupant tended to feel cold while another preferred cooler conditions, so they needed a flexible solution that could handle both heating and air conditioning without the need for bulky, intrusive units.

I worked closely with the client to design a system that replaced their existing gas-fired boiler and wall-mounted radiators with a heat pump paired with a discreet ducted air distribution system. The system uses small, almost invisible ceiling outlets, maintaining the aesthetics of the home while also improving air quality through built-in purification.

A key challenge was planning and installing the ductwork within an existing property. This required careful coordination and expertise, particularly as this type of system is still relatively rare in the UK. In fact, we’re one of only a small number of installers in the region with the capability to deliver this solution. We also showcased the system in our showroom beforehand to demonstrate how quiet and unobtrusive it is, which helped build confidence with the client.

Despite the complexity, the installation was carried out while the family continued living in the home. The bulk of the work was completed within a week, with a few follow-up visits to fine-tune and tidy up the installation. To ensure long-term performance, we also implemented a remote monitoring system that allows us to track usage and optimise settings. This means we can proactively adjust the system if needed, ensuring it continues to run efficiently and keeps the home comfortable year-round.

 

Which products did you select for the job and why?

We selected a Worcester Bosch CS2000AWF 10kW heat pump, combined with the Unico System. This combination provides efficient heating, cooling, ventilation and indoor air purification throughout the year. Bulky radiators were replaced with discreet ceiling outlets, giving the customer the minimalist feel they were looking for and more flexibility with room layouts. The Unico system services the whole house so no other products were needed.

The customers are wanting to renovate and add further renewables to their property in the future including solar and battery storage.

 

Tell us what was different or unique/challenging

The most satisfying aspect of this project was the opportunity to work with new technologies and establish a new relationship with Unico. Through this installation, we have become a partner installer for Unico and are currently one of only two installers in the South West.

What made the project stand out was the collaboration involved. We had the opportunity to meet with Scott Intagliata from Unico USA and Rich Soper, CEO of Unico UK and former CEO of Worcester Bosch, which highlighted the importance of the installation and strengthened our partnership with the manufacturer.

Our team completed the full installation, including the heat pump and the Unico small-duct heating and cooling system. The result is a discreet, energy-efficient solution that provides both heating and cooling while remaining low maintenance for the customer.

The system also incorporates monitoring technology from Planet Devices, which provides real-time performance data, including indoor air quality, temperature and humidity. This allows both the customer and our team to monitor system performance and enables remote diagnostics and optimisation if required.

 

Tell us what you learned and what you may do differently/apply to a job in future

This project strengthened our understanding of the Unico System and gave us valuable experience working with the small-duct system and integrating it with a heat pump and advanced monitoring technology.

We also learned the importance of close collaboration with manufacturers during projects involving newer technologies. Working directly with Unico helped us refine our installation approach and gain confidence in specifying and installing these systems.

Going forward, we will apply this knowledge to future projects by considering small-duct heating and cooling solutions earlier in the design stage, particularly for properties where aesthetics, space constraints and comfort are key priorities. The integration of monitoring technology, such as the Planet Devices system, is also something we plan to continue using to provide customers with better system insight and ongoing performance optimisation.

Andrew Pepper

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Qualifications

• BTEC building services engineering (refrigeration) 2002
• City and guilds handling refrigerants 2000
• City and guilds level 2 award fgas and ODS regulations 2017
• City and guilds brazing 2021
• Asbestos 2025
• Health and safety, working at height, manual handling 2010
• IPAF 2024
• NVQ2 commercial and industrial refrigeration 1999
• NVQ3 mechanical engineering 2000
• Chas elite yearly renewal
• Ref com yearly renewal
• Partner with Mitsubishi Electric
• Sssts 2022
• Pat testing 2024
• Water restoration 2024
• Spa cert 2024

 

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

• I attend the Tech Data Centre annual world show (London Excel)
• Certification in Water Restoration
• Pat Testing
• Mitsubishi Accredited installer.

 

Please tell us about one or more projects you are particularly proud of

I recently completed a domestic air-conditioning installation for our customer, Amanda, who is moving into a beautiful log cabin and needed a reliable solution for both heating and cooling. The open-plan log Cabin was timber frame, with no gas source. The insulation in the cabin meant that the cabin could be very hot in summer and very cold in winter. She also has allergies, so she needed a solution that filtered the air, whilst keeping the cabin a consistent temperature throughout the year. She likes a room cooler than the average folk.

Amanda came to us as a customer, through her electrician. She wasn’t familiar with air-conditioning, and was unsure of how it would work in her property. So, I invited her to our office to show her our conditioning unit, and how it worked. We educated her how it all worked, looking at pipes and the unit.

I took time to understand Amanda’s needs, and walked her through a site survey, timeline and installation plans, all before we began.

After taking the time to understand her plans for the space and how she intended to use it year-round, we recommended a Daikin unit that offered the perfect balance of efficiency, comfort, and quiet performance. As well as working with her budget.

To install the unit, we worked around Amanda’s working hours, and installed a high-level wall unit. The cabin had low ceilings and limited floor space, so this was the most effective and aesthetic option for her as it left room for wardrobes and furniture.

I ran the pipes through the back of the Cabin and then through the garden. I wanted to keep the unit itself out of the garden area so Amanda could still enjoy the space without the system blowing on her. I Installed the refrigeration grade pipe work wrapped in chunking to protect the pipes and make them look nice. The chunking was purposefully the same colour as all down pipes – in keeping with colour scheme of the cabin’s decoration. This meant that the decorator could paint over them too.

The installation went smoothly and Amanda was delighted with the result, telling us how impressed she was with the care taken throughout the process and how confident she now feels about keeping her new home comfortable in every season.

Amanda’s review can be read below:

“I am really pleased with the completed project in my log cabin, Andy [installer] and the team took the time to listen to all my needs, patient with my decision making and work extremely neatly they even hoovered when the project was finished! Would absolutely recommend JB refrigeration to anyone that has heating or cooling needs – thankyou Andy  [installer]and all the team”

 

Which products did you select for the job and why?

A Mitsubishi Electric was the ideal choice for our client’s new log cabin because it delivers the mix of efficiency, reliability, and year-round comfort that a timber home really needs. Log cabins can be harder to heat evenly and hold temperature, so choosing a system known for strong performance in both heating and cooling made all the difference.

Mitsubishi’s [brand’s] advanced inverter technology keeps energy use low, its whisper-quiet operation suits the peaceful cabin setting, and its compact design fits the space without disrupting the natural aesthetic. It gave our client a solution that’s dependable, economical, and perfectly matched to the unique character of her new home.

Refrigeration Grade Copper pipes, which as specifically chosen as they are the best for a job of this kind.

Chunking Plastic INOAC – this was to meet the customers aesthetical desires.

 

Tell us what was different or unique/challenging

This project felt especially exciting for us because it marked a real turning point in the direction of our business. After months of working behind the scenes on our new website-which finally went live in January-we’ve been shifting from our long-standing focus in supermarket refrigeration toward building our own client base and taking on more domestic installation work.

To support that change, we invested in premium leaflets and spent time getting out into the community, meeting local people and businesses to introduce who we are and what we can offer.

Amanda’s log-cabin installation was the very first project to come directly from that effort, making it not just a job we were proud to deliver, but a milestone that showed our new approach is already opening doors and helping us grow.

 

Tell us what you learned and what you may do differently/apply to a job in future

We learnt a huge amount from this project, especially as it was our first domestic installation driven directly by our new outreach efforts. Taking the time to understand the unique challenges of a log cabin, coordinating the install around a customer’s move-in timeline, and managing the finer details of a premium domestic setup all helped us sharpen our process.

This job didn’t just give our client a perfectly matched system; it gave us valuable insight that will make every future project smoother, smarter, and even more customer focused.

James Lacey

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Qualifications

• Domestic Gas Core gas safety – boilers, cookers, fires, water meters etc – held for 20+ years and renewed every 5 years
• F-Gas Qualifications – City & Guilds – 2023
• LCL L3 – Heat Pump Design & Installation – 2025
• Unico University – 2024 – Manufacturing training course to become certified to fit the Unico system.
• Heat Geek Mastery – 2024
• BPEC Water Regulations – for 20+ years
• G3 Unvented – for 20+ years
• Octopus Trusted Partners – since 2024
• Heat Geek Mastery & Heat Geek Verified – since 2024
• Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (MCIPHE) member since 2025

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

• Vaillant, Grant, Worcester, Ideal, Baxi, Nibe – Heat Pump Installation courses
• Unico System training
• Attended Installer show where I was asked to be on the trade stand with Heat Geek.
• Attended Grand Designs Live where I sat on a panel of five people including Kevin McCloud (I was there as an industry expert on Heat Pumps).
• Delivered an ‘Introduction to heat pumps’ course to over 100 English Housing Surveyors from around the country at our own office in Coventry

Please tell us about one or more projects you are particularly proud of

A project which stands out is one which was completed in a 103 sq. metres, 2 bed, 2 bath, detached bungalow in [town] Lutterworth. A young couple lived there with their young child and had previously been relying on electrical panel heaters to heat the property, which was proving costly and ineffective.

We replaced the electric panels with the Unico System, complemented by a Vaillant air-source heat pump. The couple were looking for to achieve a practical, year-round HVAC solution and this combination of products offered this, along with an excellent COP score (4 avg for heating and cooling water). The customer worked from home all day every day in a property that got very hot in the summer, and needed a space that met their heating and cooling needs 24/7.

In the first instance, we had considered replacing the panels with underfloor heating, but this would have required a costly, disruptive excavation of the flooring throughout the property, so it was ruled out. The customer has come across the Unico System at a trade show and in turn, was introduced to our company and our expertise of over 25 years’ experience of installing the system. They had done their research, and initially considered UFH, but discovered that it was too expensive for them as they would have had to dug up solid wooden floors. Instead, they wanted a heat pump with heating and cooling. They contacted us after finding us on the Unico certified plumber list.

Unico systems use high velocity ducted air from a centralised fan unit in the loft. This provides fully filtered heated or cooled air to every room, it is fully weather compensated, so the house stays at the required temp for customer comfort. It also allows for the heat and cooling source to be the same, we chose the Valiiant Arotherm plus heat pump.

 

Which products did you select for the job and why?

The Unico System solution provides heating, cooling, and filtered air throughout the property’s two living rooms, two bedrooms, shower room and main bathroom, dining room, kitchen, utility and storage spaces. The compact M Series 2430 Chilled Water Air Handling Unit has been positioned in the loft, and the main central duct is configured in a U-shape layout above each room. We planned this using a software called Spruce. The plan then gets sent to Bell Plumbing – a UK licenced import of Unico – where they then plan the bespoke design of the ducting and send back to us.

Heated or cooled air is delivered via multiple branches of fully insulated, sound attenuated flexible supply ducting to 25 ceiling-mounted round-room outlets throughout the property. Measuring only 89mm in diameter, the size and flexibility of the ducting provided more layout options and an easier, straightforward installation. As it was a bungalow, the install was smoother than other properties and made less mess.

The integration of the Unico System with the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus 7kW heat pump has been key to the energy efficiency and trouble-free nature of the installation.

We selected the Vaillant sensoCOMFORT smart control system, as it is designed for multi-zone heat pump systems, and also offers weather and load compensation features. Its output is regulated in accordance with exterior temperatures to prevent unnecessary running costs, and the myVAILLANT Connect internet gateway provides remote monitoring. We have made a few fine-tuning temperature adjustments between heating and cooling. So far, the customers bills are a third of the price they were paying this time last year.

I’ve been installing Vaillant boilers for 20+ years, so I opted for the manufacturer’s heat pump products due to trust and familiarity.

 

Tell us what was different or unique/challenging

The project stood out due to the challenging working conditions, and the need to adapt to changes during installation. A section of the loft, not previously surveyed during initial planning, was found to be an extension with existing roof timbers, making access difficult and the introduction of new pipework especially awkward. To get around this, we had to work out safe access routes, wear the right PPE of course, and use temporary hoarding to stand on. We also altered the duct routes slightly for the best install. Working within the tight loft space required careful coordination, and the client requests to also alter the original layout – including repositioning the air intake grille from the kitchen to the hallway – were accommodated.

Despite the challenges, the project was completed within a two-week time frame.  We did a phased plan, and worked around the customers, letting them know what room we would be in when, so they could organise WFH arrangements. We also left the hot water in, until the new system was introduced so they weren’t left without hot water for an uncomfortable amount of time. Luckily, the install was during summer, so heating wasn’t too much of a concern during the install.

The system was finished just in time for summer, which proved especially satisfying with the homeowners working from home full-time. During the hot summer of 2025, the Unico system delivered effective, draft-free cooling, which the clients described as equivalent to having air conditioning. Air quality is maintained through the filtration within the Unico Air Handling Unit, whilst the discreet round ceiling outlets blend seamlessly with the downlights and interior décor, making the system virtually unnoticeable.

 

Tell us what you learned and what you may do differently/apply to a job in future

This project reinforced the importance of detailed consultation and clarity around system layout at the design stage, particularly in relation to outlet positioning. Whilst the original plans were sound, adjustments were required on-site due to the position of beds and other furniture, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of how each room is used.

As a result, greater emphasis is now placed on consumer consultation and room layout discussions, supported by more advanced surveying methods such as Matterport 3D property scanning, which is now used as standard to avoid issues arising on installation day.

Tim East

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Qualifications

• Member of The Institute of Engineering & Technology – April 2017
• Member of The Institute of Refrigeration – June 2017
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering – since 2018
• Registered Plumber – October 2018
• BPEC Water Regulations & Watersafe Registered (under competent person scheme) – June 2018
• BPEC Legionella Risk Assessment & Disinfection – November 2020
• BPEC Part L Building Regulation Energy Efficiency – November 2018
• BPEC Domestic Heat Pumps (2021)
• BPEC G3 Vented & Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems (2021 & 2025)
• Basic DBS Certificate – renewed November 2025
• Government SC Security Clearance – 2018
• CETEC Pipework & Brazing (2000)
• Ducted Systems Design (2007)
• JIB Certificate of Electrical Competence (1990)
• City & Guilds Electrical (1987)
• Underfloor Heating Design & Installation (2002)
• Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS7671:2018 City & Guilds (2021)
• BPEC Design, Installation & Maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2022)
• GRE Energy Battery Storage Systems (2022)

 

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

• Attended Solar & Storage Live at the NEC – September 2025 – solar PV and battery storage manufacturers, we were looking to onboard a few new ranges so wanted to see ranges in person
• Attended the South East Energy Efficiency Awards (and received x2 awards) – including highly commended for project King William House – New Build Project of the Year, and same for renewable energy installer
• Attended the ESBE factory in Sweden
• Condair webinar on humidity control in the heritage sector
• Dyness accredited installer course (battery storage)
• Conex Banniger accredited installer course (online)
• Hanchu accredited installer course (battery storage)
• Become a Which Trusted Trader
• Also completed lots of home study – on heat pumps and solar and storage and new things we want to get into such as rainwater harvesting

 

Please tell us about one or more projects you are particularly proud of

I was contacted in March 2024 by Giles May of Hemsted Homes. They were in the preliminary stage of building a new house in the heart of [location] Benenden, Kent. They wanted the four-bedroom family house to be as energy efficient as possible and even though Benenden has a gas available they were keen to use a heat pump for the heating.

I put together detailed heat loss calculations and performance estimate for the heating, comparing predictive running costs and environmental impact of using the heat pump versus gas. I also put together a proposal and performance estimate for in-roof solar photovoltaic panels and 20KWh of battery storage, with the inverter and batteries located in an external housing. The idea of the battery storage being that the end user would sign up to a dynamic tariff and benefit from charging the batteries overnight on the off-peak rate.

Our agreed scope of works were to:

1. supply and install an ASHP, UFH downstairs and radiators upstairs.
2. supply and install Homely dynamic optimising heating control.
3. supply and commission an MVHR system.
4. supply and install the in-roof solar PV and battery storage system.

The project was successfully delivered and commissioned during December 2024. I commend Hemsted Homes for going above and beyond the requirements of building regulations in their desire to produce a high quality family home with the least environmental impact.

Project length: we did the lot including UFH, spending 3 weeks on site in total.

The property has since received an EPC rating of 100/101 (A)

 

Which products did you select for the job and why?

I chose a Riello ASHP for this project as they are a brand of Midea and are excellent value, quiet and reliable and compatible with the homely dynamic controls. We’ve used them a lot in the past before – they’re very reliable and very efficient and adaptable to third party controls, therefore unrestricted.

For the Solar PV we fitted in-roof trays and Anglo-Solar 435W panels, Solis 5KW hybrid inverter and 20KWh of Dyness modular battery storage.

For the MVHR system we supplied a Nuaire system. For the UFH system we used 16mm PERT pipe @ 150mm pipe centres, stapled to the floor insulation prior to screeding.

The radiators were selected from the Henrad range. The radiators were individually piped in 16mm MLCP and connected to a dedicated manifold. This allowed the design flow rates to each emitter to be set and commissioned via the flow setters on the manifold.

All of the products were selected based on precedents for performance, value for money, longevity and reliability.

We handed over the job with a full commissioning pack that included MCS certification and warranty registration for all renewable products installed.

 

Tell us what was different or unique/challenging

I think it was refreshing to be involved from the design stage to commissioning stage with a small developer who shared the vision to go above and beyond the obligations of building regulations in creating a low carbon family home that they could be proud to pass on to the new owners.

This house is now a low cost house to run. The EPC rating of A and 100/101 speaks volumes for the all-round efforts.

 

Tell us what you learned and what you may do differently/apply to a job in future

I don’t think there is much we could have done differently that would improve the outcome. The technical and products advance so quickly these days, so projects we have completed since have moved into R290 heat pumps and more advanced and compact battery storage systems – but the principles and delivery remain similar.