Tepeo ZEB: the Zero Emission boiler explained

The Tepeo ZEB (Zero Emission Boiler) is a heat battery designed to store thermal energy using electricity, often charged during off-peak hours, to provide heating and hot water for your home. It functions as a direct replacement for a gas boiler, connecting to existing wet central heating systems. For UK homeowners considering a move away from fossil fuels, the Tepeo ZEB offers a practical, low-carbon alternative that aims to reduce household carbon emissions by utilising electricity, which can be sourced from renewable generation.

What is a Tepeo ZEB heat battery?

A Tepeo ZEB is an electric heat battery boiler that stores heat for later use, working with radiators or underfloor heating like a traditional boiler, but without burning gas, oil, or LPG. This system is designed to provide familiar central heating without relying on fossil fuels.

How it differs from traditional boilers

Unlike a standard electric boiler, which uses electricity as heat is needed, the Tepeo ZEB charges in advance, storing heat inside a high-density ceramic core. This stored heat is then released into your wet central heating system when your home requires warmth. This intelligent charging allows it to make better use of time-of-use tariffs and off-peak electricity.

Key components and design

The Tepeo ZEB is a compact, indoor heating solution that does not require an outdoor unit, unlike many heat pumps. This makes it a practical option for homes with limited external space or where an indoor heating solution is preferred. It is designed to fit neatly indoors, often replacing the footprint of a previous boiler.

How does the Tepeo ZEB work?

The Tepeo ZEB operates by converting electricity into heat and storing it, then releasing it on demand to warm your home.

Storing heat with off-peak electricity

The ZEB charges like a battery, using electricity to heat its thermal core. Its smart charging algorithm considers your heating needs, the weather forecast, your energy tariff, and grid carbon intensity to determine the optimal times to charge. This allows it to charge during cheaper, off-peak periods, often overnight, and at times when electricity is greener, helping to minimise running costs and carbon footprint.

Integrating with your home heating system

The Tepeo ZEB is designed to connect directly to your existing wet central heating system, including radiators or underfloor heating. This means minimal disruption during installation, as it can work with your current pipework and controls. If you have a combi boiler, you may need to add a separate hot water solution alongside the ZEB, as it primarily handles central heating.

Benefits of a Tepeo ZEB for UK homes

The Tepeo ZEB offers several advantages for homeowners looking to modernise their heating.

Reducing carbon emissions

Heat batteries like the Tepeo ZEB can help reduce carbon emissions from home heating by shifting electricity demand to greener periods. By charging when the grid's carbon intensity is lower, often when renewable generation is high, the system contributes to a lower overall carbon footprint for your home's heating. This aligns with the UK's goal to significantly reduce emissions from home heating, which accounted for 18% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.

Potential for lower energy bills

Smart tariffs can significantly reduce the running costs of electric heating systems by enabling charging during cheaper, off-peak periods. The ZEB's ability to store heat means it can take advantage of these lower rates, helping to keep heating costs down.

Space-saving and quiet operation

One key benefit of the Tepeo ZEB is its compact design and indoor installation, eliminating the need for an outdoor unit. This makes it suitable for properties where external space is limited or where the aesthetics of an outdoor unit are undesirable.

Tepeo ZEB vs heat pumps: which is right for you?

Choosing between a Tepeo ZEB and a heat pump depends on your home's specific characteristics and your priorities.

Installation and space considerations

Heat pumps typically require an outdoor unit, which can be a limiting factor for some properties, particularly flats or homes with restricted external space. The Tepeo ZEB, by contrast, is installed entirely indoors, often fitting into the space previously occupied by a gas boiler. This can make it a more straightforward installation for many homeowners.

Efficiency and running costs

While both systems aim to reduce carbon emissions, their operational efficiency differs. Heat pumps are highly efficient at converting ambient heat into warmth for your home. The Tepeo ZEB's efficiency is tied to its ability to charge during off-peak, cheaper electricity periods, which can significantly impact running costs compared to direct electric heating.

Suitability for different property types

The Tepeo ZEB is often a good fit for homes with existing radiators or underfloor heating and a suitable indoor space. It is particularly appealing where a heat pump may not be practical due to lack of outdoor space or the desire to avoid a larger retrofit. Heat pumps are generally well-suited to properties with good insulation and where lower flow temperatures can be effectively used.

Is a Tepeo ZEB suitable for your home?

Determining if a Tepeo ZEB is right for your home involves assessing several factors.

Electrical supply requirements

As an electric heating system, the Tepeo ZEB will require a suitable electrical supply. It is crucial to assess your home's electrical capacity to ensure it can support the ZEB, as some older properties may require an upgrade. The Tepeo ZEB has an input of 9kW / 40A.

Compatibility with existing radiators and hot water systems

The Tepeo ZEB is designed to integrate with your existing wet central heating system, including radiators and pipework. This means you typically will not need to replace your radiators. If you currently have a combi boiler, you will need to consider adding a separate hot water cylinder or compatible solution, as the ZEB primarily handles space heating.

Considering your home's insulation

Regardless of the heating system, good home insulation is key to maximising efficiency and minimising energy waste. A well-insulated home will retain heat more effectively, reducing the demand on any heating system, including a Tepeo ZEB.

Maximising savings with smart tariffs

Smart energy tariffs are crucial for optimising the running costs of a Tepeo ZEB.

Charging during off-peak hours

The core principle behind cost-effective Tepeo ZEB operation is charging during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. Many energy suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs, such as dual-rate variable tariffs or other flexible electricity tariffs, which provide lower rates during periods of low demand, typically overnight. The ZEB's smart controls automatically manage this charging to take advantage of these cheaper rates.

Integrating with smart home energy management

The Tepeo ZEB can be a key component in a smarter, decarbonised home energy ecosystem. Its intelligent charging algorithm can factor in weather forecasts and your home's heat demand, alongside energy tariffs, to make informed decisions about when to store heat. This level of integration allows for greater control and optimisation of your home's energy use.

The role of your energy supplier

Your energy supplier plays a vital role in enabling the full economic and environmental benefits of a Tepeo ZEB. By offering smart tariffs that provide clear price signals for off-peak electricity, suppliers empower homeowners to use their Tepeo ZEB to charge during the cheapest, greenest periods. This approach aligns with a vision of energy abundance, giving you more control over your home heating and energy costs.

Choosing the right energy supplier is crucial for making the most of smart heating solutions like the Tepeo ZEB. Fuse Energy is committed to providing transparent pricing and innovative tools to help you manage your energy consumption effectively. Our 24/7 human customer support is always available to assist you.