From Gas to Green: Robert & Margaret’s Renewable Heating Upgrade in Menstrie
Combining an air source heat pump, solar PV and battery storage to create a low-carbon, future-ready home in Clackmannanshire.
“I couldn’t have had a better team to supply and fit my heat pump. Their workmanship, communication and system knowledge is second to none. Customer care and availability to answer questions post-installation underlines their commitment to providing an excellent experience. I fully recommend them.” – Robert Gill, Menstrie
Customer Background
In October 2025, RCA Plumbing & Heating completed a renewable heating upgrade for Robert and Margaret Gill at their home in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire.
Having recently purchased the property, Robert and Margaret inherited a Vaillant ecoTEC Plus gas boiler that was over 20 years old. Although the boiler was still operational, they recognised it was nearing the end of its service life and would eventually need replacing.
As environmentally conscious homeowners, they wanted to take the opportunity to modernise the property’s energy systems and reduce their carbon footprint. After researching renewable energy solutions, they decided to undertake a whole-home energy upgrade incorporating an air source heat pump, solar PV and battery storage.
The availability of funding through Home Energy Scotland helped make the transition to renewable heating more affordable and gave them the confidence to invest in a long-term, low-carbon solution for their new home.
£7,500 Grant Funding Secured
A key factor in the project’s success was the availability of funding through Home Energy Scotland. Robert and Margaret secured a £7,500 Home Energy Scotland Grant towards the installation of their air source heat pump system, significantly reducing the upfront cost of replacing their ageing gas boiler.
As an MCS-certified installation, the project met the requirements for grant funding, helping the homeowners invest in a modern renewable heating system while lowering the financial barrier to making the switch.
The Challenge
The objective was to replace the existing gas boiler with a highly efficient air source heat pump while maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout the home and maximising system efficiency. Following a detailed room-by-room heat loss assessment, we identified that six of the property’s nine radiators would require upgrading to allow the heating system to operate efficiently at a low design flow temperature of 45°C.
Achieving this lower flow temperature was essential to maximising the performance and efficiency of the heat pump system.
The Solution
Following our heat loss calculations and system design, we specified a complete Vaillant renewable heating solution comprising:
- Vaillant aroTHERM Plus 5kW Air Source Heat Pump
- Vaillant uniSTOR Pure 220-litre Heat Pump Cylinder
- Vaillant sensoCOMFORT Controls
- myVAILLANT Connect Internet Gateway
- Six upgraded radiators
The smart controls allow Robert and Margaret to monitor and adjust their heating and hot water remotely through the myVAILLANT app, providing greater convenience and control over energy usage.
Alongside the heating upgrade completed by RCA Plumbing & Heating, Central Renewables installed a solar PV and battery storage system, creating a comprehensive renewable energy solution for the property.
The Installation
The Vaillant aroTHERM Plus heat pump was installed at the rear of the property, providing an efficient and discreet heating solution. Inside the home, the existing gas boiler was removed and replaced with a Vaillant uniSTOR Pure 220-litre hot water cylinder. Six radiators were upgraded to ensure sufficient heat output at lower operating temperatures and support the 45°C system design.
Despite the scope of the project, including the installation of a new heat pump, hot water cylinder and six radiator upgrades, all work was completed within one week, ensuring minimal disruption to Robert and Margaret.
Once the installation was complete, the entire heating system was thoroughly flushed and cleaned to improve water quality and protect the long-term efficiency and reliability of the heat pump. The system was then fully commissioned, tested and optimised to ensure it was operating at peak performance.
Project at a Glance
Location: Menstrie, Clackmannanshire
Installation Date: October 2025
Installation Duration: 1 Week
Existing Heating: Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Gas Boiler (20+ Years Old)
Heat Pump: Vaillant aroTHERM Plus 5kW
Hot Water Cylinder: Vaillant uniSTOR Pure 220L
Controls: Vaillant sensoCOMFORT & myVAILLANT Connect
Radiator Upgrades: 6 of 9 Radiators
Design Flow Temperature: 45°C
Estimated SCOP: 4.10
Grant Funding: £7,500 Home Energy Scotland Grant
Additional Measures: Solar PV & Battery Storage (Installed by Central Renewables)
Peace of Mind for Years to Come
As a Vaillant Advance installer, RCA Plumbing & Heating was able to provide Robert and Margaret with enhanced manufacturer-backed protection on their new heating system.
The installation benefits from:
- 7-Year Vaillant Manufacturer’s Warranty
- 2-Year Insurance-Backed Workmanship Warranty
This combination of product and installation warranties ensures Robert and Margaret can enjoy their new renewable heating system with confidence, knowing they are protected long after the installation is complete.
The Outcome
Robert and Margaret now benefit from a modern, future-proof heating system that complements their wider investment in renewable energy.
The project successfully:
- Replaced a 20-year-old gas boiler
- Secured £7,500 of Home Energy Scotland funding
- Reduced the home’s carbon footprint
- Achieved a low-temperature heating design of 45°C
- Improved efficiency through radiator upgrades
- Integrated seamlessly with solar PV and battery storage
- Delivered reliable heating and hot water throughout the property
- Enabled remote heating and hot water control through the myVAILLANT app
Considering a Heat Pump?
If you’re considering replacing an ageing boiler with a renewable heating system, RCA Plumbing & Heating can help. From heat loss calculations and system design to grant support and MCS-certified installation, our experienced team manages every stage of the journey.
Contact us today to find out how an air source heat pump could work for your home.
Other useful links:
- Heat pump installation page
- Heat pump estimate page
- Heat Geek installers in Scotland
- Recent RCA case studies
- RCA customer reviews
- RCA team and accreditations
