SNG’s and Mitsubishi Electric innovative heat pump approach leads the way in cost-saving, low-disruption retrofit
SNG has joined forces with Mitsubishi Electric to deliver a pioneering retrofit programme which has the opportunity to transform the social housing renewable heating landscape. The scheme means heat pump system installation can take as little as two days (around 40% quicker), use existing radiators and pipework and lead to improved customer perception.
We’re piloting the use of Ecodan high-temperature heat pumps which work effectively and efficiently with legacy microbore/small bore system which is basically narrow pipework once thought incompatible with heat pump technology. This innovative approach, backed by Mitsubishi Electric and SNG’s extensive research on microbore/small bore compatibility, removes one of the biggest barriers to large-scale heat pump retrofitting in older homes.
Jim Dyer, Built Environment Director at SNG, explains: “This solution emerged from our desire to innovate and balance key priorities for both our customers and SNG: minimising disruption, cutting fuel bills, avoiding early replacement of components, and reducing both installation cost and the ongoing maintenance costs. It's an ambitious holistic approach that places our customers’ wellbeing and operational cost-effectiveness at its core.”
The benefits of this retrofit strategy are far-reaching:
- Reduced disruption to residents by avoiding the need to replace radiators and pipework or remove and replace floor coverings
- Significant capital savings by retaining existing pipework and radiators
- Improved energy efficiency and fuel bill reduction—crucial for tackling fuel poverty
- Lower operational and long-term maintenance costs
- Faster installation timelines, with our trusted contractor reporting installations completed in as little as two days
The project builds on the strengths of Mitsubishi Electric’s R290 Ecodan system, which offers up to 300% efficiency, reliable performance in sub-zero temperatures, and the use of a natural refrigerant with a global warming potential of just 0.02. It is an ideal match for both retrofit and new-build social housing.
By retaining the radiators and microbore/small bore infrastructure (plastic and copper pipework), the direct replacement of gas heating with a heat pump is possible. Mitsubishi Electric’s Ecodan R290 system is the key enabler in this approach.
James Chaplen, Mitsubishi Electric Head of Product Marketing and Communications, commented : “The ability to retain microbore/small bore pipework of all types is a game-changer for retrofit projects. With our Ecodan heat pumps working effectively with existing systems, we’re removing a major financial and logistical hurdle. This opens the door for housing providers like SNG to scale-up their net zero efforts without compromising on resident comfort or driving up costs.”
George Clarke, Architect and Ecodan brand ambassador, visited one of our homes in the pilot project. He said: “What Mitsubishi Electric and SNG are doing here is industry game-changing. Retrofitting a gas heating system with a high temperature heat pump, reusing microbore piping and radiators is paving the way for mass market adoption of renewable heating.”
Our partnership with Mitsubishi Electric reflects a priority in the housing sector for smart, scalable, and resident-friendly solutions to decarbonise UK homes. With a firm commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, this programme demonstrates how innovation, when paired with local insight, can drive real change—now.