BetaTalk - The Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Heating Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of BetaTalk, Nathan sits down with industry veteran Graham Hendra to unpick the complexities and misconceptions currently stalling the UK’s heat pump rollout. While much of the national conversation is bogged down in rigid technical defaults and confusing marketing jargon, this discussion focuses on the practical realities of machine design, the untapped potential of air to air systems, and why the industry must change how it communicates with the general public. Key Discussion Points: The Engineering Reality at Haier Graham shares his journey from a refrigeration engineer to his current role at Haier, the major Chinese electronics manufacturer and a global leader in heat pump production. He discusses the unique challenge of building a better machine from the ground up, moving past the limitations of current units that simply are not good enough for the demands of the modern energy transition. Debunking the "Fridge in Reverse" Myth A deep dive into the industry’s communication problem. Both Nathan and Graham offer a clear rejection of the "fridge in reverse" analogy often used by journalists and salespeople. They argue it is a nonsensical description that confuses consumers. Instead, they frame a heat pump as a machine where the engineer is simply interested in the hot bit rather than the cold bit of the same refrigeration cycle. The Strategic Case for Air to Air Heat Pumps Drawing on Graham’s extensive background, there is a strong emphasis on air to air heat pumps as a secret weapon for decarbonisation. They explain why these systems are ideal for specific use cases, such as conservatories, bedrooms, or for families needing to heat a single room quickly and affordably, rather than forcing a one size fits all wet system on every property. Installation Nuance and Electrical Standards The conversation highlights the differences in installation quality and regulation. Graham contrasts a high end, quiet installation featuring hidden pipework against minimal budget options that compromise aesthetics. He also addresses the technical nuance behind why UK regulations require fixed appliances to be hardwired, adding cost and requiring a qualified electrician compared to simpler plug in models seen on the continent. Live at The Heat Pump Show, Newark A look ahead to The Heat Pump Show at Newark on April 22nd. Nathan will be hosting a panel featuring Graham, where they will dive deeper into the potential for air to air systems within national decarbonisation strategies and the specific sizing challenges that engineers face in the field. Thanks to the Patrons of the Guild of Master Heat Engineers who help make these podcasts possible. For more technical deep dives visit betateach.co.uk. Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send a text This episode discusses in lay terms the Position Paper which you can find on the betateach website and you can also download here I speak to lots of Engineers who have apprentices at college who are not happy with the college system. The Betateach Position Paper argues for testing a new way of doing things. Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send a text In this episode of BetaTalk, Nathan welcomes back engineer and coder James Twallin to discuss the technical nuances of the UK’s energy transition. While industry debates are often binary, this conversation focuses on objective data regarding gas infrastructure, the physics of high mass heritage buildings, and the importance of real world boiler monitoring for hydronic heat pump success. Key Topics Discussed: The "Invisible" Gas Leak Problem:Decarbonising Heritage Buildings:Optimising Hydronic Transitions:Technical Correction During the recording, a Bosch study involving 4,000 units was discussed. While mentioned as a heat pump survey in the audio, Nathan would like to clarify that the study actually monitored 4,000 gas boilers. Thanks to the Patrons of the Guild of Master Heat Engineers who help make these podcasts possible Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Primary Expert: Mick Wall (IT Specialist, University of Sheffield & Founder of Energy Stats UK) Host: Nathan Gambling (Beta Talk Podcast and Betateach Newsletter) Core Topics: Heat Loss Accuracy, Weather Compensation vs. Room Influence, Smart Tariffs (Octopus Energy). Executive Summary (TL;DR) Standard MCS heat loss calculations often overestimate ventilation losses in older homes by up to 300%. Expert consumer Mick Wall demonstrates that real-world air changes in a 1930s semi-detached house are closer to 0.5 ACH (Air Changes per Hour) rather than the CIBSE default of 1.5–3.0 ACH. This episode explores how to verify heat loss using Pulse Tests and CO2 Decay to prevent heat pump oversizing. 1. Challenging MCS Heat Loss Defaults Standard industry calculations often rely on static building guides that fail to account for the actual "tightness" of 20th-century builds. The Problem:CIBSEMCS The Evidence: Pressure Testing:Build Test Solutions Pulse kit CO2 Decay Monitoring: Reverse Modeling:Open Energy MonitorSpruce 2. Comfort Dynamics: Weather Compensation vs. Room Influence While "pure" weather compensation (adjusting flow temperature based on outdoor air) is better than on/off control, it often lacks the "aggression" needed for rapid recovery. Pure Weather Comp: Room Influence:VaillantHavenwise Key Takeaway: 3. Optimising the "Elephant in the Room": Smart Tariffs A high-quality heat pump installation must perform efficiently regardless of the tariff. However, leveraging the Octopus Energy Kraken platform provides significant cost advantages. Agile vs. Cozy Tariffs: The Risk: Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text In this episode, Nathan sits down with economist Ben Watts, the creator of the real-time energy dashboard at kilowatts.io. They explore the hidden "engine room" of the UK’s electricity system, the high-stakes market where power is traded in 30-minute blocks. Ben explains why a single line on the map (the B6 Boundary) is costing consumers over £1 billion a year and how technology like heat pumps and EVs are moving from being "loads" to "assets" that help keep the grid balanced. Key Jargon Buster: The Grid Boundaries To help listeners follow the conversation, here is a quick guide to the "pinch points" Ben mentions: B6 Boundary:Scottish-English borderB4 Boundary:Scottish HighlandsThe "4.5 GW" Limit:4.5 GW6.7 GWWind Curtailment:NESOKeywords & Themes kilowatts.io:NESO:National Energy System OperatorCCGT Maintenance:Flexibility Assets: Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text In this episode of BetaTalk, I talk about a subject I am deeply passionate about marketing within the UK heating sector. The UK has the most competitive heating market in Europe, with the highest boiler sales across the continent. In such a competitive environment, marketing plays an essential role. I reflect on how, at times, marketing messages can move away from fundamental heating science. This is not about blame or intent, but about acknowledging how commercial pressure and fast-moving narratives can influence communication. As scrutiny of the sector continues to increase from regulators, consumer bodies, and groups examining greenwashing, these gaps are becoming more noticeable. I talk about how this scrutiny is shaping conversations across the industry, including within marketing teams and trade bodies, where there can be tension between commercial expectations and technical accuracy. I also share why I speak about my grandfather so often on this podcast, and how his influence shaped my views on engineering, responsibility, and honesty in how we communicate technical information. This episode is a reflective discussion about marketing, science, and integrity, and how the heating industry can continue to communicate with clarity in an increasingly examined environment. Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text BetaTalk Podcast Show Notes: Air-to-Air Heat Pump Pioneering with John In this landmark episode of BetaTalk, the host sits down with John Ewbank to discuss his pioneering and invaluable research into the domestic application of Air-to-Air Heat Pumps (A2A HPs). This conversation marks a potentially historical inflection point for the UK heating sector, as Ewbank’s practical, data-driven work pushes the boundaries of efficient home heating. 🔬 The Pioneers of UK Heating The episode highlights a crucial lineage of highly skilled, 'geeky' homeowners and engineers who have collectively advanced the understanding and adoption of low-carbon domestic heating in the UK. Ewbank’s work stands alongside the incredible efforts of figures such as: Mick WallJohn CantorTrystan LeeGlyn HudsonThese individuals have performed & shared ground-breaking real-world research, often filling gaps left by industry. 💡 Collaboration with Nesta A significant element of the discussion is John Ewbank's collaboration with Nesta, the UK's innovation foundation and think tank. The host expresses great satisfaction that Nesta is engaging directly with practitioners and heating engineers like Ewbank. Their approach is highlighted as being uniquely effective among Third Sector entities in actively supporting and utilizing the crucial data generated by this community of independent researchers. This is a vital episode for anyone interested in heat pumps, energy efficiency, and the future of UK home heating. Dive into the conversation, share it widely, and join the discussion around this incredible, pioneering work! https://www.youtube.com/@TimAndKatsGreenWalk Have Toshiba Haori set up - Does interesting experiments. https://x.com/timothymortimer Daikin Stylish installed very happy https://x.com/jimmybb - Daikin Stylish installed very happy https://www.youtube.com/@EVPuzzle has many videos on his air to air system https://www.youtube.com/@MrEV - other perspective installed has mixed feelings, but thinks was system design. Units were not optimally placed or sized My initial install & experience https://johnewbank.co.uk/what-is-the-cheapest-way-to-heat-your-home/ My experience when I lived with it for a bit. https://johnewbank.co.uk/living-with-an-air-to-air-heat-pump-installation-and-testing-notes/ COP calculations https://johnewbank.co.uk/airtoairmonitoring/ Guild Patrons PrimaryPro CastRads UK Radiators Renewables Centre Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text This week on BetaTalk, we're doing something truly special: the FIRST EVER exclusive interview with EDF Heat Pumps about their groundbreaking new "Express" initiative. EDF's new "Express" initiative is hitting the accelerator, promising faster, smoother heat pump deployments that are directly comparable to the cost of a boiler install. We sit down with Clay Brown from EDF Heat Pumps behind to unpack: Sign up to the BetaTeach newsletter to view heat pump installations from engineers in the Guild of Master Heat Engineers GUILD PATRONS: Primary Pro Wolseley Renewables Centre Castrads UK Radiators Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text In this episode Nathan chats to two of the Guild Patrons, Rob Nezard from UK Radiators and Nick Baylis from Castrads about the issue of radiators being sold in the UK with overstated power outputs. Rob and Nick have been working with the Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC) and now have the help of the Government body: Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the National Regulator for construction products, enforcing the Construction Product Regulations. This level of government involvement is a significant development, and it validates the nearly nine-year campaign for transparency and accurate performance claims across the radiator and convector sector Meet the Guild Patrons Guild Patrons help support the Guild of Master Heat Engineers disseminate quality information about current good practice. Sign up to the Newsletter to see case studies from the Masters Guild Patrons are: Primary Pro Renewable Centre Castrads UK Radiators Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Welcome back to the BetaTalk podcast! I'm thrilled to be joined by Adam Chapman of Heat Geek for a deep dive into the buzz-generating Zero Disrupt initiative. In this episode, Adam shares the full story behind this new heat pump installation program, explaining how it aims to solve critical industry challenges, including improving affordability for consumers and giving homeowners greater choice on system efficiency. If you're keen to understand the strategy and hear what this bold move means for the evolving industry, this is a must-listen episode. Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text This episode of Betatalk features a detailed examination of a bespoke heat pump heating system designed by engineers within the Guild of Master Heat Engineers. We speak with Mark Denman of Custom Renewables and Alex Hilton, the homeowner and a wonderful guest who provides valuable insight into sustainability. The engineers are leading heat geeks in the field, and this installation served as an excellent peer-to-peer learning opportunity for the community. We also dedicate time to discussing Zero Disrupt, a new initiative from Heat Geek. This heat pump podcast episode discusses the first case study on the BetaTeach website. Please click the Betateach link to view images and comprehensive details about the installation. BetaTeach.co.uk Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Nathan is joined by Jonathan Siviter at Thermoelectric Conversion Systems (TCS), Ren Kang at Mixergy and Andreas Fechs at Kensa to discuss how innovation through the Heat Pump Ready projects has improved heat pump technology, the impact this could have on the market, and what future innovation is needed Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Nathan is joined by Zachary Gill at Energiesprong and Matthew Boyes at Hometree Finance to discuss the different innovative approaches that have been developed by Heat Pump Ready projects, the key lessons from the programme about finance models to support heat pump deployment and the insights into making finance affordable and attractive for consumers. Disclaimer: All the views expressed in this episode do not represent the views of the Government or any of their departments. Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Nathan is joined by Christopher Taylor at Vital Energy, Richard Barwick at RJ Barwick and Russell Murchie at Nusku to discuss how innovation through the Heat Pump Ready projects has improved heat pump technology and the ease of installation of heat pumps in difficult to decarbonise homes, the impact this could have on the market, and what future innovation is still needed. NEWS FLASH The Guild of Master Heat Engineers is coming. Read more here and sign up to the newsletter Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text A New Voice Meets Old Hands: BetaTalk's host Nathan, new to media, chats with his friends Joe Sharpe, Joe Dart and Andrew Gavid at Lyrical Communications Episode Summary: In this special episode of Trade Media Uncovered, host Nathan Gambling of the BetaTalk podcast steps into the world of long-standing trade journalism. Nathan, a new voice in the heating sector's media landscape, sits down with the pioneers who have shaped the industry's discourse for decades. We delve into the fascinating history of trade media, from the glossy pages of published magazines to the fast-paced, digital world of today. This conversation explores how the way professionals communicate, learn, and do business has been transformed by technology. The discussion also takes a deep dive into the history of The Installer Show, the UK's largest heating and plumbing trade exhibition, and how media works alongside events and awards. We even discuss the future of AI in the industry, including the work Lorefully did with Nathan at the Installer Show. Key Topics Covered: The unique role of trade mediaRefrigeration News (1898)RAC MagazineABC Certificationcitizen journalists and influencersevents and awardsAINCTJThe Installer ShowElemental ShowThe show also discusses the Guild of Master Heat Engineers Links & Resources: The Installer Show:https://www.installershow.com/The Elemental Show:https://elementallondon.show/BetaTeach Newsletter Signup: https://www.betateach.co.uk/subscribeLorefully AI Report:https://www.lorefully.com/cartCall to Action: Did you enjoy this conversation? Subscribe to the newsletter which is coming soon and will feature heat pump case studies from the Guild of Master Heat Engineers Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Join Nathan on this episode of BetaTalk as he sits down with Olly Cutting, Johann Kühns, and Pranjal Arya from HomeTree. The team from HomeTree shares their incredible journey, from a boiler installation company to a multifaceted energy services provider. We learn how Olly and Pranjal's economic backgrounds, combined with Johann's expertise in Climate Change management and finance from Imperial College London, have shaped their innovative, data-driven approach. The Customer Journey Flywheel The conversation centers on HomeTree's innovative business model, structured around a "customer journey flywheel" with three key divisions: Home Cover:Renewable Installations:Renewable Financing:This flywheel model ensures that customers are supported at every stage of their energy transition. A Different Approach to Acquisition Nathan and his guests discuss HomeTree's unique strategy of acquiring local SME's (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), like the respected IMS Heat Pumps Ltd led by Emma Bohan. They explore why this approach is so beneficial for both HomeTree and the acquired businesses. HomeTree's data revealed that customers prefer working with local installers, and this acquisition model allows them to scale while maintaining a personal touch. Beyond Technology The discussion also highlights that the move to renewable energy isn't just a technological change; it's a behavioral shift for customers. Nathan shares his thoughts on how the Guild of Master Heat Engineers can collaborate with HomeTree to help both the company and its customers navigate this transition, building on the great conversation they started over dinner. 🍽️ This season is being sponsored by Intergas Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Join Nathan this week for an exclusive episode recorded live from the Qvantum HQ in Sweden! Nathan sits down with a team of true industry heavyweights to discuss the future of heating solutions for multi-occupancy dwellings. In this insightful conversation, Nathan is joined by his good friend and a titan of the European heat pump sector, Thomas Nowak. As the former General Secretary of the European Heat Pump Association for nearly 18 years, Thomas shares his unparalleled knowledge of how Europe is tackling the challenge of heating decarbonisation. We also speak with Philip Ord, Qvantum's Managing Director, and Darren Manley, the technical expert behind Qvantum's innovative solutions. The discussion delves into the intricacies of their offering, exploring the dual benefits of heating and cooling, the critical issue of overheat protection, and the technical innovations that make their systems ideal for multi-residential buildings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the technical and strategic side of decarbonisation, from on-the-ground installers to policy makers. Tune in to hear from a leading company in the space and get a unique perspective on the European journey to a cleaner heating future. This season is being sponsored by Intergas... check out their xylinder, a cylinder designed for heat pumps Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Expanding Horizons: BetaTalk's New Newsletter and Website! We're thrilled to announce that BetaTalk is growing! In addition to our regular podcast episodes, we're launching a brand new newsletter and an associated website. This expansion will allow us to bring you even more in-depth content, industry news, and valuable insights into the world of heat pumps and sustainable building. Our newsletter, launching shortly, will be your go-to source for the latest industry developments, insightful opinion pieces from the third sector, and crucially, real-world heat pump case studies from experienced engineers in the Guild of Master Heat Engineers. This is an exciting step in our mission to inform and empower. As Chris Stark, former CEO of the Climate Change Committee, remarked about this new venture: "Nathan is one of the UK’s clean heat leaders, so I always watch him closely. This collaborative media venture is an exciting next step. We need positive voices like Nathan’s to help broaden knowledge around retrofit and heat pump installations." Don't miss out! Be among the first to receive our new newsletter and stay ahead of the curve: Sign up now for exclusive content and updates! Episode Notes: Welcome back to BetaTalk! In this fascinating episode, we delve deep into the world of air-to-air (A2A) heat pump systems for domestic properties. We were incredibly fortunate to be joined by two distinguished guests: Es Tresidder, a consultant specialising in Passivhaus design and low-carbon building design optimisation, and Michael Cosham, a seasoned HVAC engineer with 47 years of invaluable experience. Our conversation began by exploring air-to-air systems in general, including Michael's personal experience building an A2A system for his first home on Canvey Island. Es then shared insights into the A2A system installed in his own highly efficient home, providing a real-world perspective on their performance. We thoroughly discussed the numerous advantages of A2A systems in domestic properties, highlighting their efficiency and effectiveness. We also touched upon some perceived disadvantages, but as our conversation unfolded, it became clear that many of these concerns, such as fan speeds, comfort, noise, and even dry skin issues, may be simple to resolve with proper system setup and design. Indeed, with the right configuration, these issues may not even exist. For more on this, and avoiding potential pitfalls, Es has provided these insightful articles: About overheating in low-energy buildings:https://www.highlandpassive.com/do-low-energy-buildings-have-an-overheating-problem/Understanding thermal comfort:https://www.highlandpassive.com/why-do-i-feel-chilly/A key takeaway from this episode was the remarkably low cost of A2A heat pumps, making them an increasingly attractive and accessible option for homeowners looking to embrace sustainable heating solutions. Join us for a truly enlightening discussion that challenges preconceptions and sheds light on the true potential of air-to-air heat pump technology. Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text Rhiannon and Nathan discuss the recent Installer Show 2025 at Birmingham NEC, covering current trends within the heating industry, including issues related to training. This season is sponsored by Intergas Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a text In this episode Nathan chats to his friend Ian Edgeworth, author of the recent books "Wellcome to the Wonderful world of Air source Heat Pumps - What Kept You" and "The Pocket Guide to Low Temperature Central Heating" You can find the books at New Perspectives.Com Listen to Ian's journey into teaching and what he and Nathan think of the current situation regarding heat pump training. This season is being sponsored by Intergas who make the quality xylinder - a heat pump cylinder Support the show Learn more about heat pump heating by following Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky