This is a case study of one of our very first customers: Neil Kennedy

NeilNeil started out his search for an alternative heat source when he was redeveloping his home. Wanting to create a home that he and his family would live in for the foreseeable future, Neil decided early on that a renewable heating option would be ideal in the redevelopment. His background in engineering meant that Neil was confident in finding and understanding the options available to him. Once he had the information he needed, Neil was put into contact with us at SprintBio.

From here on in Neil supplied the answers to some questions from us.

How did SprintBio come into the picture?

My plumber knew that I was looking for a wood pellet boiler and that Scott was looking to set-up SprintBio. I called him, discussed Nu-way and the likely costs and arranged to see the appliance. Scott had the boiler in his garage, I went round to see it a couple of days later and bought it there and then.Why did you walk out with a boiler the same day?
Through extensive research I knew enough about the technology in general before I saw the appliance. With my engineering background it was obvious that this unit was ‘the solution’ for my needs. It cost slightly more than another unit I’d been looking at for some time, but was substantially cheaper than the most; and more importantly was supplied and manufactured locally - well worth considering before you buy an imported product from a supplier based hours away.

How did SprintBio’s approach match to your needs?

They were local, had a good reputation and business history and were very helpful, while those further a field seemed to want more money to deliver less - so much so that I almost installed a conventional heating system to save the hassle/worry. At this stage SprintBio is starting out. What they don’t know themselves already, they find out quickly from their suppliers, without fobbing you off with excuses.

How useful was SprintBio’s after-sales help?

I can’t fault the care and attention I’ve received from both SprintBio and Nu-way - I can’t recommend them highly enough. Would I be so keen to give something back otherwise?

Are you happy with the final outcome - have you achieved what you wanted?

I’m more than happy with the way things have turned out. I’m still learning the nuances of my new set-up (it’s not just the boiler - I’ve got rainwater recovery, a huge solar water system, heat recovery ventilation and wood burning stoves to consider). However, the premium over the price of a more conventional boiler (e.g. oil-fired) will be recovered within the first year’s fuel price savings alone. Being greener is a bonus.

How do you have to maintain the boiler?

Much of the routine maintenance I can do myself. This reinforces my confidence in the appliance and helps if/when something goes wrong…no need to pay an expensive callout and wait for a corgi engineer to turn up. I’ve been building a home in which I want to live for several decades. Not many people get that kind of opportunity. Knowing how and understanding why everything works helps tremendously with the day-to-day running.

Is the anything you wished you’d known before you started?

Nothing really - it’s not been that kind of project. I’ve learned things as I’ve gone along. I know what not to do next time, but feel that it’s unlikely there will be a next time.

What advice would you give to anyone who was starting the process today?

Pellets - none of this is difficult or even risky really. People have been making solid fuel boilers for a very long time. Modern appliances tend to be substantially more efficient than older ones, so you’ll save on energy usage whatever you go for. Pellets are an extremely clean fuel. They can be sourced locally or imported for much the same price, can be stored safely, are not volatile and have a pleasant odour…can’t be said about most other fuels. Eco heating - Select the type of fuel that best fits your needs - Can your fuel deliver enough heat at the right temperature for your delivery mechanism (radiators require higher temperatures than UFH) and still run efficiently. Do you have space for the appliance? Is the appliance likely to outlast its ‘payback’ period? Will the technology improve the value of your home, or will it put potential buyers off? Do you care? Maybe you set things up so that you or a potential buyer can easily replace the technology with an alternative should things not work to plan. If you are being asked to spend what looks like a fortune on an ‘eco’ product, you need to question why, and look where the money is really going. Go for a grant while you can as it’s likely that the scheme will not be around forever (solar water heating doesn’t get as much as it used to). Remember that you may need planning permission. Don’t get stung for huge installation costs above the basic boiler price. Most accredited installers know they can charge a lot to give you access to the grant and generally price themselves accordingly (e.g. £600 to £900 per day). Remember that the reduced rate of VAT for supply and installation helps out substantially - this may be easier as you can choose who installs.