Big Impact in a Small Space – Vaillant Heat Pump Retrofit in Burgess Hill
This project in Burgess Hill showcases what’s possible when modern heating design meets limited space. The homeowners, a young couple investing in their first home, were committed to low‑carbon heating but needed a system that could work around tight interior constraints and challenging ground conditions.
The Challenge
The property lacked the space typically available for a full plant room setup. There was no spare cupboard depth or height, and the only viable location for the outdoor unit was on poorly draining clay soil in the rear garden. The indoor hot water solution would need to fit within a 500mm wide space, and the homeowners had also requested upgrades to both their electric shower and heating system.
As a retrofit with minimal disruption, everything had to be carefully designed to deliver efficient performance without overcomplicating the install.
Our Solution
This installation was delivered in partnership with our Heat Geek Elite team, using their advanced design platform and guidance.
The core of the system is a 3.5kW Vaillant aroTHERM Plus air source heat pump, installed outdoors on a full premium base to ensure long-term stability on the soft clay ground.
Inside the home, we installed a 150-litre slimline Joule Cyclone+ cylinder, mounted vertically and flanked by all necessary accessories above. The entire hot water and heating layout was completed within just 500mm of wall space, making this one of the most compact systems we’ve ever delivered.
To complete the system:
A fuse board upgrade was carried out to comply with current standards
The electric shower was upgraded to a thermostatic mains pressure unit to improve user comfort
Three new radiators were installed (a mix of Stelrad and Purmo), sized precisely to meet a 46°C open-loop design flow temperature
The Result
Despite the tight footprint and retrofit constraints, the new heat pump system runs quietly and efficiently, providing reliable comfort throughout the home.
The compact layout proves that space limitations don’t need to rule out heat pumps. Thanks to smart planning, accurate heat loss calculations, and carefully chosen components, this small home in Burgess Hill is now fully future-proofed, with the benefits of low running costs and a reduced carbon footprint from day one.
Why It Matters
This is a perfect example of how real-world homes, not just new builds, can benefit from renewable heating. Not every property has unlimited space or ideal pipework, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to making the switch. With the right design and the right team, even a compact installation like this can deliver long-lasting results.
📍 Installed by Option Energy Solutions, Heat Geek Elite Partner for Sussex
📞 Call 01903 814777
💻 Learn ore: optionenergysolutions.co.uk/heat-pumps
