SNG, which manages over 84,000 homes across London and southern England, is piloting the use of these heat pumps in properties with legacy pipework systems that were previously considered unsuitable for such technology. The approach is informed by joint research from Mitsubishi Electric and SNG on microbore compatibility.

Jim Dyer, Built Environment Director at SNG, said: “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.”

Reported benefits of the approach include:

• Avoiding the need to replace radiators, pipework, or floor coverings
• Lower capital expenditure by retaining existing infrastructure
• Potential improvements in energy efficiency and reductions in fuel bills
• Reduced maintenance requirements
• Shorter installation times, with some completed in two days.

The Ecodan R290 system operates with a natural refrigerant (R290) and is designed to deliver high efficiency and performance in low temperatures. It is compatible with existing radiator and pipework systems, enabling direct replacement of gas heating in suitable properties.

James Chaplen, Mitsubishi Electric Head of Product Marketing and Communications, said: “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.”

The programme forms part of SNG’s broader strategy to reduce emissions from its housing stock in line with the UK’s 2050 net-zero target.