What started in 2021 as a simple kitchen upgrade — swapping a gas hob for an induction one — unexpectedly snowballed into ditching gas entirely. No grand plan, no eco manifesto. Just a series of practical decisions, a few expensive lessons, and one too many spreadsheets.
Over the next few years we added solar panels and a battery, switched to electric vehicles, installed air conditioning, and finally replaced our gas boiler with a heat pump in summer 2024. The result: a 2025 household energy bill of £16.98 for the entire year — including standing charges — against a UK average of over £145 a month.
This series documents the full journey: the chaos, the data, and the practical roadmap we wish we'd had from the start.
The story of how it all happened — chronologically, honestly, and with all the frustrating detours included. Dodgy installers, planning permission surprises, ceiling plasterboard ripped out the length of the house, and a deposit that nearly vanished. Covers every major change from the induction hob to the heat pump.
Once the dust settled, the numbers got crunched. Real data going back to 2017 covers tariffs, solar production, heating efficiency, EV running costs, monthly savings, and return on investment for each system. Spoiler: the smart immersion heater paid for itself in under a year.
The first full calendar year as a 100% electric household — through a cold January snap, a ridiculously sunny spring, and a gloomy autumn. Fresh 2025 stats, a heat pump SCOP of 3.43, and the accidental discovery that we'd have been in credit for the year if it weren't for the bioethanol fireplace.
The article written for anyone just starting out. The right order to do things (which is not the order we did them), a decision matrix, honest caveats, and a simple 3-question checklist to find your best first move. Includes a 2026 reality check on export rates, solar yields, and over £9,900 in cumulative savings.
All articles also published on Medium. Keen hear to feedback & experience.