The first Sparrow went into a renovated farmhouse in Best, Brabant, whose owner wanted to replace a gas boiler with an all-electric heat pump. The pitched thatched roof required a unit positioned against the façade. “The horizontal Blackbird from Weheat was therefore not an option,” says co-owner Jan Janssen. “Together with the resident, we chose Sparrow, whose 9 kW at A7/W35 comfortably meets this property’s needs.”

Appearance mattered to the residents. Janssen: “A heat pump must suit an older farmhouse’s character. Sparrow is also highly energy-efficient and sustainable in its materials, using propane and fully recyclable EPP. We strongly prefer Weheat because experience shows how innovative its heat pumps are.”

No isolation switch needed‍

Janssen points to the special connector on the Sparrow and Blackbird. “It lets you disconnect power directly during installation. Other heat pumps require an isolation switch first, taking extra time. It is a useful detail for installers.” He also values 4G communication with the portal. “We can read temperatures and pressures and adjust remotely. It saved time in Best and works perfectly.”

For physical installation, Janssen values the fact that monoblocs from Weheat use sustainable lightweight EPP rather than sheet-steel casings. “Larger monoblocs from other brands weigh at least 170 kg, even with R32 rather than propane. That requires a crane, and roof installations need structural checks. Sparrow’s roughly 70 kg weight makes it much easier to handle.”

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Independent installer‍

Janssen Braber is independent and also installs other brands. “If a homeowner has a strong preference, we respect it. The customer comes first,” Janssen says.

“We always give objective advice focused on the customer’s best outcome. In Best, we explained that Weheat offered the best technical capabilities, appearance and value relative to quality and capacity. The owner agreed and is extremely satisfied. Both sides benefit: the customer gets optimum heating and cooling, while we install a system that is easy to fit and service.”

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The residents’ experience‍

Resident Paul Kastelein explains that the ageing boiler prompted the gas-free upgrade. “We wanted to improve comfort sustainably, and a heat pump makes that possible. We no longer wait for hot tap water; it comes straight from the cylinder.” After several months, Sparrow had not yet faced heating season. “It already warms the floor easily and heats the house without difficulty. We will see its full performance in freezing weather, but trust it completely, especially after our insulation improvements.”

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For the same reason, Kastelein cannot yet accurately estimate the energy savings the Sparrow will deliver. “September’s initial COP results are impressive, but we need winter for the full picture.” Weheat’s climate-chamber tests show strong winter comfort and efficiency. After three months, Kastelein is very satisfied.

“The system is excellent for comfort and noise. It stands against the façade, away from neighbours, and neither we nor they hear it. Indoors, we only notice it slightly with the kitchen window open in summer.”