“With the upcoming switch from R32 refrigerant to propane, choosing the right system is challenging,” says Maarten Kemps, installation project manager at Feenstra in Eindhoven. “The choice of affordable propane heat pumps is still limited.” The search for alternatives also brought the Flint from Weheat into consideration.

As a service partner, Feenstra is closely involved in housing associations’ installation choices. “You start with a multi-year budget,” Kemps explains. “Systems last around 18 years before replacement. Together with the association, we develop a plan and assess the best option: replace gas boilers or switch to sustainable heat pump systems.” Once that decision is made, they identify the most suitable brand and model. “Total cost of ownership is crucial. It includes not only purchase costs but maintenance time and costs too.”

A limited number of brands and models

Choosing gas boiler brands is straightforward, says Kemps. Feenstra has long-term contracts with several major established brands. “Sustainable systems are different. There are more than 200 heat pump brands, each with its own background and range. Our policy is to propose only a limited number of brands and models to housing associations. You do not want technicians constantly facing different devices and technology.”

Feenstra has actively explored new options over the past year. “Partly because changing refrigerant rules require it. There are many R32 heat pumps, but we want to switch to propane as soon as possible.” This formed the starting point for selecting available models. Kemps: “Alongside refrigerant, quality, overall cost and ease of maintenance are crucial. For total cost of ownership, effective remote monitoring and control can minimise service time.” Another factor is parts availability through regular wholesalers. “If customers have no heating, we need to help them the same day.”

First pilot project

While identifying propane heat pumps meeting these criteria, Feenstra spoke with Weheat. “This manufacturer develops interesting heat pumps with smart software, has solid financial backing and, conveniently for us, is based nearby. Good support, clear information and easy contact inspire confidence.” Kemps’ team therefore proposed Weheat’s Flint for an Eindhoven pilot (see box) and suggested it to other Feenstra branches as an alternative for housing association projects. “If the pilot goes well, the Flint gives us another high-quality, cost-effective heat pump option using a future-ready refrigerant.”

Housing association Woonbedrijf in Eindhoven

Together with installation partner Feenstra, a sustainability project involving 40 housing association homes has chosen a hybrid system using the Flint. “As a relative newcomer, Weheat stands out for innovative products,” says Bart van Ostaden, property adviser at Woonbedrijf, which manages 35,000 homes around Eindhoven. “They make smart devices with a future-ready refrigerant and extensive remote-management options. That last point matters greatly to us because it reduces on-site maintenance, saving costs and disruption for residents. Having the manufacturer nearby also means genuinely short lines of communication. Combined with a reasonable price, these factors convinced us to choose the Flint.” This is Woonbedrijf’s first Flint pilot, but Van Ostaden sees potential to expand depending on its progress. “We would welcome discussions with Weheat and our installation partners.”

Read here the most frequently asked questions about the Weheat Flint.

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