When Nijmegen neighbours Joost van Berkel and Piet Hieltjes wanted hybrid heat pumps, aesthetics posed a problem: most outdoor units would detract from their 1930s homes. They found an excellent alternative in Blackbird. They looked beyond appearance, and Blackbird also offered the best performance. Their first winter felt uncertain, but the Weheat heat pump has now earned their complete trust.

Tackling sustainability together

A neighbourhood group on Joost and Piet’s street focuses on sustainability. “We meet regularly to exchange experiences on insulation and solar panels, and have even considered a neighbourhood battery,” Joost explains. His approximately 180 m² semi-detached home has double glazing throughout and received cavity-wall insulation following an energy expert’s visit.

Joost: “Considering the next step, I tried the 50-degree test discussed in our group: lower the boiler temperature and see whether the home stays warm enough for a heat pump. Ours did. Our large traditional radiators hold plenty of water and proved suitable for low-temperature heating. With our boiler due for replacement, I explored a hybrid system.” Initially, conventional outdoor units’ appearance held him back.

He heard about an attractive alternative: a black, horizontal monobloc that would fit neatly on the kitchen extension at the rear. “This was the Blackbird from Weheat. Its outdoor unit suited our 1930s home’s character. It also had enough capacity for a relatively large home, limiting boiler assistance on colder days. Especially with ISDE subsidy, it was affordable too.”

The planet’s future

When Joost shared his decision with the group, Piet, further along the street, saw an opportunity for his own 160 m² linked house, whose boiler also needed replacing. “Sustainability matters greatly to me,” Piet says. “Of course I consider costs and payback, but the future of the planet and my grandchildren matters at least as much.”

Fast delivery

Both neighbours praise the installation. Piet: “Skilled professionals fitted and commissioned the heat pump in less than a day, then cleaned up and left everything tidy.”

Joost is equally pleased, though his installation took longer. “Nearly two days, partly because of a difficult pipe route and thermostat synchronisation. Everything, including the small unit beside the high-efficiency boiler in the cellar, shows real craftsmanship.”

“Of course I consider costs and payback, but the future of the planet and my grandchildren matters at least as much.” – Piet Hieltjes

Passing the winter test

The Blackbird has now been running for over six months in both homes and passed January’s winter test with flying colours. Joost: “The first frost was nerve-racking, but it worked brilliantly. Even at –7°C, the boiler stayed off and the house remained comfortable. Blackbird should provide enough capacity down to –10°C, and I trust it completely.” Comfort is excellent, and gas use has dropped dramatically.

Gas use fell by nearly 70% in both homes. Electricity use naturally increased, but solar panels largely cover it. Neither Joost nor Piet regrets choosing Weheat. “Our experiences have been almost entirely positive. I would not be surprised if other neighbours soon make the same choice.”

Smart sustainability starts with good advice

All Weheat heat pumps are all-electric ready , making your system future-ready and able to operate without a boiler later. Starting hybrid is an excellent choice if you want to reduce emissions now without changing the entire installation. What is smartest for you? Start with good advice. Check your savings and discover the possibilities for your home.