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JLN Plumbing & Heating in the Financial Times: heat pumps & decarbonisation
JLN Plumbing & Heating featured in the Financial Times
JLN Plumbing & Heating was recently featured in the Financial Times, after director James Lacey accompanied the paper’s chief editor Leyla Bourton on visits to two customer homes in the West Midlands. The piece examined how householders are responding to rising and volatile energy costs and explored the practical steps that make the transition from fossil fuels to renewables work in real homes.
Why the Financial Times visited JLN Plumbing & Heating
The Financial Times sought an installer who could give a technically credible, honest account of heat pumps and household decarbonisation. With nearly two decades specialising in renewable heating and accreditations from Heat Geek, Vaillant, Octopus Energy and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), JLN was invited to demonstrate how carefully scoped work can deliver reliable, low-carbon heating.
What the FT wanted to see
The reporter wanted to understand how homeowners can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while managing running costs and disruption. That meant seeing real surveys, heat-loss assessments and whole-home plans rather than one-off installations — the exact approach JLN applies routinely.
Visit one: Bubbenhall — a 1970s detached home
The first property was a four-bedroom detached house in Bubbenhall, south of Coventry. The owners, Suzie and James Edwards, had already decided to move away from oil heating as oil prices rose sharply, and asked JLN to assess the right path forward.
James carried out a full heat-loss assessment and proposed a package combining an air source heat pump with double glazing and upgraded radiators. The combined approach focused on reducing heat loss across the building fabric and matching the heating system to the home’s specific needs. JLN’s calculations showed the planned improvements would bring projected annual electricity costs down by more than £600, demonstrating the value of a properly designed installation.
This visit showcased a key principle: successful decarbonisation is about system design rather than simply swapping one heat source for another.
Visit two: Arts and Crafts home in Birmingham
The second visit was to a newly acquired five-bedroom Arts and Crafts house in Birmingham. The owners were weighing whether a heat pump would be appropriate for their newly purchased property.
James conducted a detailed room-by-room heat-loss survey and concluded the property needed loft and wall insulation before a heat pump could be recommended. Without that insulation work the heat pump would be forced to work harder, increasing running costs and reducing system effectiveness. JLN recommended completing the insulation improvements first, then proceeding with a heat pump installation once the property’s fabric was ready — at a net cost of £8,650 after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
That pragmatic, staged approach illustrates how careful surveying prevents under‑specified systems and avoids unhappy customers down the line.
Getting installations right matters
James emphasises that many negative stories about heat pumps stem from poor installation: systems that are under-specified, installations that skip or shortcut heat-loss calculations, and engineers without specialist heat-pump training. JLN’s investment in training — including accreditation from Heat Geek, the industry's gold standard for heat pump installer excellence — and in robust surveying processes is intended to prevent those failures.
When a heat pump is properly designed and installed, it performs well. When it is not, homeowners shoulder the consequences. That distinction was central to the FT coverage and underlines why homeowners should choose an installer with proven expertise and the right accreditations.
Thinking about a heat pump? Start with the right survey
Whether you are researching options or ready to book a survey, the starting point is the same: a thorough, room-by-room heat-loss assessment and a whole-house plan. JLN covers Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands, bringing the same attention to detail to every home.
- Comprehensive surveys: identify insulation, glazing and radiator upgrades needed to make a heat pump work efficiently.
- Staged installations: prioritise fabric improvements where required, then fit the heat pump to suit the upgraded home.
- Accredited expertise: choose installers with industry-recognised qualifications and a track record of high-quality work.
To discuss a heat pump for your home, request a survey or learn more about our services, get in touch with the JLN team. We can explain what to expect, outline potential grant support, and provide a tailored quote.
Further reading and next steps
Explore our dedicated heat pump services to understand the survey and installation process in more detail, or contact us to book a free quotation and survey:
For background on our approach, accreditations and company history, visit our About us page or ask about our service plans when you enquire.
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