Key Points
- Qvantum’s QE Series exhaust air heat pumps installed at 172 Liverpool Road, Islington, a 12-apartment block in north London, by Baxter Heat Pumps, upgrading from another manufacturer’s systems.
- Case study focuses on a 125m² split-level three-bedroom property, showing 44% average reduction in energy use and operating costs from January to June 2025.
- Further five QE systems fitted after initial installation, with plans for rollout across the entire apartment block.
- QE available in 4kW and 6kW outputs, suitable for spaces up to 200m², providing heating, hot water, and ventilation.
- Modular design allows separation into two sections for easier handling and installation.
- Inverter-controlled with integrated accumulator tank/thermal battery for energy peak price shaving on hot water and heating.
- Common modular component in Qvantum’s domestic range; includes Flexready® technology for grid balancing via flex markets.
- Extracts energy from outgoing air; inverter adjusts to home demands minimising consumption; instant hot water via exchanger eliminates legionella risk.
- Homeowner Colin Allan reports monthly costs down to £111 from over £200, quiet operation, away mode, and comfort cooling.
- Simon Baxter of Baxter Heat Pumps praises engineering, tap water exchanger, software, and Qvantum support.
- Jimmy Walsh of SGH London Ltd notes minor teething issues but excellent support from Andy Robinson at Qvantum.
- Geoff Turton, After Sales Technical Director at Qvantum UK, highlights real-world performance and customer service.
- Optional QS accessory for further energy recovery ventilation.
IslingtonQvantum’s QE Series Heat Pumps Slash Resident Energy Bills by 44% (North London News) 14 January 2026 – Residents at 172 Liverpool Road in Islington are experiencing substantial reductions in energy consumption following the installation of Qvantum’s innovative QE Series exhaust air heat pumps. Baxter Heat Pumps upgraded the building’s existing systems from another manufacturer across the 12-apartment block, with data from a specific 125m² split-level three-bedroom property revealing an average 44% drop in energy use and costs over the first half of 2025. Five additional QE units have been installed since, and further expansions are planned throughout the property.
What Happened at 172 Liverpool Road in Islington?
Installation company Baxter Heat Pumps handled the upgrade of exhaust air systems at 172 Liverpool Road, a block comprising 12 apartments in Islington, north London. As detailed in reports from Modern Building Services, the project targeted replacing prior systems from an unnamed manufacturer. The primary case study centres on one 125m² split-level three-bedroom flat, where monitoring from January to June 2025 demonstrated clear efficiency gains.
Data from this period indicates an average 44% reduction in both energy use and operating costs for the homeowner, prompting swift action to fit five more QE systems. Plans now exist to extend installations across the remaining apartments in the block. Coverage in the ACR Journal and Energy Manager Magazine corroborates these developments, emphasising the retrofit’s success in a residential setting.
How Significant Are the Energy Savings for Residents?
The 44% reduction marks a pivotal outcome for the Islington property. Homeowner Colin Allan provided direct testimony, as reported by ACR Journal: “Running costs are greatly reduced and I can certainly say that 44% is an achievable figure. The cost over the last year has been £111 a month, which is down from £200-plus with the previous manufacturer, and that is running the system at a constant 20°C. It is remarkably quiet, and the away mode feature and the comfort cooling make it very user-friendly.”.
This equates to substantial annual savings amid rising energy prices in the UK. Energy Manager Magazine echoed this, noting the data’s basis in the first six months of 2025, with broader implications for similar north London buildings. Such figures position the QE Series as a viable solution for cost-conscious residents seeking sustainable upgrades.
What Features Make the QE Series Stand Out?
Available in 4kW and 6kW outputs, the QE Series functions as an energy-efficient exhaust air heat pump, delivering heating, hot water, and ventilation for spaces up to approximately 200m². Modern Building Services highlighted its modular design, which permits separation into two sections for simpler handling and installation.
The unit is inverter-controlled, featuring an integrated accumulator tank serving as a thermal battery to enable peak price shaving for hot water and heating demands. As explained in ACR Journal coverage, it extracts energy from outgoing air, with the inverter automatically modulating output to match home comfort needs, thereby minimising consumption.
Domestic hot water production occurs instantaneously using heat from the integrated tank via an exchanger, ensuring compliance with industry standards and eliminating legionella risks by avoiding stored potable water. Flexready® technology prepares the software and hardware for flex markets, aiding grid balancing efforts. It also serves as a modular component across Qvantum’s domestic product line, with optional QS accessory for enhanced energy recovery ventilation.
Who Is Involved in the Installation and Support?
Baxter Heat Pumps, based in Winchester, led the installation efforts. Simon Baxter of Baxter Heat Pumps commented in Energy Manager Magazine:
“The QE series is very well engineered. A key feature is that tap water does not come from the tank but is heated via an exchanger. Because of this you don’t have stored potable water and don’t have to worry about legionella or corrosion protection. The software is in a class of its own and you are taken through the installation step-by-step. Qvantum’s support is also superb – they have assembled a group that really enjoys providing service and taking care of its customers.”.
Jimmy Walsh, Project Manager at developer SGH London Ltd, shared with ACR Journal:
“While there were a few minor teething issues during installation, my experience with Andy Robinson at Qvantum has been excellent. He’s been incredibly attentive and quick to address any concerns we’ve raised, including multiple site visits to ensure the systems were properly set up.”.
Geoff Turton, After Sales Technical Director at Qvantum UK, stated in the same publication:
“We know first-hand just how impressive these units are but it’s always gratifying to see how they perform in the real world and the difference they can make. We always try to go the extra mile for our customers and the positive feedback regarding our support services is every bit as important as the performance of the equipment.”.
Why Does the QE Series Suit North London Apartments?
The QE’s design aligns well with urban residential constraints in areas like Islington. Its compact, modular nature facilitates retrofits in multi-apartment blocks without major disruptions, as evidenced at 172 Liverpool Road. Coverage across MODBS, ACR Journal, and Energy Manager Magazine underscores its applicability for properties up to 200m², common in north London conversions.
Inverter control and thermal battery features optimise performance amid variable UK weather and peak pricing, delivering consistent savings. The legionella-proof hot water system addresses health regulations, while Flexready® supports national net-zero goals by enabling grid flexibility. Baxter Heat Pumps’ nationwide service reinforces reliability for ongoing maintenance.
What Are the Broader Implications for UK Housing?
This Islington case study illustrates potential for widespread adoption of exhaust air heat pumps in UK apartments. With 44% savings verified in real-world use, it challenges reliance on traditional systems amid the drive towards decarbonisation. Qvantum’s product leaflet details versatile installation options, from all-in-one to standalone modules, suiting retrofits and new builds.
Stakeholder endorsements highlight seamless integration and support, potentially accelerating similar projects in north London boroughs like Camden or Brent. As energy costs persist, such technologies offer residents tangible financial relief while advancing sustainability. Further rollouts at the site signal growing confidence among installers and developers.
How Does the QE Compare to Other Heat Pumps?
Unlike ground or air source alternatives, the QE leverages exhaust air, ideal for apartments lacking outdoor space. Its integrated ventilation distinguishes it, providing comprehensive climate control. Simon Baxter noted superior engineering over previous systems, with no corrosion worries.
Colin Allan’s experience—from £200+ to £111 monthly—quantifies advantages in operating costs. Modular flexibility and inverter efficiency surpass rigid legacy units, as per Qvantum’s technical specs. Flexready® adds future-proofing absent in many competitors.
What’s Next for Qvantum Installations in London?
Plans at 172 Liverpool Road aim for full block coverage, building on the initial six-month success. Positive feedback from Jimmy Walsh suggests developer interest in scaling. Geoff Turton’s comments affirm Qvantum’s commitment to expansion.
Baxter Heat Pumps’ expertise positions them for more north London projects. With coverage in specialist outlets like MODBS and ACR Journal, awareness grows among housing managers. Potential for grants under UK heat pump schemes could drive further uptake.
