Mr Wilkes wanted to escape rising gas prices and become more energy independent.
He installed a heat pump, solar panels and a home battery, which have transformed both his bills and his comfort.
Since switching to the new system, he has been saving over £250 a month.
The setup now provides his heating, hot water and even powers two electric cars, dramatically reducing his reliance on the grid.
He said the change has made his home warmer than it ever was before. “Our heat pump heats our home better than our gas boiler ever did. My only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner.”
The savings come just as households across Britain face another rise in the energy price cap. While millions are bracing for higher costs, Mr Wilkes believes his story shows how people can regain control of their energy use.
He said: "I really wanted to get rid of our gas boiler, considering the rise in gas prices.
"Getting a heat pump installed seemed the perfect option as we now have zero gas appliances. Octopus helped us eliminate our gas meter, which has been a massive cost saver.”
This Octopus Energy customer saved nearly £300 monthly on his energy bills.
|Octopus Energy
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The Sittingbourne resident said the technology gives him visibility and control over his household energy use.
He continued: "The amount of information you get through the website regarding what you use and when is great. I can adjust my thermostat based on the temperature outside.
"Over the past few weeks, I have been slowly lowering the flow temperature on the heat pump to make it more efficient while keeping the house at the perfect temperature.”
Recent hot weather has meant even bigger savings.
Mr Wilkes said the biggest benefit was being supplied with cheap heating from a green source
|Octopus Energy
“Thanks to the solar panels and the home battery, I have paid virtually nothing this summer for heating and hot water,” he said.
He praised the engineers who installed the system and said the process was far less complicated than many think.
“The engineers were brilliant. They talked me through the whole process, so I felt involved every step of the way. The installation was seamless, and nothing to worry about. Their work was impeccable."
Despite these running cost savings, it’s worth acknowledging that the average installation cost for an air source heat pump in the UK is approximately £6,500 to £11,500, including VAT and labour, but this can vary significantly based on your property and required work.
The average cost for a solar panel installation in the UK is roughly £6,100 to £7,500, though this can vary significantly based on the size of the system, whether a battery is included, and your specific property.
Mr Wilkes dismissed many of the adverse claims often made about heat pumps. “The myths about heat pumps are a load of rubbish. Mine works better than my gas boiler ever did.”
The financial difference has been stark. “The heat pump and solar have already paid off. My average monthly cost is now one hundred and twenty-eight pounds for electricity.
Britons could save money on energy bills | GETTY With the battery, we often export double what we are using.”
For him, the most significant win is not just financial. “The biggest benefit is knowing I am getting cheap heating from a green source and no longer relying on fossil fuels in my home.
"The products and apps give you full visibility and ownership. You become a student of your energy, and the savings speak for themselves.”