ALPHA BLOG

15 October 2025

Beyond the basics: Heat pump maintenance 101

Although heat pump systems are generally considered low maintenance, they do require some regular upkeep. Annual service checks are a good opportunity to ensure the heat pump system is working at its best while optimising its performance further and building customer trust. Going beyond the essentials, however, separates a good service from a great one. […]

By: Darran Smith

08 October 2025

Why Demand Side Response might not be all it’s cracked up to be

Demand Side Response (DSR) is a concept we’re hearing more and more about in the heating industry. The idea is simple: run your heating during off-peak tariff hours when electricity is cheaper, then let the home’s insulation carry that warmth through until the next “cheap” window comes around. On paper, it sounds like a smart […]

By: Darran Smith

12 September 2025

The Case for Hybrid Heating for Commercial Buildings

With 80% of today’s buildings still expected to be in use by 2050, decarbonisation is essential if the UK is to meet its net zero targets. The pressure is on businesses to adopt greener practices and it’s only increasing. Demands for energy efficiency Pressure is also mounting as government funding schemes, such as the Public […]

By: Daniel Wilden

05 September 2025

Five reasons hybrid heat pump systems are the future for boiler installers

The UK is at a crossroads when it comes to home heating. If the country is to meet its Net Zero targets, carbon emissions from domestic space heating must be eliminated by 2050. Yet around 85% of UK homes still rely on gas boilers, meaning 24 million households will need to make a change. For […]

By: Daniel Wilden

29 August 2025

Different boiler types explained

Choosing the right boiler for your home can be one of the most important (and expensive) decisions you make. It’s a balancing act between choosing one which is efficient, cost-friendly, and meets the need of your home. With a myriad of heating options, it helps to understand the different types of boilers available before making a […]

By: Darran Smith

18 August 2025

Hard to heat homes – modern solutions for improved efficiency

Did you know that the UK has some of the oldest and most diverse housing stock in Europe presenting a host of heating challenges with many homes classed as ‘hard to heat’. Installers and homeowners who encounter them will be familiar with the issues they present: Solid walls which make internal wall insulation difficult Antiquated […]

By: Daniel Wilden

08 August 2025

Meet the team – Getting to know Annette Murphy

This weeks’ meet the team interview is with Annette, who joins us as Area Sales Manager. With a rich background in sales, she already feels at home within the Alpha team. How did you start out in sales? Sales has always been close to my heart. My dad was a huge influence on me. He […]

By: Richard Eldridge

01 August 2025

Planning ahead for a smoother boiler replacement

Replacing a boiler is rarely a planned event, often it’s a reactive decision when something goes wrong. But with energy efficiency and low-carbon heating climbing the national agenda, now is the perfect time to take a more proactive approach. Even if your current boiler is still ticking along, thinking ahead can help you avoid disruption […]

By: Darran Smith

09 July 2025

When it comes to heat pumps, size really does matter

“I had a heat pump installed last year, and it’s still costing me more than my old gas boiler!” It is a common complaint from homeowners who expected lower bills but are paying more. Their frustration is understandable but often misdirected. Getting the right result all round depends on choosing the appropriately sized heat pump […]

By: Daniel Wilden

04 July 2025

Are heat pumps really LOUD?

What’s stopping you from upgrading to a heat pump? Maybe you’ve heard they’re noisy? “They’re as loud as a motorway during rush hour”. However, that’s not actually the case. It’s a common misconception that heat pumps are noisy appliances to have in your home. In truth, modern heat pumps such as the Alpha E-Tec Hybrid […]

By: Daniel Wilden

13 June 2025

Trusted reviews: how to choose the best boiler brand

Summer might not seem like the obvious time to be thinking about your boiler, but it’s an ideal time to plan ahead and make sure your home is winter-ready before the colder months are upon us. If your boiler only just made it through last winter, it might be time to consider an upgrade. While […]

By: James Owen

02 June 2025

Learning from Norway – the heat pump capital of Europe

Norway has become a global leader in the adoption of heat pumps, with over 60% of households now using them for home heating. This is quite a contrast to the UK who has a long way to go to meet its climate commitments of net zero by 2050. Heat pumps are an efficient form of […]

By: Daniel Wilden

27 May 2025

Celebrating 20 years of the condensing boiler

You might not pay much attention to your boiler. As long as it’s doing its job, why would you? So you might be surprised to find out just how far this household essential has evolved in recent years. The most dramatic change occurred in April 2005 after which time all new and replacement boilers had […]

By: Darran Smith

12 May 2025

Pumping up the heat pump uptake

The UK’s transition to low-carbon heating is accelerating. By 2040, at least half of UK homes will need a heat pump, requiring a significant increase in heat pump uptake from the current rate of 60,000 installations per year. By 2030, this figure must rise to 450,000 annually, and by 2035, it will need to reach […]

By: Daniel Wilden

16 April 2025

Meet the team – Jason Lewis returns in new position

As demand for Alpha heating products continues to grow, so does the team dedicated to helping customers on their journey. One key addition this year is Jason Lewis, who made his return to Alpha after a 16-year break. Jason has rejoined the company as Area Sales Manager for the South West region. We caught up […]

By: Richard Eldridge

28 March 2025

How to supercharge your clients renewable heating journey

Customer interest in heat pumps is growing but are you prepared to guide them towards the best system for their home? Choosing the right solution can make all the difference in efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings for your clients starting their renewable heating journey. Many homeowners are realising the benefits of renewable heating solutions as […]

By: Daniel Wilden

06 March 2025

Heat Pump vs. Hybrid – what’s the difference?

If you’re looking to make the switch to more sustainable, low carbon heating then heat pumps are probably what you’ve been researching the most. While they’re an ideal solution for moving toward ‘greener’ heating, many homeowners still have questions over whether heat pumps are right for their home. Of course, they’re not the only option […]

By: Daniel Wilden

28 February 2025

Is a hybrid system cheaper to run than a heat pump?

If you’re looking to switch to more sustainable heating, a heat pump is the natural consideration. However, one concern homeowners have is the cost to run them. Electricity is typically more expensive when compared to gas which fuels perceptions that heat pumps cost too much to run. While other factors such as level of insulation […]

By: Daniel Wilden

19 February 2025

Think your home isn’t heat pump ready? Think again…

You wouldn’t be alone in wondering whether your home is ready for a heat pump. In research carried out last year by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), over half of respondents (59%) said they lacked the necessary information to confidently switch to more sustainable heating systems. Navigating funding availability; understanding what’s involved in switching; […]

By: Daniel Wilden

Welcome to the Alpha blog

Heating your home or business is one of the most important investments you’ll make, and with technology evolving rapidly, it can be hard to know where to start.

Here we share practical advice to help homeowners and installers get the most from their heating systems. From maintenance tips and buying guides to industry news and energy-saving insights, our aim is to give you the knowledge you need to make informed heating choices.

Our content ranges from everyday tips on boiler care and reducing energy bills to in-depth looks at renewable heating solutions like heat pumps and hybrids. Whether you’re considering when to get a new boiler, learning how to buy a new one, or looking at whether you’re ready to switch to low-carbon alternatives, we’ve got you covered.

We also explore industry developments and policy changes that could affect how you heat your home in the years ahead. Our technical experts regularly share advice drawn from decades of experience, making this a trusted source for practical, reliable guidance.

Browse the articles to start your journey. And don’t forget to check back regularly – we’re always adding fresh content to keep you informed, inspired, and confident in your heating choices.

To see how Alpha solutions are already making a difference, explore our case studies where we showcase real examples of households and businesses embracing efficient, future-ready heating. For company announcements and industry updates, head over to our news section.

Browse our product range