Getting ready
for Leeds PIPES

Page Header Getting Ready

New buildings are regularly connecting to the Leeds PIPES heat network so that more residents in the city can enjoy the benefits of reliable, affordable, low carbon heat and hot water. If you live or work in a building that is soon to be connected to the network then here’s everything that you need to know.

How does the connection
process work?

The majority of the installation work will take place outside of your home and within the communal areas of your apartment block. External pipework will be made secure by being boxed in. You won’t be able to see it after the installation is complete.

We will need to access your home for approximately 2 days to replace your heating system. During this time we’ll disconnect your old heating system and carry out the following work in your home:

01.

Your existing heating system will be disconnected and made safe. If your property has electric storage heaters these will be removed and recycled.

 

 

02.

A new Heat Interface Unit (HIU), our vThermae HIU, will be installed in your property. This will connect to the incoming district heating system and provide you with instant heat and hot water. It’s about the same size as a combi-boiler.

03.

We’ll install new radiators with thermostatic control and new internal pipework to connect everything up. Our vPro2 Smart Meter display will also be installed. This allows you to easily control your heating, monitor your heat usage, and top-up your pay-as-you-go credit account (if applicable).

 

04.

Once you have been connected to Leeds PIPES, you must contact your electricity provider and ask them to switch you from an ‘Economy 7’ (if you are on one) to a ‘Standard’ tariff to avoid being overcharged for electricity. This is because ‘Economy 7’ tariffs charge a premium for any electricity used by your new heating system during the day.

Benefits of living on Leeds PIPES

Thousands of residents across Leeds are already enjoying the benefits of living in a home connected to the Leeds PIPES heat network.

Read more about the benefits here
Leeds RERF Image

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my council apartment block being connected to Leeds PIPES?

Leeds City Council is connecting many council housing blocks to the Leeds PIPES heat network to help residents save money, replace inefficient and expiring heating systems, cut the city’s carbon footprint and improve local air quality.

Will I be charged for this work?

Council tenants in connected buildings will receive a free installation of the new heating system at no charge and we will work hard to minimise any temporary disruption caused.

Can I refuse to have the work carried out in my property?

Council tenants are required to accept their home’s connection to the district heating network. The council may have identified your existing systems as expensive to run and beyond economical repair. The new Leeds PIPES heating system will provide more efficient and reliable heat to your property. Private leaseholders in connected council buildings can choose to delay or decline a connection to the scheme if they wish.

Where will the radiators be positioned in my property?

We will discuss and agree your individual needs before we begin installation work in your property. We will also explain the most optimal position for radiators in your property—this is generally located under windows.

Does the district heating system affect the electric shower within my property?

No. The district heating system does not impact your electric shower arrangement.

How will I control the temperature of my property after connecting?

You will be able to control your heating via an easy to use wall-mounted room thermostat that we will install within your property. We will show you how to use it as part of the installation process.

Can I change heating provider after the Leeds PIPES heating system has been installed?

No. The Leeds PIPES network has been delivered by Vital Energi, in partnership with Leeds City Council. You will be charged by Vital Energi for the amount of heat and hot water that you use, based on a price set by Leeds City Council.

You will still be able to choose your electricity provider after connecting in the same way as you currently can. However, it is important to make sure that you are not using an Economy 7 or Economy 10 electricity tariff after district heating has been installed to avoid being overcharged.

Our customers

Around 2,000 homes, commercial and public buildings have already connected. Hear their stories here…

Find out more
Team