pump:chic
pump:chic is a free web-based platform that lets UK homeowners "test drive" a heat pump before committing to installation. Users can place realistic 3D AR models of heat pump equipment in their own homes, listen to authentic sound recordings, and adjust their existing boiler to simulate heat pump heating. The platform also features AR models of real products from manufacturers like Ebac.
- Augmented & Virtual Reality
- Clean Technology
- Software Only
- Artificial Intelligence
- Energy
Funding
Founders
Founder details are not available yet.
Product
Problem
Homeowners considering a heat pump face a significant barrier: they have no way to experience what the technology looks, sounds, and feels like in their own home before committing to a costly installation. This uncertainty makes it difficult to choose the right system and reduces confidence in the decision to switch from a gas boiler.
Solution
pump:chic provides a free, web-based "test drive" that lets homeowners experience a heat pump in their own space. Using augmented reality on a smartphone or tablet, users can place realistic 3D models of heat pump equipment in their home, repositioning and resizing them to see how they would fit. The platform also offers audio recordings of a heat pump running at full capacity, with guidance on setting the correct volume, and instructions for adjusting a condensing combi boiler's flow temperature to simulate the gentle, continuous warmth of heat pump heating. This multi-sensory approach demystifies the technology and helps users make more informed decisions about installation, with additional resources and manufacturer-specific AR models available.
Target Audience
Primary users are UK homeowners who are curious about or actively considering switching from a gas boiler to a heat pump, as well as heat pump manufacturers and installers looking to showcase their products to potential customers.
Features
- Augmented reality tool that places 3D models of heat pump equipment in a user's home, with touch controls for repositioning, rotating, and resizing
- Audio library with heat pump sound recordings and instructions for setting the correct volume to simulate real-world conditions, including tips for using a Bluetooth speaker placed where the pump would be installed
- Step-by-step guide for adjusting a condensing combi boiler's flow temperature to mimic heat pump heating, including safety warnings about hot water tanks and guidance on thermostat timer adjustments
- AR models of real heat pump products from manufacturers like Ebac, with links to contact them directly
- Integration with social media platforms for sharing photos and videos of the AR experience
- Links to external resources including Nesta's boiler optimization guide, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and a home suitability tool