Based on looking at the website iceenergy.co.uk, it’s immediately clear that this isn’t an active business in the conventional sense. The site explicitly states that “Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd has been placed into liquidation.” This critical piece of information dictates the entire review. Essentially, you’re not reviewing an operational service, but rather a defunct company’s legacy site, which now serves as a signpost to an alternative provider, Alto Energy Limited.
Overall Review Summary:
- Website Status: Defunct company, in liquidation since February 2017.
- Purpose of Website: Provides information for former Ice Energy customers and directs new enquiries to Alto Energy Limited.
- Operational Services: None directly offered by Ice Energy.
- Customer Support: Redirects to Alto Energy for heat pump services, maintenance, and new enquiries.
- Financial Claims: Directs customers with claims (e.g., lost deposits) to Critchleys LLP, the appointed liquidator.
- Ethical Standing: While the company itself is defunct, the provision of clear information and redirection to a successor company (Alto Energy) for ongoing support and a liquidator for claims demonstrates a level of responsibility in handling the winding-down process, which is commendable from an ethical standpoint. However, the initial failure of the business is a concern.
This website is not a typical active e-commerce or service provider. It functions purely as an informational portal explaining the cessation of Ice Energy’s operations and guiding users to relevant third parties. For anyone seeking heat pump solutions, iceenergy.co.uk is not the place to start. Its primary value is in informing existing customers about the liquidation and pointing them towards alternative support.
Best Alternatives for Heat Pumps and Energy Solutions in the UK:
Since Ice Energy is no longer operational, focusing on viable, ethical alternatives for heat pump solutions is crucial. When seeking out energy efficiency options, it’s always best to partner with reputable companies that offer transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and strong warranties. Here are some of the top ethical alternatives for heat pumps and related energy solutions in the UK:
|
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for Iceenergy.co.uk Review Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
-
- Key Features: UK distributor for IVT Heat Pumps, offering ground source and air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and technical support. They are explicitly recommended by the defunct Ice Energy site.
- Price or Average Price: Varies significantly based on system type, size, and installation complexity. Typically, heat pump installations can range from £8,000 to £18,000 or more, often with government grants available.
- Pros: Specialises in heat pump technology, direct link from the defunct Ice Energy site, offering continuity for former customers.
- Cons: Less diversified than some larger energy service providers.
-
- Key Features: A global leader in heating and cooling solutions, Daikin offers a wide range of air-to-water heat pumps suitable for various property sizes and heating needs. Known for innovation and energy efficiency.
- Price or Average Price: Product costs range from £3,000 – £7,000 for the unit, with installation costs varying.
- Pros: Established brand with a strong reputation, extensive product range, high efficiency ratings, good warranty support.
- Cons: Installation typically requires a certified Daikin installer, which might limit choice in some areas.
-
- Key Features: Offers Ecodan air source heat pumps, a popular choice in the UK for both new builds and retrofits. Focuses on quiet operation, high efficiency, and smart controls.
- Price or Average Price: Unit prices are comparable to Daikin, with total installed costs ranging from £9,000 – £16,000.
- Pros: Reliable technology, strong brand presence, excellent after-sales support, widely available through certified installers.
- Cons: Initial investment can be substantial, though long-term savings often outweigh this.
-
- Key Features: A well-known name in heating, Vaillant offers aroTHERM plus air source heat pumps, designed for high performance and low noise. They also provide comprehensive system packages.
- Price or Average Price: Similar to other premium brands, with unit prices around £4,000 – £8,000, and full installations ranging significantly.
- Pros: Reputable European manufacturer, known for reliability and efficiency, good installer network across the UK.
- Cons: May require specific system design considerations for optimal performance.
-
- Key Features: A Swedish manufacturer specialising in heat pumps and sustainable energy solutions. Offers a broad portfolio including ground source, air source, and exhaust air heat pumps.
- Price or Average Price: Variable, often considered a premium option, with typical installed costs aligning with other high-end systems.
- Pros: Strong focus on renewable energy, high-quality products, robust and durable systems.
- Cons: Might have a smaller installer base compared to more mainstream brands in the UK.
-
- Key Features: Widely recognised for boilers, Worcester Bosch also offers effective air source heat pumps, integrating seamlessly with their broader heating solutions.
- Price or Average Price: Competitive pricing, often benefiting from existing relationships with installers. Installed costs can be in the £8,000 – £15,000 range.
- Pros: Very strong UK presence and brand recognition, extensive installer network, comprehensive customer support.
- Cons: While good, their heat pump range might not be as extensive as dedicated heat pump specialists.
-
- Key Features: Not a manufacturer, but a valuable resource. This platform helps connect consumers with certified, local MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited installers for various renewable technologies, including heat pumps.
- Price or Average Price: No direct pricing; connects users to installers for quotes.
- Pros: Facilitates finding reputable local installers, provides information on grants and funding, helps ensure professional installation standards.
- Cons: Not a product provider, simply a directory; requires individual due diligence on selected installers.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
[ratemypost]
iceenergy.co.uk Review & First Look
When you land on iceenergy.co.uk, the immediate impression is one of clarity regarding its current state. The website doesn’t try to hide anything; its central message is that “Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd has been placed into liquidation.” This directness is both a pro and a con. It’s a pro because it saves users from wasting time trying to engage with a non-operational entity. It’s a con because, well, the company is no longer in business. The site serves as a digital tombstone, offering critical information for former customers and a clear redirection path for new inquiries.
Understanding the Liquidation Status
The website clearly outlines the timeline and key entities involved in the liquidation process. It states that “All staff at Ice Energy were made redundant at the end of January and Critchleys LLP was appointed as liquidator at a creditors meeting held on the 27th February 2017.” This provides concrete dates and names, which is crucial for anyone trying to understand the situation or pursue a claim. The transparency about the liquidation date (February 2017) indicates that this is not a recent development but a long-standing status, which helps contextualise why the site is purely informational.
The Role of Alto Energy Limited
For new enquiries or existing customers needing support, the website explicitly directs them to Alto Energy Limited. It states, “Following Ice Energy’s demise, Alto Energy Limited is now the UK distributor for IVT Heat Pumps.” This is a significant point, as it provides a clear pathway for continuity of service or new project development. The inclusion of direct links to Alto Energy’s website for various services – ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and general technical support – streamlines the process for users. This redirection mechanism is highly beneficial, preventing potential customers from being left in a lurch.
Addressing Financial Claims
Perhaps one of the most critical pieces of information on the site is the guidance for customers who “lost money” or placed deposits with Ice Energy. The website advises, “Any customers that placed deposits with Ice Energy, or have any other type of claim, should direct this claim to Critchleys in the first instance.” It even provides a full postal address for Andy Lloyd at Critchleys LLP. This demonstrates a responsible approach to a difficult situation, ensuring that those with financial grievances know exactly where to turn. This level of detail is often missing from defunct company websites, making this a positive aspect of iceenergy.co.uk’s current incarnation.
iceenergy.co.uk Pros & Cons
Given that iceenergy.co.uk represents a defunct company, its “pros” and “cons” differ significantly from a review of an active business. Here, we’re assessing its effectiveness as a transitional information portal. Ashfordps.co.uk Review
Pros: Clarity and Direction
The primary advantage of iceenergy.co.uk is its unwavering clarity. There’s no ambiguity about the company’s status. The very first line of prominent text informs visitors of the liquidation, preventing any false hopes or wasted time. This transparency is a rare and commendable trait for a company that has ceased operations. Furthermore, the site acts as an excellent signposting mechanism, directing former customers to Alto Energy for ongoing technical support and new customers for product enquiries. This redirection to a viable successor is a crucial service, ensuring that existing installations don’t become unsupported orphans. The inclusion of specific contact details for the liquidator (Critchleys LLP) for financial claims is also a significant “pro,” offering a clear pathway for grievance resolution. This detail is often overlooked by companies in liquidation, leaving customers frustrated and in the dark.
Cons: A Defunct Business
The overarching “con” is, of course, that Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd is no longer operational. This means the website offers no active services, no new sales, and no direct customer support. Visitors looking for a new heat pump solution cannot engage with Ice Energy directly. The site essentially serves as a historical record of a failed business, which, while informative, doesn’t provide current commercial utility. For those unfamiliar with the company’s history, landing on this page might initially cause confusion before the liquidation notice registers. The absence of a “live” business also means there are no active customer reviews or service metrics to evaluate, which would be standard for an operational company.
iceenergy.co.uk Alternatives
Since iceenergy.co.uk is a website for a liquidated company, the discussion of alternatives is paramount. Instead of reviewing a current service, the focus shifts to finding reliable and ethical providers for heat pump solutions in the UK. When considering alternatives, it’s crucial to look for companies with strong track records, robust customer support, and a commitment to quality installations. The market for heat pumps in the UK is growing rapidly, driven by environmental concerns and government incentives, meaning there are many reputable options available.
Leading Manufacturers and Installers in the UK
The UK heat pump market is populated by both global manufacturing giants and local, expert installers. For a comprehensive approach, it’s often best to look at established manufacturers who have a strong presence and support network in the UK, alongside reputable installers who can design, install, and maintain these systems. The alternatives listed previously – like Alto Energy, Daikin UK, Mitsubishi Electric UK, Vaillant UK, NIBE Energy Systems, and Worcester Bosch – represent the cream of the crop. These companies offer various heat pump technologies, including air source, ground source, and in some cases, exhaust air heat pumps, catering to diverse property types and energy demands.
Importance of MCS Accreditation
When choosing an alternative, it’s absolutely vital to ensure that any installer you consider is MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited. MCS is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers. It ensures that the heat pump system is installed to a high standard and, critically, makes you eligible for government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Without MCS accreditation, you risk not only a potentially substandard installation but also missing out on significant financial support. The Renewable Energy Hub is an excellent resource for finding MCS-certified installers in your area. Premiumheatingandplumbing.co.uk Review
Comprehensive Service and Support
Beyond just the initial installation, consider the long-term support. Reputable alternatives will offer:
- Detailed Site Surveys: Crucial for designing an optimally sized and efficient system for your property.
- Transparent Quotations: Clear breakdown of costs, including unit, installation, and any ancillary works.
- Warranty and Guarantees: Robust warranties on both the heat pump unit and the installation itself. Look for manufacturers offering 5-10 year warranties on components and installers guaranteeing their workmanship for a similar period.
- Aftercare and Maintenance Packages: Heat pumps, like any heating system, benefit from regular servicing to maintain efficiency and prolong lifespan.
- Guidance on Grants and Incentives: A good installer will guide you through the process of applying for government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides upfront capital to help with the cost of installing air source or ground source heat pumps.
How to Handle iceenergy.co.uk Related Enquiries
Given that Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd is in liquidation, traditional methods of engagement with the company are no longer applicable. The website iceenergy.co.uk itself serves as the primary resource for handling enquiries related to its former operations. It’s a critical hub that directs users to the appropriate channels for various types of queries.
For Existing Ice Energy Heat Pump Customers
If you were an existing customer of Ice Energy and require maintenance, servicing, or general technical advice on your installed heat pump, the website unequivocally states: “Alto Energy Limited is now the UK distributor for IVT Heat Pumps.” Therefore, all support enquiries should be directed to Alto Energy. The Ice Energy website provides direct links to Alto Energy’s technical support pages and offers a contact form that will send a message directly to Alto Energy. This is the correct and only avenue for continuing support for an existing Ice Energy system.
For New Heat Pump Enquiries
For individuals who were considering Ice Energy for a new ground source heat pump, air source heat pump, or underfloor heating project, the guidance is the same: “you should direct your enquiry to Alto Energy in the first instance.” The website links directly to Alto Energy’s services pages, encouraging new customers to explore their offerings. Since Ice Energy is defunct, Alto Energy is positioned as the successor for new business inquiries related to IVT Heat Pumps. This ensures that potential customers are not left without a viable option for their heating needs.
For Customers Who Lost Money or Have Claims
This is perhaps the most sensitive type of enquiry. The Ice Energy website provides clear instructions for customers who “placed deposits with Ice Energy, or have any other type of claim.” Such claims must be directed to Critchleys LLP, the appointed liquidator. The website provides the full postal address for Critchleys LLP, specifying “FAO Andy Lloyd,” which is crucial for ensuring the claim reaches the correct person within the liquidation process. It’s important to understand that the liquidator’s role is to wind down the company’s affairs, realise its assets, and distribute them to creditors in accordance with legal priority. This means there’s a formal process for lodging claims, and it’s essential to follow the liquidator’s instructions precisely. Further information on company liquidations and creditor claims can often be found on the GOV.UK website or through professional insolvency practitioners. Shopperdisc.co.uk Review
Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd: What Happened?
The story of Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd serves as a stark reminder of the challenges businesses face, even in growing sectors like renewable energy. The website itself succinctly explains the company’s fate: “Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd has been placed into liquidation.” This wasn’t a voluntary closure or a strategic pivot; it was a formal insolvency process.
The Liquidation Process Explained
Liquidation, in simple terms, is the process by which a company is brought to an end, and its assets are converted into cash to pay off its creditors. The Ice Energy website specifies that “Critchleys LLP was appointed as liquidator at a creditors meeting held on the 27th February 2017.” This date signifies the formal commencement of the liquidation. When a company enters liquidation, its directors’ powers cease, and the liquidator takes control of its affairs. The primary duty of the liquidator is to identify and gather all the company’s assets, investigate its financial dealings leading up to insolvency, and then distribute the proceeds to creditors in a statutory order of priority. This process ensures that, where possible, debts are settled and the company’s existence is formally terminated.
Impact on Staff and Operations
The website also highlights the immediate human impact: “All staff at Ice Energy were made redundant at the end of January.” This indicates a complete cessation of operations prior to the formal appointment of the liquidator. For employees, this is a difficult and immediate consequence of business failure. For customers, it means that direct operational support from Ice Energy ceased abruptly, necessitating the redirection to Alto Energy for ongoing technical assistance and new enquiries. The suddenness of such an event can often leave customers in a state of uncertainty, which the Ice Energy website attempts to mitigate by providing clear guidance.
Lessons from Business Failure in Renewable Energy
The collapse of Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd, despite operating in a sector with increasing demand for sustainable solutions, underscores that market potential alone doesn’t guarantee success. Factors such as financial management, operational efficiency, competition, supply chain issues, and even broader economic climate can all contribute to a company’s demise. For consumers, this highlights the importance of choosing installers and manufacturers with strong financial health, a long trading history, and robust customer support mechanisms to ensure continuity of service and warranty validity. Researching a company’s financial stability, reviewing their public filings (if available), and checking industry accreditations (like MCS) can provide greater peace of mind when investing in significant home improvements like heat pump installations.
iceenergy.co.uk and Ethical Considerations
From an ethical standpoint, the iceenergy.co.uk website, despite representing a defunct company, largely acts in a responsible manner. Its current function is to provide clear, actionable information, which is a significant ethical consideration in times of business failure. Handyprints.co.uk Review
Transparency in Liquidation
One of the most crucial ethical aspects of the iceenergy.co.uk website is its transparency regarding the liquidation. It doesn’t attempt to obscure the fact that the company is no longer trading. Instead, it openly declares the company’s status, the date of liquidation, and the appointed liquidator. This level of honesty is commendable. In contrast, many defunct company websites simply disappear or remain online without any informative updates, leaving customers and stakeholders confused and unsupported. By being upfront, iceenergy.co.uk helps manage expectations and directs individuals to the correct channels, minimising frustration.
Providing Clear Pathways for Support and Claims
The website’s explicit redirection of former customers to Alto Energy for technical support and new enquiries is a strong ethical gesture. It acknowledges the ongoing needs of its customer base even after cessation of business. This ensures that vital services like maintenance and technical advice for existing heat pump installations are not left without a provider. Similarly, the clear instructions and contact details for lodging financial claims with Critchleys LLP (the liquidator) demonstrate a commitment to facilitating the resolution of outstanding debts or deposits. This proactive approach to guiding individuals through a potentially complex post-liquidation landscape aligns with ethical business conduct, even in winding down.
Absence of Misleading Information
Crucially, the website avoids any misleading sales pitches or suggestions that Ice Energy is still active. There are no attempts to solicit new business directly or to make promises that cannot be fulfilled. The content is purely informational, focusing on guiding users to the appropriate successor or authority. This adherence to factual reporting, without embellishment, is a cornerstone of ethical online presence, particularly for a business in this sensitive state. While the initial failure of the company might have raised questions, the current website’s ethical framework for managing the aftermath is generally positive.
Future of Heat Pumps and Energy Efficiency in the UK
The liquidation of Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd, while unfortunate for the company, does not diminish the strong growth trajectory and critical importance of heat pump technology and energy efficiency in the UK. The government’s ambitious net-zero targets and increasing consumer awareness of climate change and energy costs are driving significant investment and innovation in this sector.
Government Targets and Incentives
The UK government is pushing strongly for the widespread adoption of heat pumps as a key technology to decarbonise heating in homes and businesses. Targets include installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028. This ambition is supported by various initiatives: Absoluteyogaandpilates.co.uk Review
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): Offers grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing air source or ground source heat pumps in England and Wales. This scheme is a significant incentive for homeowners to make the switch.
- VAT Reduction: A temporary zero rate of VAT on energy-saving materials, including heat pumps, further reduces the upfront cost for consumers until March 2027.
- Future Homes Standard: Due to come into effect in 2025, this will ban fossil fuel heating systems in all new homes, effectively mandating heat pumps or similar low-carbon alternatives for new builds.
These policies create a robust demand-side pull for heat pump technology, ensuring a stable and growing market for reputable providers.
Technological Advancements
The technology itself is continually evolving. Modern heat pumps are becoming more efficient, quieter, and capable of operating effectively in colder climates. Key advancements include:
- Higher Flow Temperatures: Newer models can produce higher flow temperatures, making them more suitable for retrofitting into homes with existing radiator systems that might not be designed for lower temperature heating.
- Integration with Smart Home Systems: Enhanced controls and connectivity allow for better optimisation of heating schedules and integration with broader smart home ecosystems, leading to greater energy savings.
- Hybrid Systems: The development of hybrid heat pumps that combine a heat pump with a traditional gas boiler offers a transitional solution for homes where a full heat pump installation might be challenging immediately.
- Improved Refrigerants: Research and development into more environmentally friendly refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) are ongoing, further reducing the environmental impact of these systems.
Role of Professional Installation and Maintenance
As the heat pump market expands, the importance of professional, high-quality installation cannot be overstated. A well-designed and installed heat pump system is crucial for optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity. This underscores the need for MCS-accredited installers and ongoing professional development within the industry. Furthermore, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the system operates at peak efficiency, preventing costly breakdowns and maximising energy savings over its lifespan. The UK market is seeing an increase in training programmes and apprenticeships aimed at developing the skilled workforce required to meet the demand for these technologies, ensuring a sustainable future for the sector.
FAQ
What is iceenergy.co.uk?
iceenergy.co.uk is the website for Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd, a company that has been placed into liquidation. It no longer offers services directly but provides information and redirects to other entities.
Is Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd still operating?
No, Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd is not operating. The company was placed into liquidation in February 2017, and all staff were made redundant. Routesoftware.co.uk Review
What should I do if I am an existing Ice Energy Heat Pump customer?
If you are an existing customer requiring maintenance, servicing, or technical advice for your heat pump, you should direct your enquiry to Alto Energy Limited. The website provides direct links to Alto Energy’s support pages.
Who is Alto Energy Limited?
Alto Energy Limited is now the UK distributor for IVT Heat Pumps and is recommended by iceenergy.co.uk for new enquiries and ongoing support for former Ice Energy customers.
How do I contact Alto Energy Limited?
You can visit Alto Energy’s website directly via the links provided on iceenergy.co.uk, or complete the contact form on the Ice Energy website which will send your message to Alto Energy.
What if I placed a deposit with Ice Energy Heat Pumps and lost money?
If you placed a deposit or have any other type of financial claim against Ice Energy, you should direct your claim to Critchleys LLP, the appointed liquidator. The website provides their full postal address.
Who is Critchleys LLP?
Critchleys LLP was appointed as the liquidator for Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd at a creditors meeting held on 27th February 2017. They are responsible for handling claims against the company. Pln.co.uk Review
Can I buy a new heat pump from iceenergy.co.uk?
No, you cannot buy a new heat pump from iceenergy.co.uk as the company is no longer operational. You should direct new enquiries to Alto Energy Limited or other reputable heat pump providers.
When did Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd go into liquidation?
Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd was placed into liquidation on 27th February 2017.
Are there any staff still working at Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd?
No, all staff at Ice Energy were made redundant at the end of January 2017, prior to the official liquidation.
What are good alternatives to Ice Energy for heat pumps in the UK?
Good alternatives include Alto Energy, Daikin UK, Mitsubishi Electric UK, Vaillant UK, NIBE Energy Systems, and Worcester Bosch.
Why is MCS accreditation important for heat pump installers?
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation ensures that products and installers meet high quality standards. It is also required for you to be eligible for government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Spinbrands.co.uk Review
Where can I find MCS accredited heat pump installers?
You can find MCS accredited installers through directories like The Renewable Energy Hub or directly on the MCS website.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government initiative offering grants to homeowners in England and Wales to help with the upfront cost of installing low-carbon heating systems, including air source and ground source heat pumps.
What are the UK government’s targets for heat pump installations?
The UK government aims to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028 as part of its strategy to decarbonise heating and achieve net-zero emissions.
Does iceenergy.co.uk provide any technical support?
No, iceenergy.co.uk itself does not provide technical support. It redirects users needing technical support for existing Ice Energy installations to Alto Energy Limited.
Is the information on iceenergy.co.uk up to date?
The information regarding the liquidation of Ice Energy Heat Pumps Ltd and the redirection to Alto Energy appears to be current and functional as an informational portal. Excelintegrated.co.uk Review
What does “liquidation” mean for a company?
Liquidation is the process of bringing a company to an end. Its assets are sold to pay off creditors, and the company ceases to exist as a legal entity.
Can I still claim on my warranty if Ice Energy is liquidated?
For warranty claims on your Ice Energy heat pump, you would need to contact Alto Energy Limited as the successor distributor of IVT Heat Pumps, or check the specific terms of your original warranty and the liquidator’s instructions.
What considerations should I have when choosing a new heat pump provider?
Consider the provider’s experience, MCS accreditation, transparency in pricing, warranty terms, after-sales support, and customer reviews to ensure a reliable and ethical installation.
Leave a Reply