
David Hilton
David is a renewables and ventilation installer, with over 35 years experience, and is a long-standing contributor to Homebuilding and Renovating magazine. He is a member of the Gas Safe Register, has a Masters degree in Sustainable Architecture, and is an authority in sustainable building and energy efficiency, with extensive knowledge in building fabrics, heat recovery ventilation, renewables, and also conventional heating systems. He is also a speaker at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show.
Passionate about healthy, efficient homes, he is director of Heat and Energy Ltd. He works with architects, builders, self builders and renovators, and designs and project manages the installation of ventilation and heating systems to achieve the most energy efficient and cost effective outcome for every home.
Latest articles by David Hilton

Air source heat pump costs — how much should you budget for one?
By David Hilton last updated
If you're looking at air source heat pump costs for your self build or renovation, here's everything you need to know about calculating how much to set aside

Will combining solar panels and underfloor heating give you free heating?
By David Hilton published
Energy expert, David Hilton dives into the maths to answer the question of whether using solar panels to fully power your underfloor heating is an option or not

MVHR maintenance — an expert guide to keeping your system in good working order
By David Hilton published
MVHR maintenance matters when it comes to keeping your system functioning well. Heating and ventilation expert, David Hilton, explains exactly what's involved

I'm a home energy efficiency expert and here's what to expect from your MVHR installation
By David Hilton published
MVHR installation involves adding a series of ducts, fans and other integral components to your home. Here's how it's done and who you'll need to install it

Hybrid heat pumps labelled a 'missed opportunity' for decarbonisation
By David Hilton, Joseph Mullane last updated
Hybrid heat pumps are part of the future of home heating, and could markedly improve your energy efficiency

What is natural ventilation? How this simple solution stops damp and mould
By David Hilton last updated
Natural ventilation, sometimes called passive ventilation, is a key part of our home's ventilation mix. Here's what you need to know about it

Why adding these home ventilation systems could solve excess humidity in your home
By David Hilton last updated
Home ventilation is an important but often overlooked part of a healthy home. Get to know your ventilation options with this guide

How I use off peak energy tariffs to make my heat pump running costs cheaper
By David Hilton published
With rising electricity prices a concern, find out how our heat pump expert makes the most out of off peak energy tariffs to power his air source heat pump

Should I install one heat pump or two? Expert advice on this key decision
By David Hilton published
One heat pump is considered the norm, but if you've ever wondered should I install one heat pump or two, here are the situations when it might make sense

Solar assisted heat pumps: What are they and are they a good idea?
By David Hilton published
You could be forgiven for thinking solar assisted heat pumps were simply standard heat pumps powered by solar, but you'd be wrong. Find out exactly what they are and if they're worth considering

Biomass boilers — An expert guide to this renewable energy option
By Tim Pullen, David Hilton, Sarah Harley last updated
Biomass boilers are a popular source of renewable energy but may not be suitable for every home. Find out what they are and if one could be right for you

Heat pump vs gas boiler: How do they compare?
By David Hilton, Robin Whitlock last updated
Weighing up a heat pump vs gas boiler? Our expert guide will guide you through the differences and how to make the right choice for your home

Air source heat pump vs ground source heat pump — what's the difference and what's the best option for your home?
By David Hilton published
Find out why there's a difference in an air source heat pump vs ground source heat pump. Although the clue is in the name, what else sets them apart?

High vs medium vs low temperature air source heat pumps: What's the difference and how to choose between them
By David Hilton published
We take a look at the different air source heat pump temperature types so you can choose the right one for your home

Mitsubishi Ecodan 11.2kw R410a monobloc heat pump review
By David Hilton published
"5 years on and it's still working well." David Hilton reviews his Mitsubishi Ecodan 11.2kw R410a monobloc heat pump and explains what's involved when you have one installed and how his has performed

How does a portable air conditioning unit work?
By David Hilton published
Wondering how does a portable air conditioning unit work? Find out the answer as well as the differences between portable and fixed air conditioning units

Our expert takes an honest look at the pros and cons of air source heat pumps
By David Hilton published
Air source heat pumps are now one of the leading low-carbon heating choices for homes. Our expert David Hilton guides you through everything you need to know about them

What is Coefficient of Performance (CoP)? Renewables expert explains this key heat pump calculation
By David Hilton published
The efficiency of heat pumps is rated by their Coefficient of Performance (CoP). But how is it calculated and at what point is it considered to be under-performing?

Passivhaus ventilation: What are my options and why do I need it?
By David Hilton published
Passivhaus ventilation requirements can seem confusing at first. Renewables expert David Hilton is here to explain everything you need to know if this is a building standard you are aiming to achieve

What is an air to water heat pump and would you benefit from installing one?
By David Hilton published
We take a look at what is an air to water heat pump, how it's different from other heat pumps and if it's right for your self-build or renovation

Will insulating a loft save you money? — an energy expert gives his verdict
By David Hilton published
Insulating a loft is often the first job that comes to the minds of homeowners keen to cut their energy bills and increase their home's comfort levels. Here, David Hilton looks at how effective it really is

What is a monobloc heat pump and what are their pros and cons?
By David Hilton published
Just what is a monobloc heat pump and why might you consider installing one in your home? Here, expert David Hilton explains what their advantages are, as well as their limitations

Is using solar panels and heat pumps together a good idea?
By David Hilton published
Solar panels and heat pumps can save homeowners money as well as saving energy — our guide explains exactly what you need to know if you are considering using them together
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