Advancing Heat Pump Adoption to Achieve UK Climate Change Targets
The battle to convince people of the need to act on climate change has in the main been won, latest figures suggest there is much still to be done by the Government to persuade people to actually make the change.
The UK Government has calculated that to meet its climate change targets, the annual rate of heat pump installations needs to rise to 600,000 by 2028. Whilst 2024 set a new record, the figure was still only one tenth of that target.
With Government grants now making the cost of installing a heat pump comparable to or, in some cases, cheaper than a gas boiler what more can be done to increase take-up?
Debunking Myths to Accelerate Heat Pump Adoption
In Germany and other European countries campaigners are trying a new tack. Whilst continuing to emphasise the environmental benefits, they are also looking to confront head-on the urban myths that can put people off.
Heat Pumps in Cold Weather
One of the biggest myths around heat pump adoption is the easiest to dispel – the notion that heat pumps don’t work in cold climates.
Norway is mainland Europe’s coldest country with an average temperature of 2.9C. It also holds the record for the number of heat pumps with 635 installed per 1,000 homes.
Finland and Sweden rank next, both in the cold climate index and heat pumps per 1,000 homes.
In the UK. 15 per 1,000 homes have a heat pump. We may have the odd cold snap but with an average temperature of 10C, way above Scandinavia, the theory that heat pumps won’t work in Winter is one that should be well and truly debunked.
Understanding the Real Cost
Whilst Government grants may make installation costs similar to a gas boiler, there is still a perception that running costs will be higher.
At first glance this may appear to have substance.
In the UK the price of electricity is higher than in all other European countries bar Ireland and Switzerland whilst the cost of gas is only lower in Romania, Lithuania and Slovakia.
However, what is often overlooked is that heat pumps are far more efficient than gas boilers. Latest models are up to four times as efficient and taking that into account the running costs are currently similar.
As more homes transition to green energy the unit cost of electricity will fall whilst gas, with fewer users, will rise, even without any increase in carbon taxes. This is a major financial incentive which the Government needs to get across, as well as the importance of the UK having energy security and so better able to maintain affordable prices.
A recent survey by heat pump installers in the UK revealed two other common misconceptions, that heat pumps only work in new builds and the “faff” factor of having to move out whilst they are installed.
Overcoming Common Barriers to Heat Pump Adoption
Suitability for Existing Homes
Projects across the UK have proven this to be false. One example in Enfield saw 400 flats across eight tower blocks converted to heat pump energy. Work was complete within 12 months, residents remained in their homes throughout and are now enjoying energy savings of up to 50% compared to previous bills.
Role of Policy and Education
A survey by energy supplier Octopus found planning regulations put off one third of respondents from converting. The Government’s commitment to removing the stipulation that heat pumps can’t be installed within one metre of a neighbouring property should therefore boost numbers as long as people know about it. Also, demonstrating that heat pumps produce no more noise than a household fridge will dispel the myth that they are too loud.
Supporting the Warm Homes Plan through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Recently the Government’s Warm Homes Plan unveiled a commitment to double the funding available for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, changes to planning regulations and substantial grants available to housing associations and public facilities to ditch fossil fuels demonstrate a clear commitment to change.
The key to success will be in ensuring it is this message, rather than the myths, that gets across.