Despite the government introducing targets around a greener future, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that heat pumps are too expensive and many people are unaware of them.
Heat Pump Sales Are Worryingly Slow
Despite offering a route to cheaper, greener heating and hot water, heat pump sales are slow in the UK. According to figures only 55,000 heat pumps were sold across the entire country in 2022.
Sales Will Have to Jump to Meet Government Targets
As part of their net zero targets, the UK government wants to see 600,000 low-carbon heat pumps installed annually by 2028. That would need a dramatic increase in the uptake of the technology.
Boiler Tax Delay Doesn’t Help
The government announced the introduction of a ‘boiler tax’ applied to manufacturers, but have delayed it until 2025. The scheme means manufacturers have to match, or substitute, 4% of their boiler sales with heat pumps. If they didn’t, they’d be fined £3,000 per missed installation.
Price is Still an Ongoing Issue
Estimates of costs by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) show that the most common household heat pumps are around £10,000 more expensive than a gas boiler on average.
When Households Are Squeezed, Price Becomes More Important
The stark reality is that households have been dealing with a cost of living increase for several years now, and not many have the money to afford such an expensive upgrade to their heating system – especially when they won’t see a return for many years.
Government Claims it is Helping
The government has launched a ‘Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency’ campaign, but it isn’t well publicized and doesn’t apply to all households. Acceptance criteria are dependent on several factors.
Energy Security Secretary, Claire Coutinho, said
“We’ve already supported families by making our Boiler Upgrade Scheme one of the most generous in Europe and now we’re making heat pumps even cheaper and easier to install.”
The Increases to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Offers Logistical Incentives
Some households are now able to access grants of up to £7,500 off the cost of heat pump installation. The requirement to install cavity wall or loft insulation to use the scheme has also been scrapped.
It Means There’s Definite Incentives For Some
In certain circumstances, homeowners can benefit enormously from the improved scheme, and can install heat pumps for as little as £500. Despite this, the uptake is still currently limited.
Industry Professionals are Still Critical of Government Help
Dr Richard Hauxwell-Baldwin from the MCS Foundation (a body established to help decarbonize homes), said: “Information provision is not enough. It is an important first step, but we need consistency, clarity and certainty in the messaging.”
Government Needs to Offer Better Incentives
If the government is serious about boosting the sales of heat pumps, they’ll need to make it a priority. Whilst the cost of living is so high, the public is going to need a greater incentive to make the switch.
The Public Remain to be Convinced
Whilst the public is open to the idea of a greener energy supply and cheaper bills, at present the savings simply aren’t big enough to convince enough people. Some estimates say it can take up to 15 years before you see a positive return on investment.
The Home Heating Technology Landscape is Changing
Consumers are faced with several different options when it comes to making their homes greener. Solar batteries now allow electricity generated from the panels to be stored and used at a later date. This can make houses greener, without the initial use of heat pumps.
Emergent Solar Technology Is Heating Water
One of the reasons for a lower uptake of heat pumps could be found in solar technology. Solar thermal panels don’t turn sunlight into electricity – they turn it into heat, which can heat water. This water is then used to power radiators, underfloor heating, showers, washing machines etc.
The UK is Heading in the Right Direction On Carbon Emissions
Whilst many are critical of the government on their green policies, the general trend is heading in a positive direction. There has been a decline in carbon dioxide emissions every year since 2012.
Infrastructure Changes Take Time
The reality is boilers don’t last forever. If the government keep helping the public to switch to heat pumps, they’ll make a difference on a long enough timeline. The point remains though – if they want this change, they’ll have to help make it happen.
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