Surveys Indicate Several Roadblocks to Heat Pump Installation - The Redditch Standard

While the UK has covered significant ground in moving towards more sustainable technologies, some technologies have a steeper hill to climb. Despite record numbers of heat pump installations in recent years, several surveys of installers and consumers highlight roadblocks that may need to be addressed before the technology gains further momentum.

A survey from manufacturer Baxi has outlined reluctance among UK installers towards moving to renewable energy sources like heat pumps. Despite the technology boasting higher efficiency than even the best boilers in the UK, Baxi found that roughly half of the group surveyed were ‘somewhat’ or ‘extremely unlikely’ to begin installing heat pumps as of the next 3 years.

According to the aforementioned survey, the purported reasons were due to a lack of adequate training along with a perception of the complexity of installation. This issue highlights a possible lack of supply-side knowledge within the market, which is beginning to outpace demand from consumers. Only 11 per cent of the installers in the survey felt “extremely confident” in discussing low-carbon technologies.

This number is an improvement from the prior year, but by only 4%. Many installers are more accustomed to gas and electric boilers which makes heat pumps unfamiliar terrain to many. The installation process along with the energy capabilities of heat pumps are very different from those of fossil fuel-based technologies.

This points towards a lack of sufficient training programs for engineers, along with the growing pains of new technologies entering the market. Moreover, heat pumps are more complex to install as they require both internal and external parts. However, heat pump technologies can have significant benefits, being up to 4 or 5 times as efficient as boilers.

Heat pumps can decrease energy consumption for heating while also providing cooling. This dual-function can make them a year-around solution, unlike boilers. Demand for heat pumps among consumers has increased among the UK consumer base but installers are not well-versed enough in the technologies to provide them.

It is also worth noting that many consumers have a similar lack of understanding of the technology as well. Many programs have been developed to improve the level of knowledge among the average population, including heat pump show homes (homes where interested parties can view heat pumps and learn about them).

However, the main concerns of customers are whether installing the systems will be worth the significant cost. The cheapest heat pumps (air to air source) are significantly more expensive than combi boilers. Conversely, air to water heat pumps, which are far more expensive, have been matching installation rates of air to air source heat pumps. The costs can be higher, but they can be crucial for underfloor heating and better hot water systems.

Barriers to adoption also include difficulties in applying for grants. Despite numerous government programs that assist in funding heat pump technologies, many have encountered difficulties with the process. Programs include the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the ECO4 scheme, all of which cover many of the costs of installation.

Despite these advantages, there are many situations where a heat pump will not be as efficient. Excessively cold regions, rare as they are in the UK, can decrease the efficiency of cheaper heat pumps. Most notable manufacturers do well in cold climates, so this will not be a problem for the majority of consumers. However, for those living in regions that might experience such climates, more expensive high-temperature heat pumps might be favourable.

Similarly, homes with inadequate insulation may not be favourable for the outsized benefits of heat pumps. While they can still perform better than boilers, they may not be worth the installation costs or will not provide the maximum benefit. Much of the heat gains might be lost, as with any heating system.

Many consumers should first insulate their homes and seal up heat escape zones. Many consumers can improve their homes and bring them up to an adequate EPC rating by applying for grants before installing a heat pump. Otherwise, their heating bills may not be significantly decreased, as one would expect from the technology.

Homes with adequate outdoor space are best for heat pumps. While the outdoor unit does not take up too much space, it is a consideration. Some homes may not be eligible for installation on this fact alone.

Another issue is that regions where electricity is far more expensive may not see the gains. Even with a Coefficient of Performance of 4, if electricity is 4 times more expensive than gas, households may not be able to recoup significant savings. As heat pumps rely on electricity, the difference in fuel prices will be important.

Whether heat pumps have a future in the UK heating market will depend on better education about the technology, whether gas prices will worsen, the ease of application for grants, and the prices of various models.

article written by Rawal Ahmed