Consumers
Most homes in the UK are currently heated by fossil fuels. The UK Government has committed to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 and a key part of achieving this ambition is decarbonising the way we heat our homes.
Unlock the Power of Heat Pumps:
Your guide to heating your home with a Heat Pump.
See below our collection of articles, dedicated to helping consumers understand and harness the benefits of heat pump technology. Whether you’re considering installing a heat pump or looking to maximise the efficiency of your current heat pump system, our articles cover everything you need to know.
Thinking of installing a heat pump?
What to expect when living with a heat pump.
How to get your home ready for a heat pump.
7 Facts About the Benefits of Heat Pumps.
Life with a heat pump – owner stories
Heat pumps will play a key part in delivering low carbon heat to homes across the UK. If you are thinking of switching to a heat pump, there are a few things you should know:
A heat pump draws thermal energy (heat) from an external medium, such as air, or the ground. This is then used to heat the building – via radiators or other emitters, and hot water via a storage cylinder. The heat pump can use your existing radiators; however, your installer may advise you to upgrade these to improve efficiencies and ensure your system is optimised. Heat pumps are highly efficient, operating at 3-4 times the efficiency of a natural gas boiler, whilst producing considerably less emissions. This means that they not only reduce carbon emissions but can also lower energy bills.
To help drive the shift from fossil fuel heating systems to heat pumps, the Government has set an ambition for 600,000 heat pump installations to be completed per year by 2028. The International Energy Agency predicts that heat pumps will become the main space heating technology worldwide from around 2045. This demonstrates the growing demand for the technology and the important role it will play in our future energy system.
The Government launched the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in April 2022, which offers grants of up to £7,500 to residents in England and Wales replacing a fossil fuel system with a heat pump. Your installer applies for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant on your behalf, but they must be Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified. More information about available funding can be found here.
If you live in Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland provides regional advice and financial support. More information about available funding can be found here.
Our members provide a range of heat pump solutions. It is important that you speak to your local installer to find out which system is most appropriate for your home.