There has been a huge increase in being installed in UK houses over recent years – but there have been warnings that they may not be the ideal solution for everyone.
The government offers grants of £7,500 through its boiler upgrade scheme to help offset the average cost of £12,500 for purchasing and installing an air-source heat pump, the most popular option for UK homes.
Yet, concerns persist about their performance in colder temperatures.
A survey conducted last autumn by Electrify Research, polling over 4,000 adults in the UK, Germany, France, and the US, found that more than 40 percent of Britons doubted heat pumps could handle lower temperatures.
Richard Halsey, a director at ESC, emphasised the importance of proper design and installation, stating that these factors are key to ensuring a heat pump works effectively in any home.
UK households with common appliance slapped with £7,500 warning (Image: Getty)
Despite concerns, experts have been dispelling myths about heat pumps.
According to research published by The Guardian, the majority of households are actually suitable for heat pump installation, contrary to worries that 54 percent of homes might find them impractical.
Additionally, fears about excessive noise or blackouts have been addressed.
Harvie-Clark, a director at Apex Acoustics, noted that modern heat pumps are much quieter, and careful placement away from property boundaries can further minimize noise.
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Around 250,000 have been installed across the UK (Image: Getty)
The research also shows that significant investment in home insulation is not always necessary for heat pump users. In most cases, households spend less than £1,000 on insulation, with minimal financial disruption or inconvenience.
Former PM placed heat pump technology at the heart of his strategy for a ‘green industrial revolution’ in an attempt to deliver a net zero economy by 2050.
Johnson’s plan included installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028 as part of an investment of £1 billion to make homes, schools, and hospitals greener.
The scheme was criticized by climate campaigners for being too small, using only half of its budget, and sending confusing messages.