Market research, 07 November 2024
A recent study by Mitsubishi Electric reveals that while nearly half of UK homeowners (49%) express interest in low-carbon heating solutions, 73% still lack the knowledge needed to make informed decisions on sustainable heating options. Despite the UK’s ambitious targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and deploy 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028, there remains a significant knowledge gap, with nearly 80% of homeowners still relying on gas boilers and just 4% using air-source heat pumps.
The research, conducted in collaboration with Censuswide, surveyed over 2,000 UK homeowners in July 2024. Findings show that financial concerns and misconceptions around sustainability remain significant barriers. About 39% of homeowners feel they lack evidence of the long-term savings associated with heat pumps, and nearly one in five incorrectly believes that gas boilers are the most sustainable heating option.
Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association, emphasized the importance of breaking down these barriers, stating, “The way we heat our buildings accounts for a third of carbon emissions in the UK. To meet our legally binding targets, we must enhance public understanding of renewable options like heat pumps.”
To motivate a switch, homeowners are calling for more financial incentives. Almost half (44%) said they would consider a heat pump installation if offered a grant. The recent increase in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant from £5,000 to £7,500 has already boosted applications, which saw a 12% month-over-month increase in September 2024. The UK government’s recent allocation of £3.4 billion towards heat decarbonization in the Autumn Budget aims to further meet this rising demand.
In the commercial sector, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has helped accelerate heat pump adoption, serving as a model for demonstrating the benefits of this technology.
Both homeowners and businesses report needing more access to credible advice and information on heat pumps. The study shows that almost 15% of homeowners feel the lack of skilled installers is a barrier to adopting heat pump technology. Russell Dean, Deputy Divisional Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, highlighted the importance of continued training, stating, “We need both the public and private sectors to equip installers with the skills to advise consumers effectively.”
The report also suggests that aligning electricity costs closer to renewables could improve heat pump affordability and reduce reliance on gas. Research by Dr. Ed Manderson at the University of Manchester shows that decoupling renewable electricity prices from gas prices could save households an average of £131 per year, increasing to £178 with expanded onshore wind generation. If electricity prices were lower, nearly half (44%) of homeowners indicated they would consider or switch to a heat pump.
The findings emphasize that enhancing financial support, expanding education on low-carbon heating, and fostering the growth of skilled installers are crucial steps toward reducing the UK’s carbon footprint and accelerating the adoption of sustainable home heating solutions.
