Homeowners across the UK are increasingly turning to heat pump installations as a means to significantly cut their energy bills. One notable case is Paul Philpot, who reduced his electricity expenses to just £1 per day during January's harsh winter after replacing his aging oil boiler with an air source heat pump. Living near Woodbridge, East Anglia, Philpot shared his experience with The i Paper, explaining how the government grants made the switch appealing.
Philpot, 54, had been contemplating the cost of installing a new oil boiler and the necessary infrastructure changes. "I priced up a new oil boiler, a plastic oil tank, and the radiators needed replacing as well, and with the Government grant, changing to a heat pump just looked very appealing," he noted. His system, which cost £14,500, was partially funded by the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provided £7,500, alongside another £2,000 thanks to his mortgage provider, Halifax.
The rise of heat pumps is notable; sales surged by 63% last year, demonstrating consumers' desire for long-term solutions to combat rising energy costs. Philpot’s heat pump system runs on a tariff with his energy provider, Tomato Energy, allowing him to charge batteries overnight at reduced rates. He expressed satisfaction with his new setup: "We’re paying £1 a day – which is ridiculous. It’s going to be £31 for the month." He views the batteries' initial costs as an investment, eventually resulting in savings.
Philpot explained the operational difference between heat pumps and traditional central heating: the radiators maintain lower temperatures, providing consistent warmth without heavy energy spikes. "You can hardly feel them," he remarked. The system's installation has presented its challenges; Philpot acknowledged the existence of negative sentiments surrounding heat pumps but remains optimistic. "If you’re mindful, and you’re happy to get involved with a little bit of thinking... I think [heat pumps] are amazing," he said.
While only about 1% of homes in the UK are primarily heated by heat pumps, the government is pushing to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels. Despite the rising popularity, concerns linger. The cost of installation has often put the transition out of reach for many, and issues with installers persist. Simon Kaylor, 45, another heat pump user, cautioned against the shortcomings of many installation services. “I think my annual spend on our heating and lighting... is about £2,400 a year,” he revealed.
Kaylor had fitted his heat pump 11 years ago but faced difficulties. His installer was later convicted of fraud, which prevented him from accessing government grants. Today, he emphasizes, "What I’m not a fan of is the fact... it’s really difficult to get someone out who knows what they’re doing when you do need them." His experience denotes the importance of selecting qualified technicians who can deliver performance and efficiency.
According to industry experts, heat pumps — classified as low-carbon alternatives to conventional heating systems — extract heat from the environment, with two main types: air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps. The latter tends to be more efficient but also costlier to install, with prices ranging from £28,000 to £34,000. For air-source installations, costs typically range from £14,000 to £19,000, considerably higher than the average gas boiler installation cost of about £3,000.
The UK government incentivizes the switch to heat pumps through grants. Homeowners can claim up to £7,500 to replace fossil fuel systems under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Additional provisions apply for residents of Scotland and rural areas. Despite these incentives, potential issues like the need for ample outdoor space and effective insulation can complicate installations.
Philpot's experience paints a picture of both the promising benefits and stark realities associated with heat pump technology. Despite initial hurdles, he maintains consistent heat for his home at efficient costs. With the growing urgency around energy sustainability, the path forward for heat pumps may be laden with both opportunity and challenge. The need for homeowner education on effective installations, alongside the quality of installer experiences, plays a pivotal role in determining the success of this renewable energy solution across the UK.