Heat Pumps Today

Info www.theBESA.com/academy www.acrjournal.uk/heat-pumps 19 T R A I N I N G are now pulling back on boiler training in favour of upskilling to heat pumps through courses like the one o ered by BESA. Consumers also need some incentive because it is more expensive to install a new heat pump than a new gas boiler. The government has recognised this, and to try and address the disparity and remove barriers to change, announced a £450 million, three-year Boiler Upgrade Scheme to incentivise property owners choosing a cleaner, greener low carbon heating system, such as a heat pump. The scheme will provide grants of £5,000 to help overcome the upfront purchase and installation costs of an air source heat pump, and £6,000 for a ground source heat pump. There has been some criticism that the £450 million the government has announced will only support the switch in 90,000 properties. However, it is clearly hoping that innovation in technologies and investment in UK manufacturing will reduce the upfront costs of heat pumps over time. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme opens for applications on 23 May. Ofgem, which is the administrator of the scheme, has published guidance on its website for installers, including how to create accounts so they can make applications for grants and vouchers. “With heat pumps enjoying more attention and now attracting government support, we expect this to create real and lasting business opportunities for our members and the wider industry,” said Graeme Fox. “However, training is crucial. The demand for skilled labour will rocket if the market moves as quickly as the government hopes. It is, therefore, essential that anyone installing a heat pump fully understands how the technology works and all the factors that go into making an e”cient and e ective system that will operate to its full potential for the long-term.”