Heat Pumps Today

17 T R A I N I N G A clear end to fossil fuel heating In addition, setting a clear end date for the use of fossil fuel heating, not just for installing gas boilers in new build houses, could accelerate the UK in accomplishing the net-zero target. It should be possible to set defined end dates for when both off-gas and on-gas grid boilers must cease to be used – in a similar way to end dates set in recent years to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and the sale of hybrid vehicles by 2035. By putting these clear dates in place, everyone from builders to homeowners will be incentivised to invest in renewable heating solutions, and sooner. By opting for a heat pump over a gas boiler when upgrading their heating, homeowners will future-proof their home and make the most of the money spent – rather than needing to refit again in just a few years. The UK government has currently only set policies in place to end the installation of gas boilers into newly built properties, but taking this approach to ending installation in existing homes could help to modernise more of UK’s existing housing stock, and deliver on the net-zero goal. Upskilling engineers, and training new ones As well as demand for heat pumps, having installers with the right skillset to fit them into homes is vital to reach the 600,000 target. Research has found that in 2021 there were only 1,200 qualified heat pump installers in the UK – when 10,000 will be needed by 2030 to reach the installation targets. Increasing training opportunities will help to get both new and existing heating engineers up to speed on the benefits and value of heat pumps over oil and gas, and increase the number of qualified professionals that can recommend and install the systems. The introduction of the MCS certification scheme for heat pumps in Scotland is already helping to incentivise installers, by paying for 75% of heat pump certification fees up to £1,000. As a result, it’s easier than ever for installers and heating engineers to be able to install the much- needed systems. The path to reaching net-zero heating If the UK is to meet its net-zero goal on time, an end to heating our housing stock with fossil fuels is a must. The technology is already in place to achieve this, in the form of heat pumps. Now, a focus on measures to support both homeowners and social housing providers to afford the investment will be vital. In addition, increasing the number of trained installers, will help to make heat pumps a viable option for more homes. When it comes to retrofitting, a bolder step towards defined end dates for the use of gas and oil boilers could also help to speed up the pace of heat pump installations – in line with regulation that has already been set for new builds. Only once these areas are addressed will it be possible to see the net-zero goal become a reality by 2050, and take the UK away from fossil fuels once and for all. Rebalancing energy prices With energy bills rising rapidly – and set to rise further from October – a move away from fossil fuel heating will also help people to be less susceptible to fluctuations in gas prices and save money in the long term. This can be achieved by de-coupling the price of electricity price from that of gas. With over 35% of electricity generated from gas, as the price of gas increases in a volatile market, the cost of electricity will rise further; with some predicting the price cap to rise to £6550 by April 2023 – this will add further economic hardship to households. Oil and gas prices are cyclical, suffering from price fluctuations that cost the consumer who feels their adverse impact in a fossil fuel crisis as we have today. A de-coupling of electricity and gas prices will free low carbon electricity from unstable fossil fuel markets and move us closer to energy/fuel stability in the UK. For social housing and housing associations in particular, a move away from gas or oil heating can help to combat fuel poverty amongst tenants that are in lower income groups. For example, Clydesdale Housing Association has been able to generate cost savings of around £850 per year for each of its tenants, thanks to the installation of over 30 air source heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric. The housing association wanted to replace older, inefficient electric storage heating and reduce energy bills to lift tenants out of fuel poverty. Heat pump technology has been instrumental in supporting both energy efficiency and lower fuel costs, while also keeping tenants comfortable in their homes. www.acrjournal.uk/heat-pumps