New research reveals that UK households are open to adopting heat pumps, but significant barriers around knowledge, trust and installer training could make it harder to translate that appetite into widespread heat pump adoption
The findings come from Correla’s first Domestic Decarbonisation Index, based on research among 2,000 UK households and 500 heat pump installers and HVAC engineers.
It found that 88% of homeowners are open to making the switch, but the findings point to a number of barriers that could prevent that openness from translating into action.
“It is time to tackle the barriers holding back wider adoption of heat pump technology,” said Jason McLeod, chief product officer, Correla. “It’s encouraging that homeowners are willing to make the switch to heat pumps. The challenge is turning that willingness into action.”
What barriers are preventing a complete switch to heat pumps?
The UK government is targeting 450,000 heat pump installations per year by 2030 in line with its 2050 net zero ambitions, and the research highlights a clear appetite amongst homeowners.
However, the findings point to several barriers that could prevent that openness from translating into action. These include barriers installers face themselves.
Almost all installers surveyed (99%) say they face barriers around training on heat pump technology, including time constraints, the complexity of the technology and a lack of skilled trainers. More than a third (37%) say their understanding of heat pump cost-effectiveness could be improved through additional training.
Consumer trust and understanding also remain major hurdles. More than four in five UK homeowners surveyed (86%) do not believe the government will be impartial about the long-term impact of heat pumps, while 82% say they have no faith in home heating companies’ advice on heat pump performance and its impact on finances.
Signs are still encouraging despite barriers
Despite these barriers, signs remain encouraging. 59% of households that have installed a heat pump report saving money, while another 18% say their costs are roughly the same as with their previous heating system, supporting a positive case for the technology.
McLeod explained: “The government has a pivotal role to play through the provision of easily understood, trustworthy information alongside clear incentives that inspire trust and commitment among consumers.
“But the industry also needs the skills and capacity to deliver. Giving installers access to the right training, information and tools will be critical as demand grows.”
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