As figures released today by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show a 67% jump in the number of applications made to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme last year, new research form Octopus Energy highlights how well heat pumps have been performing during the recent cold spell.
Octopus Energy surveyed over 1,700 UK homes in which a heat pump had been recently installed, with 86% of respondents saying their new heating system performed well on January’s coldest days, keeping their homes as warm as they wanted.
63% of those who had transitioned to heat pumps from gas boilers felt their heat pump made their home more comfortable and 83% said they would recommend such a switch to friends and family.
69% of those replying said their heat pump was the same cost or cheaper to run than their boiler had been.
Alex Schoch, Global Director of Clean Tech at Octopus Energy at Octopus Energy, said: ‘As temperatures plummeted, heat pump performance soared. This survey confirms what customers tell us every day: heat pumps are just as good if not better at keeping their houses cosy, and our innovative tariffs mean they’re better for wallets too.
‘Even when snow and sleet were dumped across the UK, heat pumps remained robust and proved themselves as a cost-effective alternative to gas boilers.’
Adding to the tsunami of new information, data from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) reports a 63% increase in hydronic heat pump sales last year and a 15% increase in people completing a recognised heat pump training qualification.
Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: ‘2024 was a pivotal year for the UK heat pump market, and it’s fantastic to share our figures showing a 63% increase in heat pump sales and 15% increase in individuals successfully completing heat pump training. This unprecedented, accelerated growth is a sign of progress and reflects the sector’s dedication and determination to scale up to support the decarbonisation of heat in UK homes and buildings.
‘However, to sustain and strengthen this level of growth and encourage further investment in UK manufacturing and in growing a skilled and competent workforce, there needs to be a clear, credible heat decarbonisation transition plan published by the Government which includes a detailed heat pump installation pathway, supported by policy and regulatory change. This will provide the confidence the market needs.’
Daniel Särefjord, the CEO of Aria UK said: ‘The surge in applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2024 marks a pivotal year for heat pump adoption in the UK as more and more people are switching to cleaner, greener and more affordable heating solutions. The scheme has proven to be a powerful asset in helping households lower their energy bills while contributing to the nation’s efforts to get off gas and reduce carbon emissions, but there is more to be done.
‘To truly maximise the scheme’s impact, the government must take bold action. We urge policymakers to move faster on implementation dates for the critical removal of planning permission red tape, which was announced over two months ago and still has no sign of action; to address the ongoing price imbalance between electricity and gas, to increase accessibility within the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and to overhaul outdated grid connection processes for heat pump households—ensuring they can benefit from their heat pumps without unnecessary delays.
‘Our heat pump sector is one of the UK’s most exciting growth industries, driving innovation, economic growth, and the development of a skilled green workforce, all while putting the UK at the forefront of clean energy technology. To drive this vital transition forward at scale, we need to remove policy red tape and increase accessibility for people across the UK.’