Why the British are still heat pump sceptics

Most Britons have no intention of installing a heat pump. Given the cost of electricity in the UK, that’s not unreasonable. Ros Taylor looks at why it is so hard to tempt them away from gas boilers. ‘Not two blokes talking about politics or sport. No, this is two blokes talking about heat pumps.” Not the most compelling pitch for a podcast, but the listeners like it: The Happy Heat Pump Podcast has a 4.9* rating on Apple. For middle-class Britons — mostly men, it must be said — with cash to spare, heat pumps are in fashion. Installations went up 52 percent last year. People want to feel they are doing their bit to fight climate change, and the pumps use three to four times less energy than the gas boilers in 80 percent of UK homes. But heat pumps are still a minority interest in the UK. Even though households can claim a grant of £7,500 towards one, the high upfront cost is a major barrier when utilities bills are rising. Households must …

Jun 10, 2025 - 16:30
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Why the British are still heat pump sceptics

Most Britons have no intention of installing a heat pump. Given the cost of electricity in the UK, that’s not unreasonable. Ros Taylor looks at why it is so hard to tempt them away from gas boilers. Credits: Rawpixel, All rights reserved. ‘Not two blokes talking about politics or sport. No, this is two blokes talking about heat pumps.” Not the most compelling pitch for a podcast…

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