Last week, I spent two highly informative days at London Build, a trade show that brings together professionals from across the construction industry. While it was fascinating to see new products and innovations, what stood out most were the discussions and talks that tackled real issues shaping the future of our built environment.
One discussion, in particular, struck a chord with me: it was about dispelling the myths surrounding Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs). The narrative around ASHPs has often been clouded with misconceptions, so it was refreshing to hear the truth laid out plainly.
Busting the Myths About Air Source Heat Pumps
One common myth we’ve all heard is that ASHPs are only suitable for modern, highly insulated homes. However, the reality is that Air Source Heat Pumps can work in any property, provided they are sized and installed correctly. This is no different from how you’d ensure the right-sized boiler for a home when installing a new gas heating system.
A “Once in a Generation” Change
The discussion also highlighted an important perspective: the transition to ASHPs is a once-in-a-generation shift for many homeowners. Most of us have never had to install a completely new heating system in our homes from scratch. Instead, we’ve upgraded elements over time—such as replacing a boiler or adding new radiators.
With ASHPs, however, there’s often a need for more significant changes, such as:
• Adjustments to plumbing
• Siting the heat pump itself
• Incorporating a new hot water solution
These changes disrupt the “status quo” of traditional central heating systems, and this is where costs can add up. While many homes won’t require completely new pipework or radiators, the overall system overhaul is substantial.
Tackling the Costs with Government Support
Cost remains a key barrier for many households. The average cost to install an ASHP and make the necessary changes is around £13,500. However, thanks to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homeowners can receive a £7,500 government grant, reducing the average out-of-pocket expense to £6,000. While this is still a significant amount for many, it brings the cost closer to that of a replacement gas boiler when you consider installation fees.
This financial support is essential to make ASHPs a realistic option for more people, but there’s still more to be done to make the technology accessible to all.
The Need to Address Energy Costs
Another critical challenge discussed was the disparity in the cost of gas and electricity. Historically, taxes on electricity were higher because much of it was generated from coal-fired power stations, which were heavily polluting. However, the energy landscape has shifted dramatically:
• The UK now has zero coal-fired power stations.
• Nearly 50% of electricity generation comes from renewable sources.
Electricity is now a far greener energy source than gas, yet the tax structure hasn’t caught up. This imbalance keeps the running costs of electric heating higher than they need to be, discouraging homeowners from making the switch.
If the government rebalanced energy taxes to reflect this new reality, it would not only lower the running costs of ASHPs and other electric heating systems but also encourage wider adoption. As the grid continues to decarbonize, this would make people’s heating automatically greener.
Helping People Make the Change
Addressing climate change requires all of us to make changes in our lives, and heating is a key part of that. However, we need to support homeowners as they navigate this transition. Whether through grants, more equitable energy pricing, or better public awareness, the shift to renewable heating systems must be made as accessible as possible.
The move to Air Source Heat Pumps represents a significant step forward. With the right support and policies in place, we can make this once-in-a-generation change smoother, more affordable, and better for the planet.
It’s time for all of us—government, industry, and individuals—to work together and take action for a cleaner, greener future.
