Paul Smith, managing director at NIBE Energy Systems Limited said: 'The Government has expanded BUS eligibility which is a positive step for UK households and the low-carbon heating industry - one we hope will be firmly backed in next week’s Autumn Budget.
Today’s publication of the Part 1 Boiler Upgrade Scheme consultation response is a welcome development for the heat pump sector. The Government has provided much-needed clarity on the future of the scheme, set out clear timelines, and expanded support to reflect the growing diversity of low-carbon heating technologies available to UK households.
One of the most significant changes for our industry is the decision to include Exhaust Air Heat Pumps (EAHPs) within BUS eligibility. EAHPs are a highly efficient solution for many modern homes, particularly apartments and new builds, where their ability to recover waste heat and provide consistent, reliable heating and hot water makes them extremely effective. Their inclusion under the full hydronic heat pump grant of £7,500 is a positive and forward-thinking step that will give homeowners and developers another robust option in the move towards electrification. Crucially, the inherent design of EAHP systems, which provide a property’s ventilation system, helps to address another important topic for consumers: maintaining excellent Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and a healthy living environment.
Mark Smale, head of renewables at Bradfords Building Supplies said: “It is great news that the Government’s has decided to expand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include Air-to-Air heat pumps and heat batteries. Air to air heat pumps are not only more cost effective for households, they are also highly adaptable and importantly familiar, using the same technology as air conditioning.
“At Bradfords, we know from our partnerships with developers, installers, and builders, that choice is paramount when it comes to uptake. We have been discussing these solutions for years with suppliers and have seen how rapidly the technology has evolved even over that time. With this announcement, the Government is sending a powerful signal which will hopefully drive widespread adoption of low-carbon heating solutions.”
Russell Dean, residential product group director at Mitsubishi Electric said: “The announcement is a welcome signal that the UK is serious about making heat pumps mainstream, and expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include air-to-air systems is a smart step that will open the door for more households to adopt more environmentally friendly heating and cooling.
But if we want real momentum, we still have to tackle the UK’s energy pricing. In recent research we found that a third of homeowners would consider moving to a heat pump if running costs are reduced by removing levies from electricity. As long as electricity remains far more expensive than gas, many homeowners will continue to hesitate, no matter how attractive the upfront incentives are.
Rebalancing energy costs is essential if we want to unlock the full potential of heat pumps and deliver genuine savings for families. We need to ensure more homes can confidently switch to efficient, low-carbon heating that cuts bills as well as emissions.”
Kat Young, practice manager – heat policy, energy systems Catapult, said: 'The technology best-suited for decarbonising each of our homes will vary but achieving affordable, low-carbon warmth must be the goal. By expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants to include air-to-air heat pumps and thermal batteries, government is giving consumers greater choice and increasing the accessibility of these technologies.
'Thanks to their significantly higher efficiencies, air-to-air heat pumps can be a powerful tool to tackle fuel poverty for households currently using direct electric resistive heating. The upfront cost and disruption can be significantly lower than installing a new wet central heating system, making air-to-air heat pumps potentially more cost effective and attractive to consumers. By making the grant only available when fossil fuel heating systems are removed, this ensures real carbon savings can be achieved.
Daikin also supported air-to-air heat pump inclusion in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Responding to the announcement, Iain Bevan, Daikin’s residential new business director commented: “The inclusion of air-to-air heat pumps in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is great news for the industry and householders. The inclusion of air-to-air units is a clear recognition of the important role that this technology has in the UK’s decarbonisation journey. Daikin has long championed sustainable heating and cooling solutions, and has lobbied the government to include it in the scheme.”
He added: “This announcement will see an increase in demand for air-to-air installations. If you aren’t already trained to install these units or want to refresh your skills, Daikin offer a wide range of courses across the country. Further details, including how to book onto them, can be found on our website.”