The data, commissioned by Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, exposes the level of discontent over the current Boiler Upgrade Scheme’s (BUS) offerings. Currently offering £7,500 off the cost of a standard heat pump, the majority surveyed seek an expansion of the BUS to other cheaper, yet eco-friendly, alternatives.
Hybrid heating systems, which combine a small air source heat pump with a small gas boiler for winter peaks and hot water, can immediately cut carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional gas heating. According to recent analysis by Cadent, this reduction could reach up to 80% by 2030 if the electricity grid continues to decarbonise at its current rate. These systems are less disruptive to install, can span a wider range of housing stock – including the Victorian properties that make up nearly five million homes in the UK- and offer a way to make carbon savings immediately. These systems are rapidly gathering pace across Europe with France, Germany and the Netherlands all installing them at scale.
The new data also showed that over 50% would be more likely to upgrade their heating systems if hybrid heat pumps qualified for subsidies.
Meanwhile, three quarters (75%) say current Government incentives of up to £7,500 to subsidise standard electric heat pumps do not make them likely to consider installing a heat pump in their home in the next 12 months.
Cost remains a major barrier for upgrades, with 60% unwilling to switch to a heat pump if installation costs exceeded £7,000 after subsidies, rising to almost 70% who would refuse to switch if the costs were £10,000 or more.
Hybrid heat pump installations are a cheaper alternative for consumers, typically costing 30-40% less than standard heat pumps with an average cost of £8,000-£9,000 compared to £13,000 for a standard heat pump.
With the Government targeting an ambitious 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028, yet stagnating at only 260,000 installed so far in total, the inclusion of hybrid heating systems in the BUS accompanied with an upfront grant of £2,500 would give consumers more choice, maximise carbon savings per pound of public spending and accelerate the decarbonisation of homes.
Dr Angela Needle, Director of Strategy at Cadent highlighted: “The electric vehicle market is already embracing hybrid solutions – heating should not be any different.
“The Government should adapt its policies to reflect public demand and market realities by reducing the upfront financial barriers to hybrid heat pumps, making this energy-efficient technology accessible to a wider audience and significantly advancing the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Hybrid heating systems have already been widely deployed in mainland Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Italy, where they account for around 50% of the overall heat pump market. To drive uptake, the Dutch, Italian, French and German Governments all provide financial incentives and support for consumers.
Stewart Clements, Director of the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council added: “Not all homes have space for a hot water cylinder, they have been designed or adapted to work with a combi-boiler.
“A hybrid heat pump can provide the baseload heat to the home, with the combi providing hot water when needed and a back up to heat the home on colder days. It’s a real alternative to a heat pump only option for many homes in the UK.”