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SOCIAL HOUSING
Navigating the large-scale roll out of heat pumps in social housing
Although the benefi ts of heat pumps are well recognised in the social housing sector, expanding beyond pilot projects comes with its own set of practical and operational challenges. Here, Bradley Simpson, specifi cation manager at Ariston, explores how heating engineers can help housing associations manage this transition to delivering reliable, cost-eff ective, and low-carbon heating
A
s the UK’s Net Zero deadline gets closer, heat pumps have become a key part of the strategy to cut carbon emissions from
buildings. In the social housing sector, which accounts for almost fi ve million properties, there’s a clear opportunity to adopt heat pumps on a much broader scale.
Why scaling up matters
Early trials have shown that heat pumps can cut carbon emissions, help reduce fuel poverty, and boost the long-term energy performance of homes. For housing providers, taking a whole- estate approach unlocks economies of scale, making procurement, design and installation more streamlined and cost-eff ective. From the residents’ point of view, a well- planned installation can off er better comfort and lower energy bills, particularly in homes with old, ineffi cient fossil fuel heating systems. Heat pumps also support compliance with new building regulations and help prepare homes for the eventual phase-out of fossil fuel heating as part of the Future Homes Standard.
What are the challenges housing providers face?
Rolling out heat pumps at scale is a diff erent proposition to fi tting them in a small handful of homes. One of the biggest challenges lies in the variety of housing stock as many older properties weren’t designed with low-temperature systems in mind. For example, they may be poorly insulated, lack internal space, or require broader upgrades such as new windows or insulation to make heat pumps eff ective. Logistics can also become more complicated at
scale. Coordinating property access, maintaining high standards of work across diff erent contractors, and managing resident expectations all require tight project management. And it doesn’t end after installation as servicing and maintenance is crucial to the ongoing performance of heat pumps. Social housing providers need to be confi dent that its in- house team or contractors have the right skills and resources to manage new low-carbon systems in the long term. When it comes to managing resident expectations, communication is key. Poor
Below: Ariston Nimbus Pocket
communication can lead to frustration, especially if installations are disruptive or the new systems feel unfamiliar. That’s why it’s important to build time into projects for demonstrations, clear instructions, and ongoing support. Engaging with residents early on not only builds trust but can also provide valuable insight that can inform system design or installation timelines.
Policy support and funding opportunities
The roll out of renewables is also being driven by policy backing and new regulations. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) off ers grants to upgrade homes to EPC band C by 2030, and many successful bids in the latest funding round include heat pumps as a central part of the solution. Additionally, updates to Part L of the Building
Regulations are raising the bar on energy performance, and the Future Homes Standard – coming into play from 2025 – will also require low-carbon heating in new builds. For retrofi t, things are more complex, but the direction of travel is clear.
What sets successful projects apart?
The best heat pump rollouts have a few things in common; good planning, cross-sector collaboration, and strong insights. Pre-install assessments – covering everything from heat loss to resident feedback – are essential for getting the design right
and ensuring systems are fi t for purpose. Upskilling engineers, electricians and housing teams through formal training and hands-on experience is also key to scaling confi dently.
Alongside this, housing providers face a big decision about which heat pump manufacturer they choose to work with. With Ariston for example, housing providers can feel assured that they are fi tting high-quality, reliable products. Alongside this, they will also benefi t from high COPs, excellent performances and peace of mind accompanied by full remote control and diagnostics. For housing providers looking to take advantage of the ECO4 scheme, the Ariston Nimbus air-to-water ASHP range is approved as an Innovation Measure, qualifying for a 25% uplift.
Looking ahead
Moving from trials to full-scale rollout is a big step, and it won’t be without its challenges. But with the right technical approach, meaningful resident engagement, and alignment with policy and funding, heat pumps can play a major role in creating warmer, greener, and more effi cient homes across the UK’s social housing estates. For heating engineers, this isn’t just about adopting new technology, it’s about changing the way they think about heat, homes, and sustainability. Their role will be central to shaping a low-carbon future that works for everyone.
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