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ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOLUTIONS boilingpoint
Despite low uptake of BUS, Brits show interest in green solutions
com see the strong interest among Brits in green energy sources as a promising starting point. There is demand for heat pumps, represented by the 100,000 people taking to Google to seek more information about the alternative heat source each month, yet these searches are not reflective of the take-up of the boiler upgrade scheme. Demand for more sustainable energy systems in homes is
T
high for Brits with 311,500 people searching for green energy sources each month. Yet, the initial investment required for heat pump installation – after deducting the Government grant – is still significant compared to the renewal of traditional heating systems. For example, while the average cost of a heat pump is £13,300, the cost to replace a traditional gas boiler costs between £2,000- £4,000.
The boiler upgrade scheme’s low adoption could be driven by
kindling, and can offer more instant heat on demand than other alternatives. The thermostat and temperature sensors in pellet stoves allow for automatic
control of the appliance, ensuring that the fuel input rate is optimised, creating a consistently efficient burn. Allowing for better utilisation of fuel, pellet stoves often require less fuel to generate a similar heat output and thus a lower cost for consumers.
Whereas a standard open fire has a confirmed gross efficiency of around 37%, a well-designed log burner is rated at around 80%. Pellet stoves exceed both of these options, delivering an efficiency rating of approximately 88%, with significantly less heat wasted up the chimney. All wood-based fuels for domestic use in England (supplied in volumes under 2m3) must certified as Ready to Burn to be sold legally. Using Ready to Burn fuel ensures emissions are minimised and appliances can burn efficiently. Installers can ensure they are recommending the best
products for their clients’ needs by searching for HETAS Cleaner Choice appliances. Cleaner Choice certification verifies that an appliance meets stringent emission performance limits, having been tested using the most robust test methodology recognised in the UK. Cleaner Choice appliances are independently verified to produce at least 50% less emissions than current requirements in UK smoke control areas – including particulate matter emissions. This gives installers the peace of mind that they are recommending appliances which meet their customers’ needs and concerns, whilst also promoting the environmentally responsible burning of fuels.
factors such as the complexity of installation, lack of knowledge and uncertainty regarding future heating solutions. Due to the complexity of installing certain green energy sources, specialist skills and qualifications are often required. Data from energy experts at
Confused.com reveals there is a lack of UK qualified green energy installation companies. Only 17% of all UK towns and cities have at least one renewable company per 10,000 population. In 12% of locations, there are no renewable energy installation companies registered at all. The number of companies specialising in green energy is
likely to grow significantly, as the country works to create energy security and heads towards Net Zero targets. In the period between November 2022 and December 2023, heat pumps were the most searched for energy source in the UK. On average, they gained 96,000 Google searches per month, totalling over one million searches over a year. As well as Googling the alternative heating system, people are also seeking information on TikTok, Amazon and eBay. Of the 96,454 people searching on Google for heat pumps each
month, 6,131 people go on to search for ‘heat pump costs’ and a further 1,946 people go on to search the installation costs that are incurred on top of this. An energy expert at
Confused.com comments: “The UK is
ramping up its sustainability efforts as it aims to reach net zero by 2050, and we’re even seeing more interest in green energy sources to heat our homes. “Online searches for these energy sources are increasing
each year, and while government schemes have been set up to encourage adoption, the switch to green energy adoption is still unaffordable for many. “However, the strong interest among Brits in green energy
sources represents a promising starting point. It demonstrates that, given the proper education and resources, we can expect a rise in households adopting green energy for heating in the future.’
here are 95,454 searches on Google for heat pumps each month in the UK, yet only a 38% uptake in the boiler upgrade scheme. Despite the low uptake, energy experts at Confused.
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