HEATING & PLUMBING
“This leaves the UK vulnerable to product shortages, long lead times and increasing costs, thereby risking the UK’s energy security and net zero ambitions.
“Boosting UK manufacturing of heat pumps will help diversify heat pump supply chains and increase our energy resilience.”
Pepper says: “So, with a bit more time on our side and support gathering for a mass roll- out, what do we know about Heat Pumps? We know that they work by capturing heat from outside a home and moving it directly inside using electricity. We also know that electricity is becoming increasingly low carbon, as more renewable sources are connected to the electricity grid, replacing existing gas and coal power stations.”
He says that, in general, for each kWh of heat generated, an air-source heat pump using energy from non-renewable sources could result in only half as much CO₂ emissions, and if the home uses renewable energy, from the grid or Solar PV for example, then a Heat Pump operates with zero emissions. “This makes a Heat Pump an extremely low carbon heating option, and increasingly so as our electricity grid further decarbonises.
All good news for the public, but despite a growing sense of responsibility towards sustainability in the home, their top priorities remain cost-saving and performance. In the short term, these aren’t necessarily things they will notice, but long term, the increased efficiency of a Heat Pump will lead to a better performing household and cost savings,” Pepper adds.
Up to standard
It’s also important to note that an Air Source Heat Pump installed in a draughty, poorly insulated property is unlikely to perform, so bringing the property up to current standards should be the first step on any heat pump installation journey.
“On a wider scale, how much do we as an industry understand about the potential of Heat Pumps? Well, the International Energy Agency estimates Heat Pumps globally have the potential to reduce global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by at least 500 million tonnes in 2030 – equal to the annual CO2 emissions of all cars in Europe today,” Pepper says. He also explained that in practical terms, a lot of work is required to realise this ambition,
because of the obvious infrastructure and funding requirements.
A recent survey revealed that only 18% of engineers are currently installing heat pumps, and 44% don’t know where to get trained. “This is a genuine concern as installers are so often the public’s go-to source of trusted and reliable information regarding any major developments in the home. Action is needed to fix this knowledge and skills gap. At MKM, we have partnered with Daikin to open Sustainable Home Centres at a number of our branches, where experienced and knowledgeable staff are on hand to support with education around Heat Pump installation,” he says.
Training is free, and available to P&H engineers wanting to expand their skills, and service the market. “It’s part of our wider commitment to sustainability and offering an above and beyond service to our customers.” Pepper adds: “We see education as a key element of our service; nobody has all of the answers across an ever-changing landscape of new technologies, products and customer requirements, but together we are always able to find solutions.” BMJ
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Altecnic hp BMJ
Sep23.indd 1 September 2023
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
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