PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2025 4 News Review


Heat pump users happy with their performance


Substandard insulation funded by the government


Nearly 40 businesses have been suspended from installing new insulation in people’s homes, following reports of poor quality work. Routine checks carried out by TrustMark have uncovered examples of substandard solid wall insulation by 39 firms working since 2022 under the Energy Company Obligation 4 and Great British Insulation Scheme. The government has demanded that installers fund any repair work themselves and none of the households involved should be asked to pay any extra money. Examples of the substandard


installation work range from missing or incomplete paperwork, insufficient ventilation, or missing or exposed insulation, which if left unchecked could lead to damp and mould. The installers responsible will


remain banned from installing new solid wall insulation on any government scheme if they do not fulfil their obligation to put any issues right. It is estimated that more


than 65,000 households have had insulation fitted under the government-backed schemes, but it is reported that many of the grant- funded installations have included the use of spray-foam insulation, which has been found to cause 25%


of roof timber to decay within five years if applied directly to roof tiles or certain underlays. This is likely to make homes difficult to sell or remortgage. ECO 4 offers grants for energy-


saving measures in private homes including insulation. It is targeted at low-income households with the lowest Energy Performance Certificate ratings. Similarly the Great British Insulation scheme offers funding primarily for homeowners or private renters on benefits with low-rated EPCs. The Department for Energy


Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) says that it is confident that the systemic quality issues are limited to the insulation installed under the two schemes, claiming that there is a stronger system of checks and balances in place for other energy efficiency schemes delivered through local authorities and social housing providers. The government plans to


overhaul what it calls a fragmented energy efficiency system, to improve quality and accountability in home upgrades. It is hoped that the Warm Homes Plan will enhance regulations for installers and provide clearer support for homeowners, ensuring better practices and potential cost savings on bills.


A new survey by Octopus Energy has found that 86% of UK households with newly installed heat pumps were satisfied with their performance during the severe cold snap in early January. It is claimed that the study, which involved over 1,700 participants, highlights a growing confidence in heat pump technology as an effective heating solution. The survey also found that


63% of former gas boiler users reported an increase in comfort after switching to a heat pump. Additionally, 83% of respondents said that they would recommend heat pumps to friends and family, suggesting a positive reception among current users. The energy supplier is also


highlighting that dedicated smart tariffs mean heat pumps can be cheaper to run than gas boilers. The ‘Cosy Octopus’ tariff is designed to save heat pump


customers £315 a year on heating costs compared to gas boiler customers on a standard tariff. This is supported by the data


found in the survey, with two thirds (69%) of heat pump users reporting their heat pump was the same cost or cheaper to run than their previous gas boiler. Alex Schoch, global director


of clean tech at Octopus Energy, says: “As temperatures plummeted, heat pump performance soared. This survey confirms what customers tell us every day: heat pumps are just as good if not better at keeping their houses cosy, and our innovative


tariffs mean they’re better for wallets too. “Even when snow and sleet were dumped across the UK, heat pumps remained robust and proved themselves as a cost-effective alternative to gas boilers.”


To further drive down


running costs, it is reported that the government is currently considering moving environmental and social levies off electricity. This would help the country fully commit to electrification and accelerate the uptake of heat pumps by bringing prices of cleaner energy down.


Plumbing apprenticeship approval


The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has officially approved the development of new Level 2 and Level 3 plumbing apprenticeship standards as proposed by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE). Against a backdrop of


falling commencements and completions of the current apprenticeship, the CIPHE argues that this development is crucial


to meet the projected need for 73,700 new plumbers by 2032. The proposed apprenticeships have been led by a proactive


Plumbing Employers’ Group and it is hoped that they will maintain and heighten training standards, enhance course accessibility and offer new entry points for aspiring plumbers. The Level 2 apprenticeship will cover foundational skills such as hot and cold water installations and sanitation systems, while the Level 3 builds upon these with advanced techniques such as low- carbon heating and plumbing system design. The proposed changes will also


support those apprentices who aspire to achieve professional recognition from Engineering


Technician to Chartered Engineer. Kevin Wellman, CEO of the


CIPHE, comments: “IfATE’s approval is a vital development for our industry. We need to attract and retain talent in this sector, ensuring that apprenticeships maintain high standards and provide more career pathway opportunities.” Anyone who is interested in


helping to shape the future of the plumbing and heating industry is invited to apply to join the Plumbing Employers’ Group by contacting the CIPHE via Lizzi Lake at elizabethl@ciphe.org.uk.


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