Insidethis issue 3 MAY 2026 VOLUME 64 ISSUE 4 Editor’s
Viewpoint by Chris Jones
Where to put the funds?
The government’s latest extension of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme – an additional £1,500 incentive to persuade oil and LPG users to invest in a heat pump – will clearly be welcomed by any such households who are considering making such a switch, but again raises issues as to the best use of public funds. Rural areas without access to gas have had to deal with a particularly sharp rise in heating costs, but swapping out an oil boiler for a heat pump system remains a considerable investment, even with potential access to a £9,000 grant, which suggests that it will be the wealthier property owners who are most likely to take advantage of the free money. The determination to boost UK demand for heat pumps means
that other low-carbon options continue to be overlooked when it comes to government-backed incentives. The potential for the wider adoption of renewable liquid fuels appears to have been ignored by decision makers, while those who have been putting the case for hybrid heating systems have received precious little encouragement. In this month’s issue, our feature on hybrid systems highlights how this technology, which allows consumers to retain their familiar gas boiler while having a heat pump delivering most of the heat, will result in a reduction in carbon emissions and energy bills. Such a solution provides a more practical option for older properties which may struggle to meet the insulation requirements of a heat-pump-only system and also means that users who may be sceptical about new technology have more time to adjust to change. There is no denying that hybrids represent something of a
compromise, which is why access to the full £7,500/£9,000 heat pump grant might appear over-generous. But why not allocate some funds – say £1,500 – in recognition of the contribution to carbon savings? At least then there is more chance of those funds going to those who need it most.
Special Features 17
Underfl oor Heating
How to deliver an underfl oor heating system that will meet your customer’s expectations
Regulars
04 News Review 10 Industry Viewpoint 11 Energy Saving Awards 12 Horror Show 12 People on the Move 13 Merchant News 14 Business Matters 15 Energy Matters 16 Training Update
Products in Action
24 Products in Action 30 Company Spotlight 35 Vans & Racking 36 Product Spotlight 37 Product News
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See page 24 for the latest case studies 25
Hybrid Heating Systems
How hybrid systems can play a part in reducing domestic energy costs and cutting carbon emissions
31
Tools & Workwear
The latest advances in cordless power tools and protective workwear that is both durable and comfortable
Contributors
Dean Asher Underfl oor Heating
18
Installers have a key role to play in providing low-temperature heating solutions, such as UFH
Andrea Carmeli Hybrid Heating Systems
25
Hybrid heating systems off er an immediate and practical way to meet decarbonisation targets
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Managing Editor Chris Jones Assistant Editor Carol Hitchcock Consultant Publisher Chris Evans Southern Advertisement Manager Nathan Wood Production Paul Forster Design Consultant Tim Plummer
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31
How modern cordless power tools can help professionals to improve their effi ciency on the job
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