56% of builders say they don't have the knowledge to recommend heat pumps, according to E.ON

More than half (56%) of UK builders say they don’t have the right information to advise on heat pumps, according to new research.

Energy provider E.ON, which commissioned the research, said this lack of knowledge is a major barrier to greater adoption of the less carbon-intensive and more efficient alternative to traditional gas boilers.

It added that air source heat pumps are proven to be three to four times more efficient than LPG, oil, electricity and gas boilers.

44% of builders unaware of heat pump benefits

The survey also found that more than two-fifths (44%) of builders say they wouldn’t recommend a heat pump to customers simply because they’re unaware of the benefits they can provide and why they are viable gas boiler alternatives and oil boiler alternatives.

This is despite increasing demand for sustainable home solutions amongst those looking to renovate their home, with 82% of builders seeing more interest from customers in sustainable renovations in the past year. 

When it comes to advising on sustainable home solutions, only a third (30%) of builders feel comfortable advising on the installation of heat pumps if asked by a customer. 

In fact, builders are more comfortable talking to customers about building materials being out of stock (46%) and unforeseen costs on a project (40%) than they are about heat pumps (30%).

Half of homeowners believed heat pumps were expensive to install

Researchers found three-quarters (75%) of Brits want to choose sustainable options when renovating their homes this year, but half (50%) of the people surveyed believe heat pumps are too expensive to install – with one in ten people (11%) being unaware that grants like the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help those eligible to subsidise the cost of a heat pump to the tune of £7,500. 

Factors which deter Brits from buying heat pumps include air source heat pump costs, including the cost of installation (56%), having to change to a new heating system (28%) and lack of understanding of the benefits of heat pumps (24%).

E.ON joins forces with Charlie Luxton to educate

E.ON has teamed up with architectural designer Charlie Luxton to raise awareness of fossil fuel alternatives.

He explains: “As the nation becomes increasingly environmentally conscious, it makes sense that we’re turning our attention to sustainable home solutions and learning more about how they can benefit us in the long run.”

To aid the 75% of Brits keen on sustainable home improvements, Luxton offers this advice:

• Consider heat pumps as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional boilers, provided they are properly designed, installed, and maintained.
• Modern heat pumps can integrate seamlessly with existing heating systems, often without the need for extensive alterations. However, consult with a heat pump engineer to determine any necessary upgrades for your property.
• Installing a heat pump presents an opportunity to reduce heating demand through measures such as insulation, draught-proofing, and intelligent controls.
• The key to a successful heat pump installation lies in the quality of design and execution. Choose a reputable company with positive testimonials and ensure they possess the necessary credentials and approvals from manufacturers.