Study shows regional differences in heat pump adoption across the UK

Cornwall is emerging as a leader in the UK’s shift towards green energy, with over 14,000 heat pump installations, according to data from Uswitch.

However, other regions have performed comparatively poorly with some seeing just 20 heat pumps installed with regions in the North and Midlands being less likely to have high adoption rates.

We look at Uswitch's analysis as to why different regions have seen greater uptake and how these regional disparities can be resolved to make heat pumps more common across the UK.

Different housing types in the North and South

High upfront costs are a major factor discouraging heat pump adoption in many areas, but particularly areas with poorly insulated houses, according to Uswitch.

Installation expenses can exceed £8,000, which poses a significant hurdle for households without robust financial support.

Energy expert Ben Gallizzi, who helped analyse Uswitch's research, explains: “Heat pumps have been slow to spread across the UK so far, with their widespread adoption being held back by high installation costs and poorly insulated housing.”

This is particularly true in areas with older homes, which often have insufficient insulation and tend to be in the north, reducing the efficiency of heat pumps.

Regions with a higher proportion of newer, well-insulated homes see a more rapid adoption of the technology, which tend to be in the South.

Regional awareness and government support programmes

In regions like Cornwall and Wiltshire, greater awareness of financial incentives and local support programs drive higher adoption rates, Uswitch claims.

Cornwall has over 14,000 installed heat pumps, a figure bolstered by initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

For instance, Cornwall Council launched a 'Housing Decarbonisation programme', which raised local awareness of heat pump grants available to help improve the efficiency of homes.

As Gallizzi points out: “Cornwall’s early and widespread adoption can be attributed to its proactive approach, including targeted subsidies and incentives that have lowered financial barriers.”

In contrast, areas like Tamworth and Hyndburn, which have fewer local programs, report only 20 and 24 installations, respectively.

Availability of skilled installers

A shortage of qualified heat pump installers is a significant barrier in some regions, particularly in the north and midlands, according to Uswitch research.

Regions in the South West, such as Cornwall, benefit from a larger pool of trained professionals, which facilitates higher uptake.

Gallizzi highlights the importance of this factor, noting: “We need more training programs and greater government support to ensure installers are available to meet the rising demand for heat pumps.”

Without enough certified installers, many regions experience slower adoption rates due to delays in availability and installation.

Cost efficiency and local energy prices

Uswitch also state that in some areas high electricity prices and varying energy tariffs impact the cost-effectiveness of heat pumps, even though they offer substantial environmental benefits.

Gallizzi explains: “If you’re replacing a standard gas boiler, a heat pump may be less likely to offer savings, though it will drastically cut your carbon emissions.”

As a result, in regions where gas heating remains more affordable or where homes are less energy-efficient, there is greater hesitation to switch to heat pumps.

Uswitch conclude that reducing electricity costs, building better insulated homes, increasing public awareness of government grants and the number of skilled installers will reduce the regional disparity seen in heat pump adoptions.