The shift to low-carbon heating technologies, like heat pumps, is a cornerstone of the UK’s journey to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, new research reveals that affordability and awareness are critical barriers to adoption. Conducted by Energy Systems Catapult in partnership with Heatio and Perenna, the study highlights why many UK homeowners remain hesitant to embrace heat pump technology.
Key Findings: Knowledge Gap
One of the standout findings is a significant knowledge gap: only 31% of surveyed homeowners are familiar with heat pumps, and 18% say they do not trust the technology. A lack of understanding about how heat pumps function remains a key deterrent, preventing consumers from considering this greener solution.
Financial Barriers
Affordability poses another major challenge. Over a third (36%) of respondents stated they would need to borrow money to install a heat pump. Meanwhile, 83% expressed a preference for long-term fixed-rate mortgage products designed to fund energy improvements. These findings suggest that affordable financing solutions could play a pivotal role in driving broader adoption of heat pump systems.
Consumer Motivations and Concerns
Consumers are motivated by both cost savings (65%) and environmental benefits (49%), but concerns over the high upfront costs, volatile energy prices, and the lack of suitable financial products are significant hurdles. The study also found that:
- 25% of respondents seek protection against potential interest rate increases.
- Stable monthly payments are a key factor in making financing solutions attractive.
These insights suggest that innovative, tailored financial products could encourage more homeowners to invest in sustainable technologies.
SERT: Supporting Heat Pump Adoption
At SERT, we recognise that bridging the gaps in knowledge and financial accessibility is crucial to accelerating the adoption of heat pumps and other low-carbon technologies. Through our tailored training programmes and recruitment solutions, we aim to empower the industry with the skills and expertise needed to educate homeowners and offer practical, cost-effective solutions.
By addressing these barriers head-on, we can drive the UK closer to its net-zero targets while enabling homeowners to reap the financial and environmental benefits of sustainable heating technologies.