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. 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.
Not only do they perform better, but thanks to the £7,500 grant from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), the costs of getting a heat pump are now on par with a new gas boiler, according to Octopus. Dedicated smart tariffs mean heat pumps can be cheaper to run than gas boilers. Octopus’ ‘Cosy Octopus’ 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.
To further drive down running costs, 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.
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.”
