In view of the need to cut the UK’s dependance on Russian gas, a third (33%) of British householders say they are more likely to purchase a heat pump, according to new research from the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU)
The research states that Russian aggression and global demand are sending the cost of running a gas boiler higher, with household gas bills up by over £500 between April 2021 and April 2022. They could reach over £1400 in October this year, according to some industry estimates, which would roughly be another 50% rise, or £450-£500.
The survey also found that half (49%) of all ‘heat pump ready homes’ are interested in getting an electric heat pump – equivalent to about 7 million homes. ECIU analysis found that if all these homes switched from a gas boiler to a heat pump, the need to import gas from Russia would be wiped out completely, two times over.
The ECIU claims that heat pumps break down less and don’t require as much servicing as a gas boiler, because they have less moving parts. Four in ten (38%) of those surveyed said they have had a problem with their gas boiler in the past two years, which jumps to half (51%) for the past five years.
From 2nd April, grants of £5000 will be available to people switching to an electric heat pump, and the Spring Statement unveiled a cut in VAT on heat pumps, bringing between £1200-£2000 off the average price of installation.
