Tag: Heat pumps

Counting on …day 10

10th January 2024

Installing a heat pump may not be possible for everyone (or at least not at the moment but maybe in the future there will be a more concerted effort by the Government to make this possible) but it is a good way of reducing carbon emissions. Heat pumps are powered by electricity which increasingly comes from renewable sources and thus with minimal carbon emissions. 

All forms of heating – whether boiler or heat pump – will be use less energy if the space they are heating is well insulated. That includes things such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing etc.

It can also include measures such as thermally lined curtains which ideally are drawn at dusk to keep the warmth in, porches so that there is an ‘air lock’ between the inside and outside of the building, or draught proofing tape to ensure doors and windows fit securely.

Useful web sites –

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/energy/shopping-guide/eco-heat-pumps

Heat pumps

And a recent review of people’s experiences – https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/08/greener-cheaper-much-warmer-heat-pump-owners-laud-their-new-system?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Windows of Opportunity 

6th December 2023

Install more heat pumps

“In most of Europe, fitting a heat pump is one of the most powerful actions a person can take to reduce their carbon footprint” reported the Guardian (1)

“To give an example: two-thirds of Norwegian households have heat pumps due to taxes on carbon heating and their government’s decision to train a workforce to install them. Norway, of course, is a small and wealthy country. But if we are serious about ending our reliance on fossil fuels, then more carbon taxes and emissions-limiting regulations are necessary – even if free-market ideologues deny this and ignore the role of subsidies and investment decisions in upholding the status quo.” (2)

Currently the UK government is providing a £7500 grant towards the installation of a heat pump although the property must be adequately insulated. The property must have an eligible Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued in the last 10 years, with no outstanding recommendations to install loft or cavity wall insulation – again an area where the government should be taking an active lead.

(2) https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/24/the-guardian-view-on-the-carbon-divide-climate-policies-must-target-the-private-jet-set?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

(1) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/23/norway-heat-pumps-cold-heating?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other