Cost, low awareness, and concerns over EV charging infrastructure remain key challenges.
Which? found 71% of homeowners familiar with heat pumps consider them too expensive to install, a figure unchanged despite increased government grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
The median cost of an air source heat pump is just under £13,000, compared to an average of £2,597 for installing a standard combi boiler. Grants can lower the heat pump cost by up to £7,500, but additional system and insulation upgrades often inflate expenses.
EV adoption has doubled since 2022, rising from 3% to 6% of drivers, yet the percentage unwilling to purchase an EV has also risen from 20% to 39%. Costs remain a major barrier, with the average EV priced at £47,251, nearly £10,000 more than a petrol equivalent. However, falling prices for both new and second-hand EVs offer a glimmer of hope.
Awareness and access challenges
Heat pump ownership and awareness remain low, with only 2% of homeowners owning one and 55% aware of the technology. Among those aware, 54% would not consider installation.
Younger homeowners, however, are more open to the idea, with 15% of 18-34 year olds considering heat pumps, compared to 5% of over-55s.
For EVs, charging infrastructure is a significant concern. More than half of consumers worry about the availability of public charge points (52%) and the range of EVs on a single charge (54%).
Which? calls for government action
Which? has outlined recommendations for tackling these barriers, including:
- Supporting the transition to electrified heating by expanding financial assistance and providing direct support for low-income families to install heat pumps.
- Raising awareness and improving access to reliable information about heat pumps and qualified installers by mandating installer certification.
- Encouraging EV adoption by monitoring charge point reliability, expanding infrastructure, ensuring accessibility for disabled drivers, and promoting off-peak charging tariffs.
Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights and food policy, commented: “There are encouraging signs in this year’s Which? sustainability tracker, such as a slight increase in ownership of electric vehicles (EVs) and an appetite among younger homeowners to switch to heat pumps.
“However, it’s clear that there is work to be done to address the barriers preventing consumers from switching to the more sustainable alternatives that will help the UK achieve its net zero goals.
“As well as cost, these include low awareness and insufficient information about heat pumps and a lack of availability and reliability of EV charging stations.
“The Warm Homes Plan could be a game-changer if it helps people with the high up-front costs of heat pumps, and the government should also set a date for the mandatory accreditation of heat pump installers.
“Improving the availability and experience of public charge points for electric vehicles is essential if the government wants to encourage people to switch from petrol cars.”
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