Heat pumps expected to figure widely in the future of domestic heating

In September APHC ran a series of regional workshops in partnership with supplier member Altecnic.

Speaking at the Midlands workshop, which was held at Altecnic in Stafford, APHC CEO John Thompson explained that the government is focused on reducing carbon emissions from domestic heating, which means phasing out fuels like gas and oil and increasing reliance on electricity: “The government is looking to decarbonise almost all domestic heating by 2050 in line with a net zero emissions target in the Climate Change Act, and that means big changes in our sector.

“We can expect to see heat pumps play a greater role in heating homes, perhaps becoming a requirement in new properties,” John said. “The question is, how prepared is our industry to face this challenge?”

The workshops also detailed some of the new technologies that installers may have to learn about in the near-future, as well as the kinds of alternative fuels being developed, such as hydrogen and biomethane and what this might mean for current boilers and central heating systems.

The workshops also highlighted that currently nothing is set in stone, but it is APHC’s opinion that within the next five years there are going to be significant changes in the technologies and working practices for heating installers.

The workshops concluded that electrical generation of heat is going to be a driver in shaping the industry, and heat pumps will feature very strongly in the government’s future strategy.