Homeowners lack knowledge or confidence in heat pumps

[edit] 59% of homeowners lack knowledge or confidence to choose heat pumps, new survey says

CICV’s third Green Home Festival aims to bridge information divide with expert-led sessions and demonstrations.

A new survey from the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) says it has uncovered a significant knowledge gap among UK homeowners regarding renewable heating technologies.

According to the survey, 59% of respondents said they lacked the necessary information to confidently transition from traditional heating systems, such as gas boilers, to heat pumps and other renewable heating options. Moreover, only 26% of homeowners felt they possessed the requisite knowledge to make an informed decision.

These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced public education and strategic outreach by Westminster and the devolved administrations to ensure homeowners are well-equipped to support the UK’s ambitious climate goals, CICV says.

[edit] CICV comment

Commenting on the survey's findings, Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV and Managing Director of SELECT, said:

These survey findings should be seen as a wake-up call, as they highlight the significant hurdles the UK faces in modernising its home heating systems.

Transitioning to renewable heating options involves substantial investment, even with the available grants and funding. Therefore, homeowners must be fully informed of not only the environmental benefits but also the practical advantages, such as cost-effectiveness and enhanced heating efficiency.

Addressing this knowledge gap is precisely why the CICV created the Green Home Festival. We aim to equip homeowners with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their home heating needs and support the UK’s climate goals.

[edit] The third green home fringe festival

Running from 12-16 August as a part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the third Green Home Festival will offer free advice on a wide range of topics, from introductory information on renewable heating to advanced energy-efficient solutions.

This year’s topics include:

• Demystifying Passivhaus: Breaking down the process of building highly efficient homes tailored for newcomers and seasoned builders.
• On-site heat pump demonstrations: Live demonstrations where experts will showcase how heat pumps operate and discuss their benefits and installation processes.
• Exploring electric heating solutions and hydrogen for home heating: A look into the future of home heating with discussions on the latest in electric and hydrogen technologies.
• Installing heat pumps in pre-1919 homes: Offering practical advice and sharing experiences on retrofitting older properties to meet modern energy standards.
• Sustainable construction materials: Insights into choosing and utilising eco-friendly materials in construction and renovation projects.

Tickets for the Green Home Festival are free and available to book at www.greenhomefestival.co.uk

This article appears on the CIAT news and blog site as '59% of UK homeowners lack the knowledge or confidence to choose heat pumps, new survey says' dated May 15, 2024.

--CIAT

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