Homeowners with heat pumps are more satisfied with their heating systems than those using gas boilers or any other technology, new research reveals. The findings challenge common misconceptions about the clean energy technology as the Government pushes for widespread adoption to meet climate targets.
A survey of 3,000 nationally representative British households found 94% of heat pump owners are satisfied with their heating technology. Half of those with heat pumps are extremely satisfied, while 44% report being satisfied with the clean technology heating their homes.
Gas boiler satisfaction lower
In comparison, 85% of people with gas boilers - the main heating method in UK homes - are happy with their systems. Just over half of gas boiler owners (52%) say they are satisfied with their heating, while a third (33%) are very satisfied.
Other heating systems, including oil, wood and coal, and electric storage heaters, recorded even lower satisfaction levels. The research forms part of Electrify Research's quarterly Homeowner Electrification Tracker Study, which surveys more than 4,000 homeowners across the UK, France, Germany and the US.
Key to climate targets
Large-scale deployment of clean electric-powered heat pumps is seen as crucial to replacing widespread gas boiler use and reducing carbon emissions from homes. This forms part of Government targets to cut greenhouse gases to "net zero" by 2050.
While heat pump installations in the UK are growing with Government grant support, numbers remain far below what will be needed to meet climate change targets. Only a small proportion of British homes currently have them installed.
Cost concerns persist
Concerns about heat pumps include upfront installation costs, disruption during fitting, and whether they will work effectively in people's homes. The independent Climate Change Committee has found households would save around £700 annually on heating bills by 2050 from switching to highly efficient heat pumps.
However, the committee warned electricity costs need to be reduced to ensure households making the switch feel the financial benefits. Ben Marks, managing director at Electrify Research, said heat pump owners are "actively pleased" with their systems.
Government support expanding
"Heat pumps sometimes get a lot of criticism in the popular press, but when you talk to their owners, they're generally delighted with them," Marks said. He described this as "important information that those considering the switch should consider as part of their decision-making process."
Minister for energy consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said demand for heat pumps is growing rapidly. Figures show 2024 was a record year for installations, up 63% on the previous year, as more families take up the £7,500 Government grant.
Record installation year
"So it's fantastic to see that once people have made the switch they are really happy they did, and it's no surprise with households able to save £100 a year on their bills when using a smart tariff," Fahnbulleh said. The Government plans to expand its grant scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries.
Garry Felgate, chief executive of The MCS Foundation, said the results backed other evidence that householders "really liked" their heat pumps. "Heat pumps provide affordable running costs, consistently comfortable temperatures, and the satisfaction of knowing that your heating is not contributing to climate change," he said.
Barriers remain
Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights policy, said heat pumps can be "a great way to heat your home and cut your home's carbon emissions". They can also help cut energy bills, particularly when used with time-of-use tariffs.
However, she noted installing a heat pump could involve complex and costly decisions. Which? research showed high upfront costs and lack of confidence in the technology remained major barriers to installation, requiring Government action to make the transition more affordable and accessible.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
