Download PDF version

The Government should put an end to the proposed Clean Heat Market Mechanism says the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council (HHIC), as the second consultation on it runs until 8 June.

policy

The policy seeks to fine boiler manufacturers £5,000 for every gas boiler sold over a certain quota compared to their heat pump sales in an attempt to kickstart demand for heat pumps in the UK.

The concern is being raised by the heating industry that fining the manufacturers who do not create the demand for heat pumps or gas boilers will not change consumer behavior and has labeled it fundamentally wrong.

HHIC Director comments

We are urging the Government to throw out this out-of-touch policy before it impacts the industry irreparably"

On the implications of this policy, Stewart Clements, Director of the HHIC, said, “We are urging the Government to throw out this out-of-touch policy before it impacts the industry irreparably."

"This policy is meant to kick-start the heat pump market but the truth of the matter is, this won’t change anything around demand for heat pumps or gas boilers because demand comes from what people want to buy not what manufacturers make."

address challenges

We need to address other challenges before we start trying to flood the market with heat pumps. Consumers need to be supported in understanding the efficiency benefits of heat pumps when installed in a suitable home and know what grants are available to support with the cost."

"Without this, there will simply be no demand for the units that the manufacturers are being implicated in producing by the Market Mechanism."

Training

The government needs to focus on incentivizing training so engineers are ready for when demand grows"

In addition, we need heating engineers who are trained to be able to fit them, and at present, we are very short. There are only around 3,000 heat pump trained installers, yet our recent research has found the number we need is closer to 150,000."

"Rather than punish the manufacturers, the Government needs to focus on incentivizing training so engineers are ready for when demand from consumers grows."

incentivizing hybrid systems

A final way to start a transition to a more buoyant heat pump market would be for the Government to incentivize hybrid systems as more of a stop-gap solution to get consumers and engineers more used to the technology."

"However, grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) not including hybrid systems once again prevent uptake from consumers in the UK. If hybrid systems and heat pumps were to become more financially viable for homeowners through further grants and incentives, the market will be more likely to pick up.”

Download PDF version Download PDF version

In case you missed it

How Does Building Design Impact HVAC Systems, And Vice Versa?
How Does Building Design Impact HVAC Systems, And Vice Versa?

Building design and HVAC are interdependent aspects of creating a comfortable, healthy, energy-efficient, and functional indoor environment. How important is collaboration as archi...

New Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Control System
New Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Control System

Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new user-friendly, touchscreen controller to offer full remote controllability, monitoring and reporting for up to 400 air conditioning units. T...

Carrier Training Academy Opens For UK HVAC Engineers
Carrier Training Academy Opens For UK HVAC Engineers

Carrier Solutions UK has officially opened its state-of-the-art training academy in Stockport, where it will offer industry-renowned education and support for HVAC engineers across...

vfd