Did you know that the UK’s residential sector accounts for 16% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with space and water heating being the predominant sources of energy consumption and emissions.
For the UK to mitigate the effects of global warming, the residential sector must reduce its green house has emissions.
One way to do this is to use heat pumps instead of traditional heating systems, such as furnaces or boilers, which burn fossil fuels (like oil or gas) that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Heat pumps, on the other hand, use electricity to move heat, making them much more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
However, a new study by a University of Glasgow led research centre has found that the UK housing sector is lagging over 30% behind neighbouring countries when it comes to the adoption of heat pumps, despite their enormous potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide cost savings for households.
Barriers to adopting heat pumps as a key renewable source for space and water heating in UK homes include: higher capital costs compared to conventional heating systems, mistargeted deployment, and competing economic interests among stakeholders.
What needs to happen to encourage homeowners to install heat pumps in place of traditional heating methods? Dr Sohail Ahmad, lead author of the study, has three key ideas, namely:
- Enhancing financial incentives
- Increasing demonstrator projects
- Targeting the right segments of households who are potential innovators and early adopters.
What do you think? Would you consider adopting heat pump technology in your home?
To find out more about the use of heat pumps in your home, feel free to contact the team on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.
Source: Phamnews.co.uk
