A new survey has revealed just one in five (20%) oil heated homes are currently ready for a heat pump, amid increasing concerns over the government’s plans for the 40,000 homes that rely on heating oil in Cornwall.
The survey of 229 heating technicians was carried out by the trade association OFTEC in response to the government’s proposals to end the installation of new fossil-fuel oil boilers in homes from 2026. Instead, a heat pump first approach will be adopted for households not on the gas grid with over 80% expected to eventually install this technology.
Poor insulation was cited as the biggest barrier for heat pump installation in rural homes (72%), followed by the age and condition of the property (67%) and radiators that need replacing (27%). Speaking about the findings, Malcolm Farrow, head of public affairs at OFTEC, said: “The government is focused on a heat pump solution for oil homes but heating technicians working in these properties across Cornwall every day are very clear about the real-world challenges of this approach. “Whilst heat pumps are a sensible choice for some homes, it makes little sense to install them in buildings with poor energy efficiency. Technicians know the vast majority of their customers are simply not ready to transition without expensive and disruptive energy efficiency improvements. Combined with an average price of £11,000 for the heat pump itself, rural homeowners in Cornwall are at risk of facing the highest costs and the worst outcomes in the government’s proposals.”
Over half (56%) of technicians surveyed also said the most common reason for a boiler installation was a distress purchase after a breakdown. Of those, 57% highlighted that their customers wanted the least disruption and the lowest installation cost which is difficult to achieve with the complex transition to a new technology such as a heat pump.When asked about an alternative solution, three-quarters (72%) of technicians said they would prefer the government focused on renewable liquid fuels, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), for off-grid homes. More than 100 oil heated homes have already converted to the sustainably sourced fuel and cut emissions by 88% as part of a demonstration.
Malcolm Farrow added: “We fully support the government’s drive to reduce emissions from our homes and the ambition to collectively reduce our carbon footprint. However, to succeed we need to adopt realistic, fair, and affordable policies, particularly at this time of economic uncertainty. Heat pumps have an important role to play but there is no one size fits all solution.“Rural homes need to be given a choice so they can adopt the right fuel for their property. For the 40,000 oil heated homes in Cornwall, the renewable liquid fuel HVO is an ideal alternative with its quick and simple conversion cost of around £500. Real world trials have proved it works and our industry is ready to deliver a wider rollout if the government can provide the necessary policy support.”