Solving the UK’s social housing heat pump challenge

The government has identified decarbonising the UK’s housing stock as a significant part of its net zero strategy. Further investment in heat pumps is seen as a way to reduce home energy emissions and improve living standards.

This is especially true for social housing, where low EPC ratings are widespread, putting vulnerable residents at greater risk of fuel poverty and contributing to avoidable carbon emissions.

The UK government has made inroads in its path to overcoming this issue. Its Warm Homes Plan and Boiler Upgrade Scheme are set to upgrade around 300,000 homes with low-carbon heating in 2025. However, reaching this goal is no easy feat.

Significant barriers remain, which the industry must first overcome to achieve its targets. The stakes are also high – failure to do so could jeopardise carbon reduction efforts and winter comfort for those needing it most.

From experience working on the UK’s largest retrofit project in the North of England alongside social landlord Together Housing, the benefits of careful preparation, clear communication and strategic planning should not be understated.

Here are some critical areas to address when approaching large-scale heat pump retrofits within social housing.

Air source heat pumps come with a set of requirements that are far removed from traditional gas boilers, including external units, precise spacing and enhanced insulation. This makes early tenant engagement a vital component of a successful installation, but it’s often overlooked.

Clear communication with residents can help manage expectations around the installation, including operational differences and benefits. By addressing questions and concerns upfront and explaining how the technology works and how it differs from their existing setup, landlords and contractors can build trust.

Issues often arise in the first few weeks when residents try to use a heat pump like a gas boiler, regularly switching it on and off between use, harming energy and cost efficiency. This means providing clear guidance and preparation on how the technology will operate is crucial.

Further investment in heat pumps is seen as a way to reduce home energy emissions and improve living standards.

Retrofitting heat pumps across neighbourhoods usually requires upgrades to the local electrical grid managed by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). However, these upgrades can introduce delays beyond the control of contractors or landlords. Incorporating flexibility into project timelines and maintaining proactive communication with DNOs can help mitigate disruptions.

It’s worth noting that without this flex, residents may lose interest or forget the information provided about heat pump technology. As a result, when the DNOs are finally ready, the communication process must restart, leading to further delays.

For social landlords, choosing the right retrofit approach, whether focusing on entire streets or dispersed homes, is an area that requires careful consideration. Retrofitting in clusters can lead to concentrated word-of-mouth misinformation, often spread by anti-heat pump sentiment online. On the other hand, a pepper pot approach across scattered homes introduces logistical challenges and an increased effort to coordinate work across different sites.

Careful assessment of both properties and residents’ needs is essential for success. Consider factors like space limitations and the challenges posed by prepayment meters, which can cause short-term bill increases until the system reaches peak efficiency.

A thoughtful selection of homes can minimise disruption and boost customer satisfaction, so it’s worth identifying the most suitable properties ahead of time.

Partnering with an experienced contractor skilled in large-scale heat pump installations is essential for success. These professionals bring the expertise needed to handle the complexities of retrofitting, especially when working with legacy heating systems. A strong understanding of electrical and plumbing systems and up-to-date knowledge of rapidly advancing heat pump technology is crucial for seamless and effective installations.

However, the obstacles are not always technical. Often, they lie in people’s perceptions and individual circumstances. A recent study by KPMG revealed that nearly half of UK adults (49%) would prefer a low-carbon home but remain confused by clean technology. Effective communication is just as important as the physical upgrades themselves.

If we’re serious about driving widespread adoption and creating lasting change, it starts with winning the hearts and minds of tenants and the wider public. This requires shifting the narrative around heat pump technology, highlighting its benefits for comfort, cost savings and net zero goals, while tackling common misconceptions.

Introducing low-carbon technology education in schools can also help prevent misinformation and prepare future generations. We can build an inclusive, low-carbon future with the right approach – but there isn’t a moment to lose.

Graham Rothwell is chief executive at RPS Group and is part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Retrofit Task Force.