Plans to replace boilers with heat pumps failed due to confusion and high costs

PLANS to replace boilers with heat pumps are on the rocks, according to a report.

The costs are high, most people don’t know what the pumps are or why they should worry, the National Audit Office found.

The government aims to install 600,000 energy-efficient, low-carbon pumps annually by 2028, and up to 1.6 million annually by 2035.

But a recent boiler upgrade program saw 18,900 installed, well below the expected 50,000.

The NAO said more data was needed to help people judge whether the change was worth it.

NAO chief Gareth Davies said: “The government must involve every household in achieving its target of decarbonising home heating as part of the transition to net zero.

“The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) progress in raising awareness among households and encouraging them to switch to low-carbon alternatives is slower than expected.”

A DESNZ spokesperson said: “By helping, rather than forcing, families to install heat pumps, with a 50 per cent increase in heat pump subsidy, we have increased applications by almost 40 per cent.

“Our Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency campaign runs on TV, radio and newspapers and reaches 16.6 million households with advice and information on how heat pumps, insulation and solar panels can reduce their emissions and energy bills.”

Today the Government is announcing £75 million for free energy efficiency upgrades such as heat pumps and double glazing in social housing.

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said the initiative will help low-income families save up to £400 a year on their energy bills and support jobs for more than 1,300 people working to make homes better and more environmentally friendly.