New research has found that 68% of UK homeowners think hybrid heating systems should be covered by government grants.
The data, commissioned by Cadent, highlighted the level of discontent over the current Boiler Upgrade Scheme’s (BUS) offerings. Currently offering £7,500 off the cost of a standard heat pump, the majority surveyed seek an expansion of the BUS to other cheaper yet eco-friendly alternatives.
Hybrid heating systems can cut carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional gas heating, the study cited. The analysis found that this reduction could reach up to 80% by 2030 if the electricity grid continues to decarbonise at its current rate.
The new data also showed that over 50% would be more likely to upgrade their heating systems if hybrid heat pumps qualified for subsidies.
Meanwhile, 75% said current government incentives of up to £7,500 to subsidise standard electric heat pumps do not make them likely to consider installing a heat pump in their home in the next 12 months.
Cost remains a major barrier for upgrades, with 60% unwilling to switch to a heat pump if installation costs exceeded £7,000 after subsidies. A total of 70% would refuse to switch if the costs were £10,000 or more.
The data revealed that hybrid heat pump installations are a cheaper alternative for consumers. They typically costing 30% to 40% less than standard heat pumps, it cited, with an average cost of £8,000 to £9,000 compared to £13,000 for a standard heat pump.
Dr. Angela Needle, director of strategy at Cadent, said: “The electric vehicle market is already embracing hybrid solutions – heating should not be any different.
“The government should adapt its policies to reflect public demand and market realities by reducing the upfront financial barriers to hybrid heat pumps, making this energy-efficient technology accessible to a wider audience and significantly advancing the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.”
Stewart Clements, director of the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council, added: “Not all homes have space for a hot water cylinder, they have been designed or adapted to work with a combi-boiler.
“A hybrid heat pump can provide the baseload heat to the home, with the combi providing hot water when needed and a back up to heat the home on colder days. It’s a real alternative to a heat pump only option for many homes in the UK.”