British Gas has completed its first air source heat pump installation at a home in Ivybridge, Devon as part of its new consumer offering1. The installation was carried out through the company's partnership with Daikin, which supplies the heat pump technology1.
British Gas has started installations in the South West before rolling the new service out nationwide1. There are plans to incorporate Hive Active Heating controls into the proposition later in the year, so that customers can manage their heating remotely and improve their energy efficiency further1.
Parent company Centrica, under the PH Jones brand, is already installing air source heat pumps into social housing. The company is aiming to install up to 1,000 this year, and by 2025 the aim is up to 20,000 per year1.
Jana Siber, Managing Director of British Gas, said:
"Heat pumps are an essential part of the UK's journey towards a decarbonised future. Our first homeowner installation in Ivybridge is testament to our commitment to helping customers lower their carbon emissions using smart technology."
Henk van den Berg, Strategic Business Manager, Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, said the collaboration would see Daikin technology used in British Gas training centres1. British Gas has committed to training 3,500 apprentices over the next decade, many of whom will gain specialist green skills1.
Air source heat pumps generate more than three units of heat output for every unit of electricity they use, according to the report1. The technology is described as the best immediate option for millions of off-grid homes and homes that are well-insulated1.
The report does not state the cost of the Ivybridge installation, the property's previous heating system, or the heat pump's model or capacity. No figures for the number of installations completed to date under the consumer offering have been reported.
Why it matters for households
For a household weighing up replacing a gas, oil or LPG boiler with a heat pump, the significance of this installation is that a large domestic supplier is now fitting them for ordinary homeowners, not only for social housing. Until now, much of the volume work described by the parent company has been in the social housing sector1.
The efficiency claim matters for running costs and for a home's energy independence: more than three units of heat per unit of electricity means less energy bought in for the same warmth1. For homes off the gas grid, where heating typically relies on oil or LPG, an air source heat pump is presented as the best immediate option, provided the property is well insulated1. Households in that position can read more on heating a home off the gas grid.
The planned addition of Hive controls later in the year points to remote management of heating as part of the offer, which bears on how much energy a household uses and when1. Details of what the controls will do, and at what price, have not been reported.
British Gas is one of several suppliers and manufacturers active in this market; its company profile and Daikin's UK heat pump range set out their respective positions. Households comparing options can also see how air source heat pump costs are assessed for flats, and where to raise problems through energy consumer bodies.
What happens next
The service is being rolled out nationwide after the initial South West installations1. Hive Active Heating controls are planned for incorporation into the proposition later in the year1. Centrica aims to install up to 1,000 air source heat pumps this year and up to 20,000 per year by 20251.
Sources1 cited
- British Gas Completes First Heat Pump Installation in Devon, flexi-orb.com