In this new series, Evan Davies explores the challenges the government faces to encourage us to have heat pumps in our homes. Heat Pumps are a technology that’s been around for years, and are installed in homes in other, colder European countries. They’re now being installed into new build homes as standard. They’re far more efficient than the gas boilers that UK homes are used to. But, it’s the way our traditional housing stock is built that’s the problem – many are old, not very well insulated, and need upgrades to make the heat pumps a cost effective replacement.
The government is offering incentives like grants to encourage take up – but we’re still hesitant about the extra costs of installing one, alongside insulation, under floor heating and new radiators if we need them.
In this first programme Evan finds out how heat pumps work, and speaks to people having them installed in their homes. With an expert panel, he will have advice and expertise to make sure you have the information to make a decision on how this technology could be right for your home.