The government is pushing the renewable energy agenda heavily in a bid to tackle climate change and push economic growth. However, homeowners are still resistant to investing in these clean, green technologies in many cases. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why.
1. Cost Fears
Homeowners are often not convinced about the payback period of heat pumps. This can range from 6 to 9 years, depending on factors such as the property size, existing insulation and radiators, usage patterns and so forth. Even with government grants, many homeowners are fearful about the cost of heat pumps and the upfront investment required to benefit from cost savings over the longer term.
2. Technological Know-How
Plumbers work with component parts such as copper pipe fittings and plastic pipes all day long. But the kinds of copper pipe fittings required for domestic boiler installations may be different for heat pump installations, and professionals in the field need a high degree of training, know-how and parts to be able to install these systems.
3. Noise Fears
Homeowners are also fearful that heat pumps will be noisy and disruptive, especially as some earlier models created high levels of white noise that could be disturbing to locals. Further education and awareness about the quieter new models could help to allay these fears.
Futureproofing
Other homeowners are concerned about investing in technologies that are likely to be quickly superseded by newer and more efficient renewable energy technologies, particularly if these attract higher grants from the government. Many people are holding out to see if more generous incentives will be offered, along with technologies that become cheaper to invest in and which reduce the payback period to a shorter and more attractive time period.
The heat pump industry may have a long programme of customer education and awareness to master before the adoption of these technologies is more widespread. Until then, many homeowners say they will hold off on investing until their existing boilers reach a point in their lifespan when replacement becomes necessary.
