More families are choosing to ditch fossil fuel boilers after the UK government increased its grant by 50% for new heat pumps, according to new figures released by the government.
New figures show the number of new applications for government’s heat pump support surged after the increased £7,500 grant, announced by the Prime Minister, became available.
The number of new applications to the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the first week since the grant uplift reached 1,150, more than three times higher than the average weekly rate prior to the change. In the subsequent three weeks, new applications have remained nearly 60% higher than the previous weekly average, it said.
Claire Coutinho, Energy Security Secretary, said: “Today’s new figures show our pragmatic approach to net zero is working. In the first week after our 50% increase to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, applications tripled. We are supporting hardworking families who want to make the switch and replace their boiler in a way that’s within their budgets.”
The results come alongside new independent research published today confirming heat pumps are generally rated as quiet, with a majority of those surveyed saying they did not notice the sound. The review found complaints from neighbours are rare, with people far more likely to hear the noise of traffic and dogs barking, over of the sound of nearby heat pumps.
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, added: “This fantastic increase in applications through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme demonstrates not only the desire for heat pumps in this country, but also that our approach to reach net zero works.
“We want more families to enjoy the more stable bills and cleaner heating that heat pumps have to offer – and today’s evidence that heat pumps make minimal noise is yet another reason to make the switch.”
The government announced, in last week’s Autumn Statement, that it will consult on introducing new permitted development rights to end the blanket restriction on heat pumps one metre from a property boundary in England.