Air source heat pumps are expected to become compulsory for new build properties from 2025, but what does this mean for the main incoming electrical services and metering?
Here, we look at the challenges and the best route to tackling them. First, however, let’s recap on why we’re seeing a shift from gas boilers to air source heat pumps.
The UK government’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
- Spring 2019 – Announcement of the introduction of a Future Homes Standard (FHS) – In spring 2019, the government announced its intention to introduce a Future Homes Standard by 2025 so that “new build homes [are] future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency”. The average homes built to the new standard will have 75-80% less carbon emissions than one built to the then existing standards. [1]
- June 2019 – UK Government commits to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 – The UK government has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% from 1990 levels by 2050. In 2019, “17% of heating emissions from buildings came from homes”. [2]
- June 2023 – Updates to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) come into force following a year-long transitional period – This is an interim step towards the FHS, with a mandate to improve the minimum standard for carbon emissions by 31% for dwellings and 27% for commercial buildings [3]. The installation of air source heat pumps is an effective route to compliance.
- December 2023 – The Future Homes and Building Standards: 2023 Consultation – The consultation “sets out technical proposals for changes to the Building Regulations, the associated Approved Document guidance and calculation methods”. The consultation also states that “All performance requirements are based on notional buildings with an efficient air source heat pump or a 4th generation heat network that uses air source heat pumps”. [4] In other words, air source heat pumps will become standard.
- 2025 – The Future Home and Buildings Standard to come into force
- 2035 – Ban on the sale of new gas boilers – While the installation of gas boilers will not be permitted in new build homes from 2025, the government has delayed its ban on the sale of gas boilers to existing dwellings until 2035. About a fifth of UK homes are expected to be exempted, “so that households who will most struggle to make the switch to heat pumps or other low-carbon alternatives won’t have to do so.” [5]
Why air source heat pumps?
Gas is a fossil fuel responsible for 75% of global emissions. [6] Gas boilers are only about 90% efficient whereas air source heat pumps typically have an energy rating of 300%. [7] Combined with renewable energy sources such as solar, air source heat pumps can provide a very efficient heating system indeed.
For homeowners, this can mean significantly reduced heating costs. Air source heat pumps also require less maintenance, requiring servicing only once every two to three years, compared to every 12 months for gas boilers.
The benefits for house builders and developers
Although air source heat pumps aren’t mandatory in new homes just yet, choosing them over gas boilers now offers numerous benefits for house builders and developers.
- Demonstrates good environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice – We all have a role to play in addressing the climate crisis, and more and more businesses are committing to the adoption of sustainable business practices, often leaving regulation to play catch up. As well as being the ‘right’ thing to do, it can make businesses more attractive to investors and customers.
- Supports marketing efforts – A report by the Federation of Home Builders found that 3 in 4 people “are worried about the energy performance of their current home, with 1 in 4 saying energy efficiency will be ‘crucial’ to their next home move.” [8]
- Homebuyers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly features – According to research, 60% of home renters and buyers say the environmental impact of a new home is important to them, with a further 40% saying they would be willing to pay more upfront for an environmentally friendly home. [9]
Why early supplier engagement matters in the installation of air source heat pumps
The installation of air source heat pumps is still new territory for many house builders, developers and installers. There are currently just 4,500 registered heat pump installers compare to 150,000 registered gas safe engineers. [10]
It’s important, therefore, to engage with a knowledgeable partner as early as possibly in the process, ideally at early design stages.
A key part of the installation requirement is to ensure that the main incoming electrical services and metering are up to the task. Your supply partner will also be able to advise on:
- Power requirements – whether installing cabling from scratch for new builds or upgrading power supply for existing properties
- Spatial design – ensuring the correct positioning of the air source heat pump for optimum efficiency
- Selecting the correct size unit – dependent on expected usage and insulation levels
- Installing appropriate heat emitters – whether underfloor heating or radiators
- Maintenance – requirements and frequency.
At Connectus Utilities, through our specification review and electricity network experience, we will support and advise you on the installation, commissioning and maintenance of air source heat pumps on your development.
Sources
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-homes-standard-changes-to-part-l-and-part-f-of-the-building-regulations-for-new-dwellings
[2] https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmbeis/1038/report.html
[3] https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/new-building-regulations-changes-to-part-l-are-now-in-effect
[4] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-2023-consultation/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-2023-consultation
[5] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-recommits-uk-to-net-zero-by-2050-and-pledges-a-fairer-path-to-achieving-target-to-ease-the-financial-burden-on-british-families
[6] https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change#:~:text=Fossil%20fuels%20–%20coal%2C%20oil%20and,they%20trap%20the%20sun%27s%20heat.
[7] https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/heat-pumps/gas-boilers
[8] https://www.hbf.co.uk/news/location-location-insulation-new-homes-week-research-shows-desire-sustainability/
[9] https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/next-generation-home-buyers-happy-to-pay-more-upfront-for-greener-homes-and-put-environmental-issues-top-of-the-buying-agenda/
[10] https://www.hvpmag.co.uk/EDF-announces-acquisition-of-heat-pump-installer-CB-Heating/17101
