Engineers urged to sign up to heat pump ‘giveaway’ for their homes
Heating engineers in England are being encouraged to install government-funded heat pumps in their own homes as part of a new initiative to accelerate the roll-out of clean heating technology.
The ‘start from home’ initiative, spearheaded by research and innovation firm Nesta, offers engineers a fully-funded heat pump and comprehensive training on its installation. This program aims to equip professionals with practical experience before adapting the technology to clients.
A previous pilot program run by Nesta had shown that supporting engineers to install their first heat pump at home significantly increased their technical knowledge, deepened their understanding of living with the system and increased their confidence in introducing it to customers.
Experts underline the critical role of the widespread use of electrically powered heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers. This transition is vital to reducing carbon emissions and meeting the UK’s ambitious target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
To achieve these targets, approximately 450,000 heat pumps per year need to be installed in existing homes by 2030. Nesta estimates this will require an additional 38,000 trained and confident installers over the next six years.
The organization said heat pumps are more efficient than gas boilers, potentially lowering energy bills, requiring less maintenance and lasting longer, keeping homes warm for years.
But Nesta pointed to research by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) that suggested only 27% of newly trained installers completed installation within a year, partly due to a lack of confidence in the technology and the process of installing it.
That’s why the home start scheme is being rolled out with partners in England, Wales and Scotland, providing heat engineers with heat pumps and expert support for their own homes and putting them on the path to the accreditation required to install the technology for customers under government schemes.
Madeleine Gabriel, sustainable futures director at Nesta, said: “As more and more households look to replace their home heating, everyone will be turning to the pump and we want to help ensure Britain’s heating workforce is ready to respond to this.
“While many heating engineers are curious about heat pumps, most rarely get the chance to see them, let alone install them.
“The ‘start at home’ plan changes this by starting where it makes the most sense: at home.
“Our message to all heating engineers is simple: Secure your future by implementing the installation and technology yourself.”
Heating engineer Eric MacRae, who was involved in the pilot project in Scotland, added: “I am now confident in running one on my own property that I have experience with 24/7.
“Instead of giving people a speech, I can now speak from my personal experience of using it myself.
“This gives me an extra advantage and I feel like I can highlight more advantages than I could before.”
