Energy companies have predicted that new rules on heat pumps that came into effect yesterday will bring down costs and boost installations.
The changes include lifting a restriction that previously required planning permission for any heat pump to be installed within one metre of a neighbouring property.
The initiative is part of the Warm Homes Plan to help the UK reduce its carbon emissions,, which include a target of 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028.
The permissible size for these units will increase from 0.6 to 1.5 cubic metres, allowing more powerful systems suitable for larger homes. Detached properties will also be allowed to install up to two units under permitted development rights.
The government hopes that the easing of regulations, along with its Boiler Upgrade Scheme will speed up the transition away from fossil fuels by offering grants of up to £7,500 per homeowner to help with the installation costs of heat pumps.
Aimee Clark, Head of Commercial and Low Carbon Tech at Octopus Energy, said the new planning rules could “really drive down the cost for customers”. In a recent survey, the firm found that 94 per cent of customers found their heat pumps as or more comfortable than their old gas boilers.
Installations must still comply with noise standards to ensure minimal disruption to neighbours. “Many installations face delays due to old noise regulations, which is something we believe the government needs to address,” Clark said.
Currently, heat pumps must be quieter than 37dB but Octopus Energy has proposed that the noise limit should be raised by 1dB.
Heat pumps are more efficient heating devices than traditional boilers, the installation of which will be phased out in Britain in the coming years, and run on electricity rather than traditional fuel, thus decreasing carbon emissions.
