Alpha has urged policymakers to consider expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include hybrid heating systems.
Currently, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme – which operates in England and Wales – does not including hybrid heating systems in its remit.
The scheme, introduced by the previous government, works to support the decarbonisation of heat in buildings by offering £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump, £7,500 off the cost and installation of ground and water source heat pumps, or £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
Research conducted by Alpha this year found that despite 74% of UK household billpayers claiming they care about the carbon footprint of their home, only 38% would be likely to opt for a non-fossil-fuel-based system. Cost was the primary barrier to making a change to a more sustainable heating appliance.
In a bid to make sustainable heating technology accessible to more UK households, Alpha is calling for hybrid systems to be included in the government scheme.
A hybrid heating system pairs a traditional gas boiler with a heat pump. These two elements act in tandem with smart controls which work to combine live energy prices with the outdoor temperature. This then provides consistent heating and instant hot water.
Andrea Carmeli, Managing Director at Alpha, commented: “The research we carried out here at Alpha shows that 53% of UK billpayers would likely take advantage of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if hybrids were included.”
Alpha is suggesting a grant amount of £2,500 for hybrid systems.
“The crucial point here is that hybrids offer an 80-90% carbon reduction compared to a standalone gas boiler,” said Carmeli. “So, in terms of overall environmental benefit, it makes sense to encourage more homes to take this transitionary step.
