(Image: Hamid Salimi, Head of Residential Products, Daikin)
Towards the end of January, the Government published its much-anticipated Warm Homes Plan outlining its approach to tackling fuel poverty, upgrading homes and helping keep energy bills down. The £15bllion Warm Homes Plan includes support for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to encourage installation of low-carbon technologies including heat pumps.
A snapshot of reactions from across the sector.
Hamid Salimi, Head of Residential Products, Daikin (pictured)
“The Warm Homes Plan will accelerate progress towards net zero. It will make it cheaper to install and run low carbon heating, making heat pumps even more attractive, particularly when they are paired with solar PV and battery technologies.
“The ability to apply for a low or zero interest loan on-top of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant is particularly welcome, as it will encourage more householders to invest in this technology. As hotter climate conditions become an increasing issue in the UK, we welcome BUS funding being extended to air-to-air heat pumps that can cool as well as heat homes.
“We would, however, urge the government to take early and decisive steps to reduce the price of electricity. This remains a barrier to the electrification of domestic, commercial and industrial heating.”
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director, Vaillant UK and Ireland
“Vaillant welcomes the £15 billion Warm Homes Plan as an important step forward, providing long‑term certainty for the market and a clear signal on the UK’s transition to low‑carbon heating.
“The ambition for 70% of heat pumps sold in the UK to be manufactured domestically, alongside continued support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and further investment in installer skills via the Heat Training Grant, gives industry the confidence to plan, invest and scale with purpose. This rounded approach, including investment in the broader supply chain, from manufacturing to installation, not only strengthens the domestic manufacturing base but also fosters a robust ecosystem for skilled jobs and growth.”
Paul Smith, Managing Director, NIBE Energy Systems Limited
“The Warm Homes Plan provides much-needed clarity and long-term direction for the acceleration of heat pumps in UK homes, backed by record public investment. It sends a strong signal that clean heating is central to the future of housing in Britain.
“The continued expansion of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), alongside new zero- and low-interest finance, is an important step in making the upfront cost of installation less prohibitive and opening clean heating to many more households. Increased funding will also support the adoption of a broader range of heat pump technologies, helping ensure different homes can access the right solutions.”
Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager, Grant UK
“The launch of the Warm Homes Plan is potentially a key moment for energy affordability across Britain and underlines this Government’s commitment to cleaner energy.
“The Plan’s three-pillar approach is welcome; direct support for low-income families, an offer of universal access to clean energy financing and meaningful protections for renters. Heat pumps are central to the new Warm Homes Plan and we are pleased about the continued focus on this proven and clean home heating solution.”
Mike Foster, Chief Executive, EUA
“New, highly insulated homes provide the ideal environment for modern low‑carbon technologies such as heat pumps and heat networks. As the government advances its ambitious housebuilding programme, we expect to see significant growth in heat pump installations in new‑build properties.
“Our experience of more than a decade of subsidising heat pumps in existing homes shows that uptake is likely to remain limited until installation becomes more affordable and running costs decrease.
“Where we see real potential for lowering energy bills and cutting carbon emissions is in hybrid heating technologies. Aligning solutions with the realities of the UK’s diverse housing stock is the most pragmatic path forward. Hybrid systems also support the transition to a future decarbonised gas network, helping the UK meet its clean power goals in a way that remains affordable for households.”
Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive, Heat Pump Association UK
“Today’s publication, and the £15 billion confirmed to deliver the Warm Homes Plan, send a strong signal to both industry and consumers that the shift to clean, affordable, electrified heat remains a priority for this Government. The plan acknowledges the vital role of heat pumps as a proven, scalable solution that can lower energy bills, improve comfort, and reduce carbon emissions for homes and buildings across the UK.
“The plan confirms support for low‑income households, enhanced affordable finance options, and an increased and extended Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which demonstrates a focus on making warm, low carbon homes a reality for everyone.”
Russell Dean, Deputy Divisional Manager, Mitsubishi Electric
“We are pleased to see the Warm Homes Plan outlined today, as this level of support to make renewable heating options more affordable and accessible has been long called for. The plan to offer interest-free loans for heat pumps is a welcome step to further reduce upfront costs, and the continuation of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme shows that the government is serious about making heat pumps a realistic option for more of us.”
Sachin Vihbute, HVAC and Heat Pumps Technical Consultant and Product Training Manager, LG
“The Warm Homes Plan puts serious weight behind clean heat, with a £2.7bn commitment to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that could be a real turning point for heat pump adoption.
“But while the plan sets out funding and ambition, it is lighter on the practical measures needed to help heat pump installations scale at pace. Financial support is an important part of the picture, but clearer consumer guidance and long-term policy certainty will be essential to give households and installers the confidence to invest.
“Manufacturers are already playing their part in supporting this transition — investing in innovation and helping to build a skilled workforce ready to meet growing demand. To fully unlock the potential of the Warm Homes Plan, continued focus on training, skills and installer capacity will be critical. Without enough qualified people to deliver these upgrades, progress risks falling short of its potential.”
Main Image: Daikin
