As the UK ramps up efforts to tackle climate change, the focus has turned towards decarbonising heat, a key objective that is only achievable through electrification. Transitioning to electric heating systems such as heat pumps – and continuing to green the power sector – will reduce carbon emissions over time, aligning with the UK’s climate targets and providing long-term savings for consumers.

Electrification leverages the UK’s expanding renewable energy resources, including wind and solar. As the grid becomes greener, electric heating produces fewer emissions, creating a virtuous cycle of decarbonisation. However, two primary challenges persist: ensuring that consumers benefit from lower heating costs and minimising the disruption and cost of installations.

What do people get wrong about heat pumps?
But first, it is important to clear up a few misconceptions about heat pumps which persist and continue to hinder their widespread adoption. One common myth is that homeowners must replace their existing radiators when installing a heat pump. In truth, modern heat pumps can achieve flow temperatures comparable to those of gas boilers, eliminating the need for new radiators in most cases.

Another widespread belief is that a property must be insulated before a heat pump can be effective. While insulation is crucial for reducing heat loss and improving overall energy efficiency, it is not a prerequisite for installing a heat pump. If a home is losing heat, insulation will help regardless of the heating system in place. In fact, it’s arguably more urgent to insulate properties that will continue relying on gas heating to curb unnecessary energy consumption and emissions.

Heat pumps lead the electrification movement due to their high efficiency. Unlike conventional heating, which generates heat, heat pumps transfer it from the environment, delivering three to four units of heat for each unit of electricity used. This high coefficient of performance (COP) makes them ideal for reducing energy use and emissions.

However, the cost of electricity versus gas raises concerns. Without careful management, operating costs of electric heating could exceed those of gas, undercutting the financial benefits for consumers. To combat this, we can utilise energy storage and time-of-use tariffs to optimise heat pump operation.

Storage solutions – such as thermal stores or batteries – allow users to store heat generated during cheaper, off-peak electricity hours. Time-of-use tariffs encourage shifting energy use to these times, lowering overall costs. Smart controls can further improve efficiency by adjusting heat pump operation based on real-time electricity prices and household needs. This strategy not only reduces heating costs but also alleviates grid strain and supports renewable energy integration.

Unlike conventional heating, which generates heat, heat pumps transfer it from the environment, delivering three to four units of heat for each unit of electricity used.
 

Can heat pumps be used for every heating need? 
The second challenge is the localised nature of heat electrification. Heating requirements vary with geography, housing types and available resources. A one-size-fits-all approach is neither practical nor cost-effective. Instead, a diverse portfolio of heat pump solutions is essential:

• Individual heat pumps – suitable for single-family homes, these are relatively easy to install and can replace traditional boilers with minimal disruption.
• Low-carbon heat networks – in urban areas or new developments, shared heat pump networks can enhance operational and installation efficiency.
• Local energy sources – certain locations can harness unique local resources such as water reservoirs or industrial waste heat. For example, water source heat pumps tap into bodies of water, while waste heat recovery systems capture heat from industrial processes. Recycling ‘free’ heat like this is the most efficient heating method.

By matching the right technology to each location, installation costs decrease and disruption is minimised. Community heating schemes and district heating networks can also distribute costs over multiple users, making these advanced systems more accessible.

Implementing these solutions requires coordination among government, industry and consumers. Policy support and long-term certainty are crucial for incentivising adoption and offsetting initial costs. Simplified planning, streamlined regulation and clear guidelines can accelerate deployment, while workforce training will reduce costs and improve service quality.

Public awareness campaigns can also play a role, educating consumers on the benefits of electrified heating, time-of-use tariffs, and energy storage. Informing consumers empowers them to make proactive choices in the energy transition.

Electrifying heat is the key to decarbonising the UK’s heating systems. By focusing on electric solutions such as heat pumps, paired with energy storage and tailored approaches, we can achieve affordable, low-carbon heating. This transition demands commitment and collaboration but promises significant environmental and economic rewards.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

• Further reading: ‘What’s needed for European heat pump progress?’ Although the UK is lagging behind, overall, the European heat pump sector is poised to move the continent away from dependence on fossil fuels for heating. However, to meet climate targets, an acceleration programme is needed to double the number of installed pumps each year, writes Jozefien Vanbecelaere, Head of EU Affairs at the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA).
• As well as being installed for individual homes, larger heat pumps are also being installed to supply heat to district heating networks in the UK. Find out more about the advantages of the refrigerant used with heat pumps being installed for one system in the London Borough of Southwark.