09 March 2022
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British Gas has completed its first air source heat pump installation at a home in Ivybridge, Devon as part of its new consumer offering. Heat Pumps will play an essential part in the UK achieving its Net Zero goals by 2050 and the first install is a major milestone. Through its partnership with leading eco-technology provider Daikin, British Gas has fitted the property with low carbon energy technology to help the customer lower their emissions.
British Gas has started installations in the South West before rolling the new service out nationwide. There are plans to incorporate Hive Active Heating controls into the proposition later in the year, so that customers can manage their heating remotely and improve their energy efficiency further.
Parent company Centrica (under the PH Jones brand) is already installing air source heat pumps into social housing and the company is aiming to install up to 1,000 this year – leading the energy market on heat pump installs. By 2025 the aim is to install up to 20,000 per year.
Air source heat pumps are a highly efficient type of heating system, generating more than three units of heat output for every unit of electricity they use. The technology is widely recognised as the best immediate option for millions of off-grid homes – and homes that are well-insulated – and will be essential to keeping the UK on track to achieve net zero by 2050 and to hit the various interim targets set out along the way.
Jana Siber, Managing Director at British Gas said: “Heat pumps are an essential part of the UK’s journey towards a decarbonised future. Our first homeowner installation in Ivybridge is testament to our commitment to helping customers lower their carbon emissions using smart technology.
“Partnerships like this one with Daikin are vital to encourage further uptake while the market is in its relative infancy. Installing a heat pump is one of the single best things households can do today to lower their carbon footprint. While specifications will differ to suit a variety of homes, it’s important we act now to start customers on this journey. That’s why we’ve committed to training 3,500 apprentices over the next decade, many of whom will gain specialist green skills to support with the demand that’s coming.”
Henk van den Berg, Strategic Business Manager – Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, comments: “Partnering with a household name such as British Gas is a fantastic endorsement for the quality of Daikin’s products and our expertise in the field of low-carbon heating solutions. As well as investing into a strong value proposition for UK customers, the collaboration will see Daikin technology used in British Gas training centres.
“For this British Gas customer, and anybody else who is in a position to install a heat pump, it will bring real benefits - not just in terms of providing a more efficient means of heating their home, but also in terms of greatly reducing their carbon footprint.”
