A MAJOR change to heat pump rules has taken effect today – and it could help millions save money on their energy bills.
Households no longer have to ensure the devices are installed one metre or more away from a neighbour’s property.
AlamyA heat pump rule has taken effect today[/caption]The rule was brought in so less noise produced by heat pumps leaked into nearby areas.
However, it has been scrapped by the government as ministers look to encourage more take up of the environmentally friendly gadgets.
The change comes as part of the government’s Warm Homes Plan which aims to save households hundreds of pounds on their energy bills.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “The energy shocks of recent years have shown the urgent need to upgrade British homes and our Warm Homes Plan will make them cheaper and cleaner to run, rolling out upgrades from new insulation to solar and heat pumps.
“We are helping more people get a heat pump as they are three times more efficient than gas boilers, enabling families to save around £100 a year by using a smart tariff.”
Heat pumps work by taking heat from the air, ground or water and transferring it inside a property.
They can also transfer cooler air in the summer.
They can save you money on your energy bills and are better for the environment as they are powered by electricity not gas.
However, take up of the potentially money-saving devices has been lower than expected.
The government has set a target of 600,000 being fitted each year by 2028.
But The National Audit Office (NAO) reported last year the number of installations by December 2023 was less than half planned by ministers.
What are the advantages of heat pumps?
The main advantage to heat pumps is that they are typically more energy-efficient than old-style gas boilers.
The Energy Saving Trust says someone with an air source heat pump in a three-bedroom semi-detached house could save £240 a year on their energy bills compared to an old gas boiler.
The savings can be worth hundreds of pounds more if you’re switching over from an old electric storage heater.
Because heat pumps use renewable energy like air, water or ground heat, they are better for the environment too.
They can also provide both heating and cooling around your home, making them more versatile than gas heating systems.
What are the disadvantages of heat pumps?
The major disadvantage to heat pumps is the expensive up front cost.
The amount you pay depends on the type of model you have installed but air source types can cost between £6,500 and £11,500.
Households can get grants worth £7,500 to help towards the cost of having a heat pump installed through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
This used to be £5,000 but was increased by the previous government, with a ban on gas boilers by 2035 also postponed.
However, it means households do sometimes have to stump up thousands of pounds of their own cash to get one.
Some heat pumps can be noisy as well, with air source models generally the noisiest of all three.
Depending on which type you get, you might have to install it outside as well.
What energy bill help is available?
There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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