The aim of this project was to uncover challenges and barriers that existing heat pump installers face to installing more heat pumps, and make recommendations that would lead to meaningful solutions to those challenges. This report shows the findings of that project.
Video of insights from a survey of heating engineers
In order for the UK Government to meet its legally binding net-zero targets, fossil fuel heating systems will need to be replaced with heat pumps and other low-carbon heating systems in all homes across the UK by 2050. In 2021, the government set an interim target of installing 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028. But with only 55,000 heat pumps installed in 2022, installation numbers need to grow quickly.
To date, efforts to meet this target have focused on increasing the number of trained heat pump engineers entering the workforce. Whilst this is a crucial part of the solution, making the system in which existing engineers work more streamlined and efficient could decrease the amount of time each installation takes to complete.
We worked with Emma Bohan (IMS Heat Pumps) and Nathan Gambling (BetaTeach) to conduct a nationwide survey of heat pump engineers to explore the challenges they currently face in increasing the number of installations and how these challenges can be addressed.
What’s in the report
- 87% of respondents wanted to increase the number of heat pumps they install each year, but reported challenges to making this a reality.
- Their largest challenge with increasing heat pump installations was either:
- a lack of customer demand (41%)
- an inability to find additional suitable staff (30%)
- the time spent on unnecessary tasks or administration (19%)
- 45% of survey participants believe that customers don’t progress with a heat pump installation after receiving a quote as the costs across quotes are too high. A further 27% believe customers received a cheaper quote from another installer.
- Employers prefer to hire more experienced staff, with only 2% favouring taking on a first job applicant.
- Employers expect a much higher level of practical heat pump installation experience than graduates currently have. Over two thirds of respondents said they’d be unlikely to take on candidates who have qualifications without work-based learning.
- Administrative tasks are a larger barrier to increasing installations than tasks relating to the physical installation of a heat pump. Respondents reported wanting additional support from both digital tools and staff.
- Sole traders and companies with one to five employees prefer to use MCS umbrella schemes to avoid the cost and paperwork associated with obtaining their own certification.
Findings from the heat pump installer survey
Findings/recommendations
- Although there are government-funded grants available to almost all homeowners in England, Wales and Scotland, other types of finance schemes may increase the likelihood that customers go forward with an installation after receiving a quote.
- There need to be improved pathways for junior staff, recent graduates and those who have qualifications without work-based learning to enter the sector.
- There is a clear demand, from employers, for a deeper focus on practical skills in the training that apprentices receive. Colleges, and the companies with whom an apprentice does their workplace training, may require additional support to meet the demand from employers.
- There is some demand for improved digital tools for business administration and installation-related paperwork.
- Greater recognition and support from MCS for certification umbrella schemes may enable a greater number of companies to install a greater number of heat pumps. Alternatively, finding ways of reducing the paperwork and cost burden for the smallest businesses could allow them to become MCS-certified themselves.
