British Gas has officially installed its first air source pump at a home in Ivybridge in Devon as the company gets ready for the phase-out of gas boilers.
It’s expected that both air source and ground source heat pumps will play an increasingly important role in heating homes in the UK as gas boilers become a thing of the past. That means firms that have predominantly become known for installing gas boilers, such as British Gas, are now having to switch things up.
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. By 2025 the aim is to install up to 20,000 per year.
“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,” noted Jana Siber, Managing Director at British Gas.
“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 the demand that’s coming.”
Henk van den Berg, Strategic Business Manager, Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, added, “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.”