Neil Thompson of Ideal Heating explores why heat pumps are critical for future-proofing new homes on the journey to net zero, bearing in mind some of the key design challenges the industry needs to consider.
Sustainable housebuilding has shifted from being a ‘luxury’ to an essential practice.
With the UK firmly committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, housebuilders must play a pivotal role in reshaping residential infrastructure to meet this ambitious target.
One of the most crucial decisions in designing new builds is choosing heating solutions that align with both environmental and legislative requirements – and this is where heat pumps come in.
Why heat pumps are here to stay
The Government’s impending Future Homes Standard is expected to mean gas boilers will be banned in new build homes.
This policy change signals the need for housebuilders to incorporate alternative heating systems into their developments.
Heat pumps, once viewed as niche, are now moving into the mainstream, with over 250,000 heat pump installations in the UK to date. European countries, such as Norway – where there are over 600 heat pumps per 1,000 households – demonstrate the viability of large-scale adoption and the pathway for the UK to follow.
In 2022, the global heat pump market size was estimated at $81 billion, and as more heat pumps enter the market, housebuilders and homeowners have greater choice than ever before.
Ideal Heating for example have invested £50m in transforming its manufacturing facilities in Hull, which have produced fossil fuel boilers for more than a century. Today, alongside manufacturing about 500,000 gas boilers annually, Ideal Heating is scaling up heat pump production. It has also established a state-of-the-art training centre capable of equipping up to 5,000 installers annually with the skills to install and service heat pumps.
Many manufacturers are adapting to the same legislative changes as housebuilders, ensuring that expertise and resources are available to support this transition.
The environmental case for heat pumps
Unlike traditional gas boilers that burn fossil fuels, heat pumps extract thermal energy from the air, and convert it into heat for residential use.
This process is far more efficient, generating several units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. Heat pumps provide a consistent, steady flow of lower-temperature heat, compared to the short bursts of high heat typical of boilers.
Contrary to common misconceptions, heat pumps are perfectly suited to the UK climate. They provide efficient, low-carbon heating all year round, regardless of whether it’s sunny, raining, or icy cold.
As energy efficiency regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainable living options grows, integrating heat pumps into new builds isn’t just an environmental imperative – it’s a critical step in future-proofing developments.
Challenges and design considerations
Transitioning to heat pumps comes with design challenges. These systems work best in highly insulated homes with low-temperature heating solutions, such as underfloor heating or slightly larger radiators.
Unlike compact combi boilers, heat pumps require a cylinder for hot water storage, which demands additional space and needs to be factored into designs.
This shift calls for a rethink of traditional layouts and may involve incorporating improved materials and methods to enhance energy efficiency.
However, when heat pumps are planned into the design from the outset, they can be seamlessly integrated into the home. While retrofitting is entirely feasible, it is more complex. Housebuilders are at an advantage because their developments start with a blank slate.
Collaboration with engineers and sustainability experts during the planning and design phases is vital to ensure effective implementation. Many manufacturers are also evolving their services to offer housebuilders tailored support and resources, reducing the burden and making the transition smoother.
Enhancing the appeal of new homes
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s an expectation for new homes. Homes equipped with efficient, low-carbon heating systems stand out in the competitive property market.
Homebuyers are increasingly prioritising features that reduce their carbon footprint and which offer long-term energy savings.
By integrating heat pumps, housebuilders are not just enhancing the appeal of their developments— they are meeting regulatory demands and aligning with growing public demand for sustainable living.
The path forward
Heat pumps are set to become an indispensable feature of housebuilding as the UK accelerates its journey towards net zero. For housebuilders, this is no longer a choice – it is a legislative and environmental necessity.
Adopting heat pump technology in new homes is crucial for ensuring compliance, and for meeting the UK’s ambitious climate goals.
The collaboration between manufacturers and housebuilders will not only ensure compliance with new regulations but will set a new standard for sustainable construction, building a greener future for generations to come.
Neil Thompson is sales director (New Build) at Ideal Heating