Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Deferred
DESNZ removed insulation requirements for heat pumps, making upgrades optional for homeowners.
Recommendation
We asked DESNZ why it had decided to change the minimum insulation standards required for heat pumps, and what impact it expected this decision to have. DESNZ told us that government had decided to leave insulation improvements as a choice for householders. It explained that it was still recommending that they make such upgrades in response to their EPC, but that it was leaving it to householders to choose when, or if, to undertake this work. We therefore asked DESNZ about the evidence it had used to reach this decision. DESNZ told us that it made its decision based on evidence that showed that 80% to 90% of UK homes do not need additional insulation for a heat pump to work effectively. DESNZ accepted, however, that it still needed to do some myth-busting about the quality of the consumer experience when living with a heat pump.26
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the implied recommendation to address consumer experience challenges for heat pumps but defers a comprehensive approach, stating the implementation date is subject to ministerial steers. It highlights existing advice tools and a phoneline service and plans to set out further improvements in a future Warm Homes Plan.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: to be confirmed 2.2 The implementation of recommendations is dependent on further steers from new ministers, and the department will inform the new Committee as soon as an implementation date is agreed. 2.3 The government has a range of activities to make it easier for consumers to switch to low carbon heating. The government provides advice and support in several areas, including the Heat Pump Home Suitability Tool and Find Ways to Save Energy in your home tool which provide bespoke advice to consumers on clean heat and energy efficiency upgrades they can make to their homes, and signposts grant support and further information. This is supplemented by a phoneline service, and the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator programme which will gather evidence on the best ways to engage consumers on a local level on home decarbonisation. 2.4 The government is making improvements to its Heat Pump Home Suitability tool which will include localised links, advice on pipework and radiators, as well as the impact of additional energy efficiency measures such as system upgrades and insulation. 2.5 The government will set out in the Warm Homes Plan how to further improve the heat pump landscape to make it easier for consumers to navigate.