Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Accepted in Part
Conflicting advice on 'fabric first' approach creates confusion for households regarding insulation.
Recommendation
While some organisations advocated a ‘fabric first’ approach, which involves improving the thermal performance of materials in a building prior to installing a heat pump, others suggested that it is not necessary, making it difficult for households to determine cost- effective measures. In their written evidence to us, the Energy & Utilities Alliance and National Energy Action both suggested, for example, that a fabric first approach would reduce bills and cut energy consumption, while the Kensa Group highlighted that loft and cavity wall insulation reduced heat-related energy consumption by only around 10%.27 DESNZ told us that it planned to assess the effect of changes it has made to insulation requirements on people’s experience through its planned evaluation of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.28 23 DHH0053, Written evidence submitted by Centrica, 29 April 2024 24 Qq 3–4, 6–7 25 DHH0050 26 Qq 4–7, 13 27 DHH0040, Written evidence submitted by Energy & Utilities Alliance, 29 April 2024; DHH0020, Written evidence submitted by National Energy Action, 29 April 2024; DHH0016, Written evidence submitted by The Kensa Group, 29 April 2024 28 Qq 39–42 Decarbonising home heating 13
Government Response Summary
Government agrees with the recommendation and is making specific improvements to its Heat Pump Home Suitability tool, including advice on insulation and energy efficiency measures, to help households determine cost-effective options.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.