FEBRUARY 2024 | VOLUME 62 | ISSUE 1


New report questions the need for prioritising insulation


The report from independent research body Nesta challenges the common belief that homes need extensive insulation before heat pumps can be installed


Nesta’s analysts argue that while insulation is generally benefi cial, it is not essential for switching to heat pumps and that heat pumps can be installed and work effi ciently in less well-insulated homes. The report emphasises that


the key factors affecting the efficiency of heat pumps are system design and properly sized radiators, rather than insulation alone. It states that a well- designed heating system with correctly sized heat emitters is the most important factor for a heat pump’s effi ciency. The report notes that low-


carbon heating can fully eliminate carbon emissions from home heating, while insulation on its own can only reduce emissions. Viewed purely from the perspective of decarbonising, investing in low-carbon heating is an eff ective way to meet the UK’s climate goals. However, the report acknowledges that insulation brings additional benefi ts beyond carbon savings, including improved comfort, health, and potential grid fl exibility. While some home insulation measures, such as draught


proofing, loft, and cavity wall insulation, are considered cost- effective, others, particularly solid wall insulation, may be more expensive and not always justifi able in terms of cost. The report recommends a pragmatic approach to insulating homes in the UK alongside the roll-out of heat pumps. The proposed approach includes the following recommendations: • Improve 13 million homes to


reach EPC C standard by 2030, with an estimated investment of around £60 billion. • Properties with easy-to-treat


cavity wall and loft insulation should be targeted as a priority over hard to treat properties. • Greater emphasis should be placed on insulating households in fuel poverty, and governments in the UK should aim to insulate fuel-poor households and social housing to a high standard wherever possible. • Higher standards in


private rental properties, with regulations for minimum


standards of insulation. • This insulation roll out should


happen alongside a low-carbon heating roll out, and households should not be discouraged from buying a heat pump if their home is poorly insulated.


Oversized heat pumps Meanwhile, a different study of heat pumps in UK homes has concluded that around 70% of properties have the wrong size installed, resulting in higher energy costs and colder rooms. The research undertaken by


three energy monitoring experts – Build Test Solutions, Veritherm and Elmhurst Energy – looked at 56 homes, measuring the heat loss in diff erent types of dwelling and weighted towards detached and more recently built homes. The research found that the diff erence in heat loss between that calculated and the measured heat loss was a substantial 35% and there was a signifi cant bias towards overestimating the heat loss (in 59% of houses).


An oversized heat pump incurs higher capital costs, of around 10% on average, alongside higher maintenance costs and lower running effi ciency, while an undersized heat pump would mean that the home will not be warm enough during the coldest periods, driving the occupant to turn to more expensive heating methods, such as a fan or oil heater. “Heat pumps are really important for decarbonising heat and achieving net zero, but it is crucial that we maximise effi ciencies,” says Richard Jack, technical director at Build Test Solutions. “Before any heat pump is installed, specific heat loss measurement is needed to ensure the correct size for the property’s requirements. The performance gap between the assumed and actual heat loss calculations will have significant implications for residents if we don’t make changes.” Build Test Solutions, Veritherm


and Elmhurst Energy suggest that both industry standards and software tools should be updated to recognise the role of measured heat loss as part of the heat pump design process, sizing and specifying. Chris Ricketts, head of


consultancy at Elmhurst Energy, adds: “Heat loss measurement is a service that installers can integrate within their off ering, using software tools to capture and present the data. Residents see value in this information, and the savings that can be achieved through doing this accurately more than covers the costs.”


Inside this issue phamnews.co.uk


Gadgets & Tools See page 13


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COMPETITION


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