Heating specialists welcome launch of Warm Homes Plan

Heating specialists across the industry have welcomed the launch of the Warm Homes Plan.

The Government claims that the Plan will deliver £15bn of public investment and rollout upgrades to up to five million homes that could save them hundreds on energy bills, which could help lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030.

Neil Sawers, commercial technical manager at heating supplier Grant UK, says “The launch of the Warm Homes Plan is potentially a key moment for energy affordability across Britain and underlines this Government’s commitment to cleaner energy,”

“The Plan’s three-pillar approach is welcome; direct support for low-income families, an offer of universal access to clean energy financing and meaningful protections for renters. Heat pumps are central to the new Warm Homes Plan and we are pleased about the continued focus on this proven and clean home heating solution.

“We will continue to work with industry as the Plan develops and we look forward to seeing the new Warm Homes Agency, which will be key to the Plan’s successful delivery, take shape.”

Air conditioning and heating provider Daikin’s head of residential products, Hamid Salimi commented; “The Warm Homes Plan will accelerate progress towards net zero. It will make it cheaper to install and run low carbon heating, making heat pumps even more attractive, particularly when they are paired with solar PV and battery technologies. The ability to apply for a low or zero interest loan on-top of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant is particularly welcome, as it will encourage more householders to invest in this technology. As hotter climate conditions become an increasing issue in the UK, we welcome BUS funding being extended to air-to-air heat pumps that can cool as well as heat homes.

“We also welcome the plan’s fully funded upgrades for low income households, helping ensure the shift to cleaner heating is fair and accessible for all.

“We would, however, urge the government to take early and decisive steps to reduce the price of electricity. This remains a barrier to the electrification of domestic, commercial and industrial heating.”

Dan Marsden, director of renewables at Wolseley, the plumbing and heating merchant, said: “Our recent report highlighted the need for a clear, long-term strategy that will underpin home decarbonisation. The Warm Homes Plan delivers this direction, providing the certainty and confidence the sector needs to keep investing in the workforce and supply chain required to scale low carbon heating across the UK.

“Plans to both simplify heat pump installations, and target install times of no more than three days from the day of consumer signature are welcome, and we are already helping to support these ambitions by simplifying delivery and installation at scale through our Renewables Centre.

“At Renewables Centre, we are focused on building the skills base for the future through MCS accredited training, while supporting a renewables sector that prioritises high-quality installations and consumer confidence. The Warm Homes Plan supports these ambitions and brings us closer to our target of training 5,000 new installers by 2030.

“We welcome the plan’s focus on installer training support, minimum energy efficiency standard uplifts, stronger consumer protections, and commitments to decarbonising new homes and buildings. Together, these measures will help create the conditions for a thriving renewables market.
We also support the area-based delivery approach, which better reflects the diverse needs of the UK’s building stock and gives consumers greater flexibility depending on their property type.

“As demand for low carbon heating grows, building a skilled workforce, ensuring adequate financial support, and maintaining strong quality assurance will be essential to reducing bills and delivering warm, efficient homes. We will continue working with installers and consumers across the country to help deliver the UK’s energy transition.”