Heat pumps are a key technology for achieving net zero emissions from domestic heating. The UK Government has a target of 600,000 installations per year by 2028 and 72,000 were installed in 2022. Heat pumps are technically suitable for most UK homes if installed appropriately.

A third of UK energy consumption is used for heating, mostly in the domestic sector. Three quarters of energy used for heating is from burning fossil fuels, primarily natural gas. The Climate Change Committee projects that, to reach net zero, domestic heat pumps will be needed in at least half, but likely closer to 80%, of homes by 2050. Heat pumps are widely used in some European countries, such as Norway (60% of homes) and Sweden (43%), but account for 1% of UK homes.

Heat pumps transfer heat from the external environment into buildings, to provide space heating and hot water. They use the same principle as refrigeration and air conditioning but in reverse. Heat pumps run on electricity and can replace fossil fuel boilers. When combined with decarbonisation of the electricity supply, this reduces CO2 emissions from heating. Heat pumps do not emit any air pollutants. The Climate Change Committee is an independent statutory body established to advise the UK and devolved governments on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of climate change. 

Note: The heat pump refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside environment and evaporates (1). Electricity is used to compress the refrigerant and raise its temperature (2). The hot refrigerant transfers heat into hot water, which supplies the home (3). The refrigerant expands and cools down (4), and returns to the evaporator to absorb more heat (1).

A heat pump may well be right thing for you and your home, whether you are replacing a boiler, or wanting to move from expensive oil or electric heating. There's a lot of confusing and often inaccurate information out there about this eco-friendly heating solution, so don't miss out on this opportunity to clear things up at this impartial and free event.

On Tuesday 28th Jnauary 2025, at the Willingdon Trees Community Centre, starting at 7pm, Martin Turner from Energise Sussex Coast will take you through how heat pumps work, costs and grants, the benefits, and how to find a trusted installer. We'll also hear from David Everson, a local resident and volunteer Energy Champion who will tell us about his experience of installing a heat pump so you can get the real-life low down!

There'll be time to ask questions, and have a cuppa and cake. Plus you can visit the Energy Adice stall run by the Eastbourne Eco Action Network and take away some free energy saving equipment for your home, or book a follow up energy advice appointment with Energise Sussex Coast.