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Micropower Industry responds to EST Heat Pump Report
8th September 2010
The Microgeneration industry today welcomed the first stage findings of the UK's first domestic heat pump field trial report by the Energy Saving Trust's (EST). The report is an overview of findings from phase one of the trials and some initial conclusions.
Dave Sowden, Chief Executive of the Micropower Council said, "We welcome the first stage conclusions of the report which are broadly in line with the trial's expected outcomes. They confirm that all types of heat pump, when correctly used, specified, and installed in properly insulated homes can deliver substantial cost and CO2 savings, particularly in homes not connected to the gas grid.
"Half way through this important trial, there are also some useful lessons for the industry to learn from those installations that have performed less well. These reinforce the need to ensure the certification process is robust for both products and installers, and that proper training is provided for installers. The remaining 12 months of the trial provide an excellent opportunity for the industry to build on this report, support Summit Skills recent introduction of National Occupational Standards and ensure the Microgeneration Certification Scheme builds greater confidence for customers that certified installers will ensure their systems are fit for purpose, provide them with the heating, hot water or power they expect, and help them save energy and CO2.
"Microgeneration is all about correct specification, installation and use of the right technology to suit a customer's need, and ensuring proper energy efficiency measures are taken first. This report confirms this view, and gives the industry the confidence that, with appropriate changes to training and standards, domestic heat pumps have a promising future as part of the microgeneration technology mix."
