AUTHOR
Mars, Founding Editor, Renewable Heating Hub
As the Founding Editor of Renewable Heating Hub, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative potential of heat pumps in creating greener, more efficient homes. However, I’ve also witnessed a troubling trend that’s leaving homeowners stranded and reputable installers increasingly reluctant to help.
Across the UK, homeowners are turning to renewable heating systems in record numbers, driven by the promise of lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. But for some, this transition has turned into a nightmare. Poorly designed installations, inadequate heat loss calculations and rushed workmanship have left many households with systems that simply don’t work as intended.
When these homeowners reach out to their original installers for help, they’re often met with silence. No callbacks, no support and no accountability. Desperate for a solution, they then turn to more competent, reputable installers. But here’s the catch: many of these top-notch professionals are now refusing to take on such jobs.
The reason? Liability.
As soon as a new installer touches a system, they effectively take ownership of its performance, even if the original issues were caused by someone else’s shoddy work. The original installer can then wash their hands of the job, claiming that because another professional has intervened, they’re no longer responsible. It’s a frustrating situation that leaves homeowners stuck in the middle, unable to resolve their heating issues.
This trend isn’t just frustrating for homeowners; it’s also damaging the reputation of the heat pump industry as a whole. Reputable installers, who pride themselves on delivering high-quality work, are understandably wary of stepping into these scenarios. They risk inheriting problems they didn’t create, facing unhappy customers and potentially damaging their own reputations in the process.
So, what’s the solution?
1
First, there needs to be greater accountability for original installers. More robust industry standards, clearer guidance, and better enforcement mechanisms are required to ensure that poorly executed installations are addressed at the source.
2
Second, the industry should explore ways to protect reputable installers who step in to fix botched jobs. This could include clearer guidelines on liability or even a formal process for documenting the state of a system before any new work begins.
3
Finally, homeowners need better protections. ECO4 and other schemes must include robust aftercare provisions, ensuring that households aren’t left to fend for themselves when things go wrong. Clearer channels for recourse and support would go a long way in restoring confidence in the industry.
The rise of botched installations is a stark reminder that the success of the UK’s heat pump rollout depends not just on the technology itself, but on the quality of the installations and the integrity of the professionals behind them. The industry must address these issues head-on before they undermine trust in renewable heating altogether.
That said, when designed and installed correctly, heat pumps are one of the most effective ways to heat a home, providing consistent comfort, dramatically lower running costs and improved energy efficiency. For homeowners already invested in solar PV, pairing a heat pump with self-generated electricity can lead to even greater savings, making the switch to renewable heating an even more attractive prospect.
What to look for in an Installer...
- Check the installer has been appropriately certified to ensure they have the competency to install your heat pump safely and efficiently.
- Make sure they are a member of a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Approved Code. These Codes can provide free help and assistance in resolving disputes.
- Request confirmation that your system will come with an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG).
* Purchasing an IBG for a Solar PV and/or Battery Storage installation is mandatory; for an EV Charge Point it is optional.
