Centrica: British Gas launches new air source heat pump offering

British Gas has launched a new air source heat pump offering with the first customer installation taking place at a home in Devon next month. British Gas is starting installations in the South West before rolling out nationwide.

The installations will be completed by specially trained British Gas engineers and forms part of its plans to help customers lower their carbon emissions. British Gas plans to incorporate Hive heating controls into its heat pump proposition later in the year so customers can remotely manage their heating.

Centrica (under the PH Jones brand) is also installing air source heat pumps into social housing. The company is aiming to install up to 1,000 in homes this year. By 2025 the aim is to install up to 20,000 per year.

Heat pumps are a highly efficient heating system, generating more than three units of heat output for every unit of electricity they use. Heat pumps are the best immediate option for millions of off-grid homes, and homes that are well insulated and will be essential to keep the UK on track for its 2035 and 2050 carbon emissions targets.

“There is a big challenge ahead of us to decarbonise UK homes. We’ve made a lot of progress helping our customers use less energy with smart technology, and our first mass market heat pump will now help them change the type of energy they use. There will not be a single solution for every home but it’s important we act now to start customers on this journey. Heat pumps are an essential part of decarbonising heat and the momentum around this technology is building. To ensure we can meet the demand that’s coming, we’ve committed to training 3,500 apprentices over the next decade, many of whom will develop specialist green skills.”

Jana Siber, Managing Director, British Gas

Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon:

“I am delighted to see that the first of many new air source heat pumps being installed by British Gas taking place here in Woolacombe, North Devon. With the cost of gas and energy likely to be high over the next few years, never has there been a better time to invest in reducing your energy usage and your carbon footprint at the same time.”

The heat pump absorbs heat from the air outside, compresses it to a high temperature, and transfers it into the home. The installation will include a bespoke design as well any required upgrades to pipework and radiators. Installing a heat pump is one of the single best things a UK household can do today to lower their carbon footprint.