There are many good reasons why heat pumps should replace gas boiler, but it is possible that using a narrative of them being cheaper might risk a backlash as the evidence of cost-benefit have been termed “not currently clear” by the Government’s own chief scientific adviser.

The Telegraph has reported that during a meeting chaired by Professor Dame Angela McLean the chief scientific adviser said that it was unclear whether heat pumps were cheaper to run than a traditional gas boiler.

Added to the lack of skills available for installation and the rather ramshackle mess of EPC ratings, that can see a rating drop after a heat pump is installed, it means that the heat pump industry needs to be careful in relating the exact benefits adding a heat pump can give, and guard against over-promising to a public that is already sceptical at times.

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