New research from home heating manufacturer Alpha shows a shift in heating preferences and highlights the challenges of adopting renewable energy amid ongoing cost of living pressures.
New research commissioned by Alpha reveals that many UK homeowners are considering alternatives to fossil fuel-based heating systems, but awareness and cost remain substantial barriers to widespread adoption.
The study, conducted by OnePoll, surveyed 2,000 UK household billpayers and sheds light on the nation’s evolving energy preferences and the challenges still facing the transition to greener home heating solutions.
Key Findings:
- Interest in renewable energy: 38% of respondents indicated they would likely opt for a non-fossil fuel heating system during their next upgrade. This marks an encouraging interest in greener alternatives, though the overall adoption of renewable energy sources remains slow.
- Limited adoption of new energy sources: only 14% of households have installed a new energy source in the past three years (up from 11% in 2023), with solar power, air source heat pumps and hybrid systems leading the way. Despite this, more niche technologies such as biomass and hydropower have seen minimal uptake.
- Persistent barriers: cost is identified as the most significant obstacle to adopting low or zero-carbon energy solutions, with 65% of respondents citing it as a major barrier. This is slightly lower than last year’s figure of 73%, reflecting a marginal improvement. Suitability and practicality (33%) and lack of knowledge (32%) also remain critical challenges.
- Awareness gaps: alarmingly, two-thirds (66%) of respondents are unfamiliar with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and almost half (45%) remain unaware of the impending gas boiler ban in new-builds from 2025 (compared with 48% in 2023). Furthermore, over half (51%) have not heard of hybrid heat pump technology, highlighting the need for more extensive public education in the whole home heating arena.
- Marginal shifts in energy source reliance: while gas from the grid remains the most commonly used energy source, its reliance has decreased by 6% from last year, now at 73%. In contrast, electricity usage has slightly increased (48%, up 2%), and renewable energy sources like wind turbines and hydropower have also experienced modest growth.
This year’s research findings reflect a glacially shifting landscape in the UK’s approach to home heating. Compared to last year, when nearly 80% of households relied on gas and concerns about energy security were dominant, there is an incremental shift towards more sustainable options. However, ongoing cost of living challenges continue to apply pressure on household finances, limiting the capacity for many to invest in greener technologies.
Andrea Carmeli, managing director of Alpha, comments on the findings: “While it’s encouraging to see more homeowners considering renewable heating options, the lack of awareness and the costs associated with these technologies are still major hurdles. Our research shows that despite growing interest, the practicalities of making the switch are daunting for many. It’s clear that more needs to be done to educate and support consumers in this transition.”
The research stresses the urgent need for increased public awareness and government support to facilitate the shift towards low-carbon heating solutions. With the 2025 gas boiler ban imminent and the BUS offering financial incentives, now is the time for homeowners to explore their options. However, without addressing the cost and knowledge barriers, widespread adoption may remain elusive.
Andrea Carmeli adds: “We must provide homeowners with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions. Hybrid systems, such as Alpha’s E-Tec Hybrid Heat Pump, offer a more accessible entry point into renewables by combining the reliability of gas with the benefits of renewable energy.
“We are actively seeking that hybrid technology is included in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, as this would significantly lower the barriers to adoption for many households. By taking these first steps, we can collectively work towards reducing our carbon footprint and alleviating worries around energy security.”
For more information on the research findings and the range of energy solutions available, visit alpha-innovation.co.uk.