With growing awareness of the impact of climate change, UK homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make their homes more sustainable.
One of the biggest contributors to household carbon footprints is heating, which is why many people are exploring air source heat pumps (ASHPs) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas boilers.
This guide explains how switching to an air source heat pump can reduce household carbon emissions, helping pave the way toward a cleaner, greener future.
The Carbon Challenge: Why Reducing Household Emissions Matters
Current CO₂ Emissions from Residential Heating in the UK
Heating is one of the largest sources of residential carbon emissions in the UK. According to a 2024 report from the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts, heating the UK’s 28 million homes accounts for 18% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions (an increase from the 14% estimated by research from the Climate Change Committee in 2019).
Gas boilers, which rely on burning fossil fuels to generate heat, emit CO₂ every time they operate, making them a significant contributor to household emissions. In fact, research shows that the UK’s household gas boilers produce double the carbon dioxide emissions of our country’s gas power plants.
The UK government’s Clean Heat Strategy aims to reduce these emissions by encouraging households to decarbonise by adopting low-carbon heating systems such as air source heat pumps.
However, based on new analysis from the innovation charity Nesta, one in ten households need to switch to a low-carbon heating system if the UK is to meet our legally binding climate budgets by 2050.
The UK’s Net-Zero Goals
The UK has committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and decarbonising home heating plays a large part in this strategy.
To help achieve this goal, the government is:
- Encouraging the switch to renewable heating solutions with grants of up to £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
- Phasing out gas boilers in new homes by 2025 as part of the Future Homes Standard.
- Discussing a ban on the sale of new gas boilers to take effect between 2035 and 2040.
For homeowners, switching to an air source heat pump now will not only help reduce your emissions, but also future-proof your property so that it aligns with these forthcoming regulations.
How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and convert this into energy to warm your home. For those interested in a step-by-step breakdown of this process, you can find a more detailed explanation of how it works in our previous blog here.
Since they do not burn fossil fuels like gas boilers do, but instead work through a renewable process that is powered by electricity, ASHPs are considered a low-carbon heating solution.
They are also far more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems, as ASHPs typically produce between three and four units of heat for every unit of electricity they consume. For more information on the efficiency of heat pumps, visit The Eco Experts’ Heat Pump Efficiency guide.
The Carbon Reduction Impact of Switching to an Air Source Heat Pump
Reduction in Carbon Emissions
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has highlighted that heat pumps play a crucial role in achieving the UK’s climate targets by providing a scalable, low-carbon heating solution.
Switching to an air source heat pump from a gas boiler can reduce a household’s annual carbon footprint by 44% or more, depending on the home’s size, insulation, and energy efficiency.
In fact, according to Greenmatch, a typical gas boiler produces around 2,500 kg of CO₂ per year, while an ASHP emits only 850 kg in the same period.
Further Beneficial Impact Through Grid Decarbonisation
As part of the aim to have an electricity system with 100% zero-carbon generation by 2050, the UK’s electricity grid is incorporating more renewable sources each year. Thanks to this, the environmental benefits of air source heat pumps are actually set to increase over time.
The government’s continued investment in renewable energy means that ASHPs powered by the National Grid will be using cleaner electricity, further lowering their associated carbon emissions.
Air Source Heat Pumps and Renewable Energy Compatibility
Integrating Solar Power with ASHPs
A major advantage of air source heat pumps is their compatibility with solar PV panels. By combining an ASHP with solar power, homeowners can create a sustainable, cost-effective, and near-zero-carbon heating system.
During sunny days, solar panels generate electricity that can power the heat pump, allowing for an entirely renewable home heating solution.
This setup also provides energy independence, helping households generate and manage their own energy needs without relying on sources like the National Grid and fossil fuels.
Off-Grid and Hybrid Heating Solutions
In addition to integrating with solar power, ASHPs can also function within hybrid heating systems, where they work alongside other renewable options, such as biomass heating or as part of a smart grid system.
These configurations can offer even greater emissions reductions and help stabilise your energy costs, especially during peak usage periods.
Financial and Environmental Benefits of Heat Pump Incentives in the UK
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Other Incentives
To make it easier for homeowners in England and Wales to adopt air source heat pumps, the government offers the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides up to £7,500 towards heat pump installations for eligible homes.
Meanwhile, Scotland offers The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme to encourage installing clean heating systems and energy efficiency measures, and homeowners in Northern Ireland can find local energy saving grants or discounts.
These grants can significantly reduce the initial cost of switching to an air source heat pump, making the choice to switch more accessible across the UK.
Supporting a Cleaner, Greener Grid
In addition to financial savings, by partaking in heat pump incentives, homeowners contribute to a broader national effort to create a low-carbon future.
Government incentives and policies aimed at promoting renewable heating are essential to achieving the UK’s long-term climate goals, making every air source heat pump installation a step closer to a cleaner environment.
Long-Term Environmental Impact: How Heat Pumps Help the UK Meet Net-Zero
Contribution to the Net-Zero Target
Switching to an air source heat pump is a highly effective way for households to support the UK’s net-zero carbon target.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that widespread adoption of heat pumps globally could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by at least 500 million tonnes annually by 2030, making ASHPs one of the most impactful choices for sustainable home heating.
Even if the UK only contributes to a small percentage of this, it could reduce our national carbon emissions by millions of tonnes per year.
Encouraging a Broader Shift to Sustainable Heating
The benefits of heat pumps extend beyond individual households. Each heat pump installation demonstrates a commitment to sustainable living, inspiring others to explore renewable options.
By choosing heat pumps over gas boilers, homeowners are actively contributing to a more sustainable future, setting an example that encourages broader shifts in local communities and beyond.
FAQs about Switching to an Air Source Heat Pump
Q: How much CO₂ can I reduce by switching to a heat pump?
A: On average, switching to an air source heat pump from a gas boiler can cut your household’s carbon emissions by up to 1,650 kg of CO₂ per year.
Q: Are heat pumps suitable for all homes?
A: Air source heat pumps are suitable for most homes, but a free professional assessment can help determine if your specific property is well-suited to a heat pump. Homes with good insulation will also see the most benefit from ASHPs.
Q: What are the financial benefits of switching to a heat pump?
A: In addition to lower heating bills, eligible UK households can receive up to £7,500 in government grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, making the transition to a heat pump more affordable.
Reduce Your Home’s CO₂ Emissions with Adlår’s Efficient Dual Heat Pump System
Switching to an air source heat pump is one of the most effective ways for UK households to reduce CO₂ emissions, lower heating bills, and contribute to a sustainable future.
ASHPs offer a cleaner, renewable heating solution that aligns with the UK’s net-zero goals. By choosing to install an air source heat pump, you’re not only investing in your home’s efficiency but also taking meaningful steps toward a greener planet.
Ready to reduce your home’s carbon footprint? Contact Adlår Castra UK for a free consultation and discover how much you could save in emissions and energy costs with our dual heat pump system.
