With the new Heat and Buildings Strategy encouraging the use of heat pumps - now is a good time to revisit the IOR paper "Why don't people install heat pumps?" available free here to download.

This paper considers why the annual UK installation rate of heat pumps is relatively low in comparison to other countries and questions the source of 'green' electricity required for a large heat pump fleet.

It covers electrically driven vapour compression air source heat pumps (ASHPs) for domestic and light commercial building sectors, providing on-gas grid and off-gas grid locations are considered, for:

  • domestic hot water (DHW) plus space heating via low pressure hot water (LPHW)
  • domestic hot water (DHW) plus space heating via warm air

This paper focuses on ASHPs, and doesn't include direct heat pump systems, because the number of heat pumps required to replace natural gas boilers and satisfy UK carbon reduction targets is not possible with ground source technology.

 

Recent posts

About

About the IOR

23 Apr 2026

The Institute of Refrigeration is the professional engineering body for all individuals working in RACHP. Find out more about the IOR here. 

News
What We Do

What we do

23 Apr 2026

Find out what the IOR can do for you: technical queries, safety codes of practice, new  technologies and professional development.

News
Untitled Design 5

Join us

23 Apr 2026

When you become a member of the Institute of Refrigeration you are joining a group of specialist experts driving the sector forward.

News
IOR Dinner Square 27

Bookings are now open for the 127th IOR Annual Dinner

7 Jul 2026

Bookings are now open for the 127th IOR Annual Dinner, taking place on 25 February 2027 at the Hilton London Bankside. This flagship gathering offers a great opportunity to broaden your network, reconnect with colleagues, and enjoy an evening of celebration.

Live event
RAC CIA26 Social Media 1080x1080

IOR Shortlisted at the RAC Cooling Awards 2026

7 Jul 2026

We’re delighted to share that the IOR has been shortlisted for four categories at the RAC Cooling Awards 2026, a recognition made possible entirely through the dedication and hard work of our members.

News