Industry News

Decarbonising Home Heating: The Case for Heat Pumps

Decarbonising Home Heating: The Case for Heat Pumps

Climate change is already reshaping life in the UK, and home heating is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. This article explains why heat pumps are central to tackling climate change in homes, drawing on BBC reporting and government data to show how low-carbon heating can significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support the UK’s net zero goals.

What University of Oxford Research Reveals About Heat Pump Training

What University of Oxford Research Reveals About Heat Pump Training

Recent research led by the University of Oxford confirms what experienced installers already know: heat pumps work exceptionally well when they are properly designed, installed, and commissioned. The findings underline why heat pump training is critical, showing that performance issues are caused by poor design and installation, not the technology itself.

Heat Pumps And The Budget 2025

Heat Pumps And The Budget 2025

The latest UK Budget brings major developments for the heat pump industry, including an extended Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the end of ECO4, and changes that will lower electricity prices. We break down what these updates mean for installers, homeowners, and the future of low-carbon heating in the UK.

Why MCS Umbrella Scheme Standards Matter for Every Heat Pump Installer

Why MCS Umbrella Scheme Standards Matter for Every Heat Pump Installer

Recent MCS investigations highlight the risks when shortcuts are taken. Some certified installers signed off on work they didn’t complete, submitting government funding claims on behalf of non-certified companies. This puts both homeowners and installers at risk, damages the reputation of heat pumps, and can lead to rejected applications or unsafe systems.

What’s Behind the Heating Industry’s Skills Crisis

What’s Behind the Heating Industry’s Skills Crisis

The UK’s heating industry is approaching a critical turning point. As demand for air source heat pumps and renewable heating grows, the sector faces a major shortage of skilled plumbers and heating engineers. With many tradespeople nearing retirement and too few new entrants joining the field, this skills gap threatens to slow the nation’s low-carbon transition. But with the right investment in training, apprenticeships, and green technology, the industry has a chance to turn this challenge into an opportunity for lasting change.

Poor Heat Pump Design, Not the Technology, Causes Problems

Poor Heat Pump Design, Not the Technology, Causes Problems

Heat pumps offer an efficient, low-carbon way to heat homes — but only when they’re properly designed. This article explores how poor system design can undermine performance and why partnering with a specialist like Alto Energy ensures every installation delivers comfort, reliability, and long-term efficiency.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Warm Homes Plan Funding Boost

Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Warm Homes Plan Funding Boost

The government has confirmed a significant uplift in funding for low-carbon heating, doubling the Warm Homes Plan budget to £13.2bn. This renewed commitment will accelerate heat pump adoption across the UK, with direct support for homeowners, housing providers and local authorities.

Solar panels to become mandatory on all new builds

Solar panels to become mandatory on all new builds

With solar panels set to become mandatory on all new build homes, the case for pairing them with heat pumps is stronger than ever. Under the government’s Future Homes Standard, new properties must be low-carbon and “net zero ready” — a move that rules out fossil fuel heating. For developers and self-builders, this is a unique opportunity to future-proof homes with efficient, compliant technology that cuts emissions and energy bills. Heat pumps, especially when powered by on-site solar, offer a powerful, cost-effective solution that aligns with both regulation and buyer expectations.

Easier access to heat pumps as planning regulations are relaxed

Easier access to heat pumps as planning regulations are relaxed

From 29th May, updated planning rules in England and Wales will make it easier to install air source heat pumps without planning permission—removing key barriers for both homeowners and installers.