Industry News

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.

What the Clean Heat Market Mechanism Means for Installers

What the Clean Heat Market Mechanism Means for Installers

The UK’s Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) is set to accelerate heat pump adoption by requiring boiler manufacturers to meet sales targets. Learn what this means for installers and how Alto Energy can help you capitalise on this opportunity.

BBC Reports That Half of UK Homes Should Have Heat Pumps by 2040

BBC Reports That Half of UK Homes Should Have Heat Pumps by 2040

The BBC has reported that the Climate Change Committee wants half of UK homes to have heat pumps by 2040 to help meet net zero targets. With record heat pump sales in 2024 and government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the shift to low-carbon heating is already underway. But what does this mean for homeowners and the future of home heating?

Future Homes Standard 2025: Essential Updates for Installers and Developers

Future Homes Standard 2025: Essential Updates for Installers and Developers

This year, we’re expecting even bigger growth, with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) coming into play. This represents a significant step in the UK’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It mandates that all new homes must be constructed with high energy efficiency and use low-carbon heating systems. The initiative is part of the UK’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions from buildings, which account for a substantial portion of the country’s overall emissions.

Green Homes Wales Scheme

Green Homes Wales Scheme

The Green Homes Wales scheme is an exciting initiative aimed at making homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. By offering a mix of grants and loans, the scheme provides homeowners with the financial support needed to embrace low-carbon heating technologies, like heat pumps, and improve energy efficiency.

Gas Boilers Phased Out: What Plumbers Need to Know Before 2027

Gas Boilers Phased Out: What Plumbers Need to Know Before 2027

The plumbing and heating industry is on the brink of a significant transformation, as we have been warning for some time. Last week, it was reported by the Independent that gas boilers are likely to be banned in most new build homes by 2027, as part of efforts to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions. This follows the recent closure of the country’s last coal power plant just a few months ago.

Heat Pump Installations Climb to Record Levels

Heat Pump Installations Climb to Record Levels

Heat pump installations in the UK have already exceeded last year’s total, setting a new milestone for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) with three months still to go in 2024. By the end of September, 42,000 installations were completed—outpacing 2023's total by approximately 4%.

UK Government Announces Warm Homes Grant

UK Government Announces Warm Homes Grant

The UK government is launching the Warm Homes Grant in 2025, an exciting initiative aimed at helping homeowners make their properties more energy-efficient. This fully funded scheme is available to those who meet certain criteria and could significantly reduce your energy costs while lowering your home's carbon footprint.

The UK’s Last Coal Power Station Closes

The UK’s Last Coal Power Station Closes

This week, the UK's last coal power station closed, signalling that the country’s energy landscape is undergoing a massive transformation. For over 200 years, coal was king, powering industry and homes alike. But today, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro are rapidly replacing fossil fuels in the national grid. With that change comes a new challenge—and opportunity—for those of us in the heating and plumbing industry.

How Could The Labour Party Impact The Heat Pump Market?

How Could The Labour Party Impact The Heat Pump Market?

With the UK election out the way and a new government in place, we feel it’s important to explore the potential implications for the heat pump market now that Labour has taken the helm. For plumbers, particularly those considering diversifying into heat pump installations, Labour's anticipated measures could present significant opportunities in the evolving green energy sector.