Heating homes out of thin air

_{As seen on the Housing Association Magazine}

As the UK moves toward its net-zero carbon emissions target, Housing Associations (HAs) are under increasing pressure to decarbonise their housing stock. With traditional gas boilers on the way out and energy efficiency targets tightening, combinations of heat pump technology and solar power now offer a sustainable and cost-effective way to heat homes.

The shift to low-carbon heating isn’t just an environmental obligation, it’s a strategic decision that benefits from affordability, compliance and tenant satisfaction. Air source heat pumps are at the forefront of this transformation. 

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air or ground and transferring it into a property, using electricity rather than burning fossil fuel. In the simplest terms, they work like a fridge - but in reverse. The technology is well-suited to the UK’s climate and can be used to efficiently manage the temperature of properties throughout the year. 

Replacing gas boilers with heat pumps can cut a home’s carbon emissions by as much as 70%, depending on the energy mix. This helps HAs align with EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) requirements and net-zero goals. The UK government has signalled a clear shift away from gas heating, and from 2025, all new homes should meet the Future Homes Standard, which effectively outlaws new gas connections. 

Heat pumps can achieve efficiencies of 300% or more, meaning they produce three times more energy than they consume. For tenants, this translates into lower energy bills, particularly when paired with other energy-saving upgrades such as insulation or solar panels.

"Replacing gas boilers with heat pumps can cut a home’s carbon emissions by as much as 70%, depending on the energy mix. This helps HAs align with EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) requirements and net-zero goals.”

Integrating heat pump systems across a diverse portfolio of housing stock isn’t without challenges. Older properties often need fabric upgrades (e.g., insulation and draught-proofing) to operate heat pumps efficiently. Some buildings may also require radiator replacements or changes to plumbing systems to accommodate lower flow temperatures. While prices for heat pump installations have dropped significantly in recent years, upfront costs are still higher than for gas boilers. However, grants and funding schemes such as ECO4 are helping bridge the gap for eligible projects. 

Some Housing Associations are already showing leadership with thousands of air source heat pumps installed in homes throughout the UK. These early adopters not only reduced emissions but also improved tenant comfort and satisfaction. In some cases, remote monitoring technology has even enabled predictive maintenance and energy usage insights, offering the potential for smarter management of housing. 

For both maintenance teams and tenants, ensuring residents understand how to use their systems properly is critical to performance and satisfaction... In short, a heat pump is not a straight gas boiler replacement - it’s not supposed to be. Understanding the nuances of the two systems may well take users a little time and adjustment. 

Heat pumps also tie into broader goals for energy independence. With rising global energy prices and increasing concern over fuel poverty, heat pumps offer a way for Housing 

“With government backing, falling costs, and growing familiarity, heat pumps are fast becoming a mainstream solution. For Housing Associations, the benefits go far beyond decarbonisation...”

Associations to give tenants more stable and predictable energy costs. In the years ahead, those who act now will be better positioned to meet climate targets, access funding, and deliver modern, energy-efficient homes that work for everyone. 

The UK’s renewable energy wholesalers have been responding to increased demand. Midsummer Energy, for example, has expanded its specialist services to include a dedicated heat pump team and the development of heat system design software. Further investment in warehousing, to meet increased demand, has ensured that the latest technology is readily available to accommodate the transition towards energy-saving installations. 

With government backing, falling costs, and growing familiarity, heat pumps are fast becoming a mainstream solution. For Housing Associations, the benefits go far beyond decarbonisation. They have the capacity to enable financial sustainability, tenant wellbeing, and regulatory compliance. 

For more information, get in touch with the Midsummer heating team at heat@midsummerenergy.co.uk or give them a call on 01223 851 045 or visit the team on Stand 5F66 at this year’s InstallerSHOW in June.