The UK’s reliance on natural gas for home heating contributes 17% of greenhouse gas emissions. To reach net zero emissions, heat pumps, which use electricity to heat homes, are seen as the best option. However, people’s attachment to natural gas and other high-carbon fuels remains strong, especially in communities with a history of coal mining. Research of 300 people in the UK, Finland, Sweden, and Romania found that only 12% of UK residents have heat pumps, compared to 55% in Sweden. Participants in the study expressed nostalgia for the past, including the use of wood fireplaces and coal burning stoves. They also valued the variety and flexibility of heating options, including central heating, log burners, and portable electric heaters. The study suggests that the transition to a low-carbon future will require innovation in home heating technology and a change in how the government and energy companies communicate the benefits of heat pumps, such as their energy efficiency and ability to provide a focal point for social gatherings. Local authorities will play a key role in promoting the low-carbon heating transition, which the study suggests will be more successful when tailored to local contexts and preferences.
While heat pumps are effective at warming the air, they’re often criticized for lacking the cozy, radiant heat that traditional systems provide.
