More than 70% of UK homeowners can’t name a renewable heat technology, according to a survey of 1,000 homeowners across England and Wales by the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC).
The poll discovered that just 27% of respondents could name one renewable heat technology, with solar thermal topping the list as the most recognised technology with 18%. More worryingly for the renewable heat sector 39% of homeowners were unable to name a benefit of renewable heat technology over traditional heating systems. Those who did name a benefit of switching to renewable heat saw the key drivers as reduced energy bills (69%) over the availability of RHI subsidies (13%).
The survey follows disappointing renewable heat incentive (RHI) figures which show that 7,324 installs were carried out from April 2014 to January 2015. APHC states that it has long been campaigning for clearer and simpler government schemes to help alleviate consumer confusion.
John Thompson, chief executive at APHC added: “This research clearly shows that despite efforts to encourage homeowners to look at alternative sources of heating, awareness of these technologies is low. Incentivising people to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient is certainly to be encouraged but a longer-term plan is needed to increase participation by whatever party is in power after the general election.”
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