Inkpen family becomes UK heat pump project pioneer

AN Inkpen family has become the first in the country to have a heat pump installed under a national Government initiative.

British Gas installed the system at the home of Mat and Rachel Salisbury and their son, Jasper, in what the utility company has branded "a landmark moment for the UK’s drive towards net zero carbon emissions".

The installation marks the launch of the Government’s new Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The system, supplied by heat pump manufacturer Daikin UK, was switched on on Friday, April 1, making the Salisbury household the first in the country to receive a £5,000 grant towards the upfront cost.

Air source heat pumps are described as a highly efficient type of heating system, said to generate more than three units of heat output for every unit of electricity they use.

The technology is reportedly critical to keeping the UK on track to achieve net zero by 2050.

British Gas managing director Jana Siber said: "Today, Inkpen is at the heart of a key moment for the renewable heating market in the UK, as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme makes heat pumps more accessible to more people."

A Daikin UK spokesman, Henk van den Berg, said: "Installing a heat pump is a hugely positive change to make that will last for generations to come.

"Heat pumps are economical and eco-friendly, and make your home as comfortable – or even more comfortable – than a gas or oil boiler.

"The Salisburys are setting a fantastic example.

"We hope they spread the word in Hungerford and beyond as they enjoy the comfort benefits and cost savings delivered by their new system."