Air Source Heat Pumps: What the Public Thinks
Who Is Martin Lewis — and Why Does His Poll Matter?
Martin Lewis is one of the UK’s most trusted voices in personal finance. As the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com and a regular national TV and radio presence, he has established a reputation for providing impartial, consumer-first advice. His wide-reaching platform means that thousands of real people respond when he asks a question — not just industry insiders or campaigners.
That makes his recent Facebook poll on air-source heat pumps so valuable. With over 20,000 interactions and more than 2,800 comments, it offers a rare and candid glimpse into how the public truly feels — not just in theory but in practice. While not a scientific study, the sheer volume and variety of responses reflect public perception, revealing enthusiasm and frustration in equal measure.
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) have been at the heart of the UK’s efforts to transition to low-carbon heating. Promoted as a cleaner, more efficient alternative to gas and oil boilers, they have become a hot topic in recent energy debates. But how do people feel about them?
A recent Facebook post by consumer champion Martin Lewis, polling over 20,000 respondents, sheds light on the real-world experiences of homeowners with ASHPs. The results and thousands of comments paint a complex and often polarised picture.
The Poll at a Glance
- Total interactions: ~20,700
- “Love it and reduced costs “: 1,700 (≈8.2%)
- “Bills are the same”: 456 (≈2.2%)
- “Bills increased”: 720 (≈3.5%)
- “Don’t have one installed”: 17,300 (≈83.6%)
Although a small proportion of respondents own an ASHP, the conversation generated over 2,800 comments, many of which came from individuals sharing detailed personal experiences.
Common Positive Experiences
- Cost Savings (when done right): Users who reported cost reductions often:
- Had high insulation levels.
- Combined ASHPs with solar panels and battery storage.
- We are switching from oil or LPG systems.
- Stable, Consistent Heating:
- Many praised the comfort of having a home heated consistently 24/7.
- The system was described as quiet and unobtrusive.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Users appreciated the lower carbon footprint.
- Those with green energy tariffs or smart meters felt incredibly positive.
- Significant in New Builds:
- New homes designed with ASHPs in mind performed very well.
Common Negative Experiences
- Installation Issues:
- Poor system design and incorrect sizing were frequently cited as the causes.
- Many homeowners shared stories of having to rip out or redo poorly installed systems.
- High Running Costs:
- Especially in winter or when using solar or off-peak tariffs.
- Several users found electricity bills to be higher than previous gas costs.
- Cold Homes:
- Some felt their homes never truly warmed up.
- Others had trouble getting hot water reliably.
- Noise Complaints:
- External units were sometimes described as too loud.
- Noise sensitivity and its impact on mental health were cited.
- Not Suitable for All Homes:
- Older, poorly insulated, or listed buildings posed real challenges.
- Many were advised against installation due to structural limitations.
Key Insights
- Insulation is critical. Regardless of heat source, a well-insulated home is the foundation for efficiency.
- Installation quality varies wildly. The difference between a good and lousy install can be night and day.
- Electricity pricing is a deal-breaker for some. Many saw little to no financial benefit without the correct tariff or solar and battery support.
- Education is lacking. Many users felt they didn’t understand how to operate the system efficiently or were mis-sold.
Conclusion
Heat pumps can offer real benefits, especially in the right conditions and when installed by competent professionals. But they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. The feedback from Martin Lewis’s audience shows a clear divide: while some households enjoy lower costs and greater comfort, others face higher bills and disappointing performance.
If you’re considering a heat pump, research it thoroughly. Assess your home’s insulation, consult with experienced installers, and explore complementary technologies like solar panels or battery storage. Above all, ensure the system is designed with your property in mind.
ASHPs are not a scam, but they’re not a miracle, either. The truth lies somewhere in the middle, precisely where the conversation should start.
Here’s the link for the Martin Lewis Poll from which we took our data.
https://www.facebook.com/mrmartinlewis/posts/pfbid02eDdnScj62pVA8Aw1AUfQekHspEztGKv485rww5gHnNiEDDMtFeXFDAb8JCgBwruyl
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