Consumers or users? The impact of user learning about smart hybrid heat pumps on policy trajectories for heat decarbonisation

‘The reduction of fuel poverty may be lost in the rush to decarbonise’: Six research risks at the intersection of fuel poverty, climate change and decarbonisation

“…This is particularly likely to be the case if effective and appropriate handover and support is not given to occupants to enable them to get the best out of new technologies and avoid expensive price shocks. There is an urgent need to understand how best to manage this process and how best to support vulnerable households in transitioning to decarbonised heating systems (Parrish et al, 2021). Electrification is not the only factor to consider.…”

Gender and the heat pump transition

“…More consistent surface temperatures and reduced convective currents and vertical stratification from heat pumps could also correspond with less discomfort for women around their hands and extremities. For example, one female participant in a qualitative UK study noted that continuous warm temperatures were her 'favourite thing' about the heat pump (Parrish et al 2021). However, these are only indicative assertions, based largely on physiological understandings of thermal comfort; there is no empirical assessment that specifically seeks to explore gendered experiences in homes with heat pumps.…”

“…Heat pump owners have been found to complain about not knowing how to operate the system for optimum efficiency and economy (Roy & Caird 2013) and incorrectly conceptualise heat pumps as operating equivalently to their previous gas-or oil-fuelled boilers, with rapid response and high radiator running temperatures (Owen et al 2013;Judson et al 2015). These understandings are not explicitly distinguished by gender, but a female participant in one qualitative study was more comfortable with the heating being on at night once she understood why, whilst her husband was less interested in understanding the reasons for it (Parrish et al 2021). An area for research could therefore be whether education on optimum heat pump function (e.g.…”

“…Although not explicitly disaggregated by gender, several studies have identified interaction between a new heat pump and laundry practices. For example, in qualitative UK studies, female participants have noted that the heat pump 'dries the washing beautifully' (Bell et al 2015: 11) and that they are able to dry laundry more quickly because of the more constant operation of the system (Parrish et al 2021). There is also some evidence of heat pump installers and service mechanics expressing gendered understandings of laundry practices.…”

Climate repair through built environment: Decarbonising UK’s building sector through energy efficiency and natural materials

“…When combined with time-varying pricing of electricity, running costs can be low as well as offers flexibility to switch to gas boiler when electricity prices are high and extra heat is needed. In long-term, smart HHP could offer broader flexibility to incorporate more green gas or be adapted for hydrogen gas [20][21][22] . However, behavioural interventions to enable greater acceptance and demand from consumers for such low-carbon technologies remain critical for reducing operational emissions.…”