New figures released show applications to the Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme in December 2023 jumped by 49% compared to the same month in 2022.

The scheme which helps families make the switch from fossil fuel heating systems to a cleaner heat pump alternative saw a surge in applications following the increase in grants for air source heat pumps to £7,500.

While this boost is undoubtedly a positive sign for eligible homeowners, the reality is that not all properties are equally suitable for upgrades. 

In this blog, we delve into the significance of mapping homes eligible for the Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the solutions available in the form of Heat Pump Potential Data to support heat pump installers in accelerating the transition.

While the surge in recent applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is encouraging, heat pump installers understand that not every property is automatically eligible for an upgrade. Several factors, including the age and structure of homes and garden size, can impact the feasibility of transitioning to a cleaner heating system. This is where the importance of mapping and data comes into play.

Whether it’s undertaking pre heat pump installation site surveys or directing marketing campaigns to households eligible for retrofit, heat pump potential data has emerged as a strategic tool for installers to focus their efforts on properties with the highest potential for successful installations. 

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What is Heat Pump Potential Data?

At Advanced Infrastructure we have developed two datasets that support the identification of properties suitable for the installation of heat pumps. Datasets can be combined with our cloud based net zero planning platform LAEP+ (Local Area Energy Planner Plus), or as a stand alone dataset available as an API or exportable file format.

• Air Source Heat Pump Potential Dataset

Air Source Heat Pump Potential Data refers to the suitability of domestic properties for the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP). This dataset takes into account the building size, garden size and distance to neighbouring properties. A building can only be deemed suitable if it has a minimum garden size of 25m². 

• Ground Source Heat Pump Potential Dataset

Ground Source Heat Pump Potential Data refers to the suitability of domestic properties for the installation of a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP). The dataset takes into account the building size and garden size, with a property deemed suitable for a GSHP if the garden to building size ratio is greater than 2:1. 

As visualised in the LAEP+ platform as shown above the colour scale represents the suitability of ground source heat pumps for each property. Green properties are suitable for ground source heat pumps and grey properties are unsuitable.

Heat Pump Potential Data when used in the LAEP+ platform enables the data to be visualised at both a regional level to shortlist potential properties for insulation with the use of interactive geospatial maps, and also at individual building level to pinpoint and analyse properties precisely.

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What property information is included in the Heat Pump Potential Datasets?

Heat Pump Potential datasets either used as stand alone data or visualised in the LAEP+ platform detail individual property data including:

• Unique property reference number
• Overall property suitability for ground source or air source heat pump
• Recommended heat pump size [kW]
• Peak heat pump demand [kWp]
• Building size (m²)
• Garden area (m²)

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What are the main benefits of Heat Pump Potential Data for Installers?

1. Cost-Effective Assessments: Conducting site surveys can be resource-intensive. Heat pump suitability data helps installers identify properties that are not only suitable for retrofit but also align with budget considerations, ensuring cost-effective assessments.

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2. Efficient Resource Allocation: Heat pump suitability data allows installers to focus their efforts on properties with the highest potential for successful installations. This optimisation ensures that resources, including time and manpower, are efficiently allocated, resulting in more effective site surveys.

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3. Precision Targeting: Utilising heat pump suitability data allows for precision targeting in marketing campaigns. Instead of employing a broad approach, marketers can focus on households that are more likely to be receptive to the benefits of heat pump installations based on their property characteristics.

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4. Collaboration with Local Authorities: Working in collaboration with local authorities becomes more effective when heat pump suitability data is available. Local governments can support targeted initiatives, providing additional resources or incentives to encourage eligible households to participate in retrofit programs.

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In summary

Heat pump potential data has emerged as an effective tool to empower installers to work smarter, focusing their efforts on properties with the highest likelihood of successful retrofit. This data-driven approach not only enhances the efficiency of pre-installation site surveys but also ensures that community initiatives and marketing efforts are directed towards households where they are most likely to yield positive results.

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Where can I access Insulation Potential Data?

At Advanced Infrastructure our innovative GIS tools, datasets and APIs are making it easier for private companies, local authorities, distribution network operators and consultants to plan local energy transitions and operate using low carbon power. Heat Pump Potential is just one dataset in our GIS tool belt that can be combined with our cloud based net zero planning platform LAEP+ (Local Area Energy Planner Plus), or as a stand alone dataset available as an API or exportable file format.

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