According to the US Department of Energy, water heating accounts for 18% of a household's energy use and it is typically the second largest energy expense in any home. Therefore, there is a growing demand for energy-efficient & eco-friendly water heating solutions in homes & business places, and heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) is the answer. Aside from being used to heat and cool indoor air, heat pumps are gaining popularity as sustainable water heaters.
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Making use of a heat pump for heating water can reduce your energy consumption, lower your utility bill, and eradicate your greenhouse gas emissions. A recent publication by Natural Resources Canada stated that a heat pump water heater is about four times more efficient than other traditional water heating systems (like the electrical water heater) and that it makes use of 70% less energy. This growing demand has led to an increase in the number of heat pump water heater manufacturers.
In this article, we will share with you the top 10 hot water heat pump manufacturers in the world, recognized for their innovative products, energy efficiency, commitment to sustainability, and reliability.
Putting into consideration the features, internal components, energy-efficiency, and reliability of their products, here are the top 10 heat pump water heater manufacturers in the world.
SPRSUN is a reputable Chinese heat pump water heater manufacturer that produces and supplies various types of heat pumps. The company manufactures heat pumps in accordance with EN standard and several reputable certifications. They make use of leading technologies and also collaborate with other leading heat pump water heater suppliers to ensure production of HPWH of the highest quality. Superior product quality and topnotch professional service have earned SPRSUN a reputation as one of the world’s leading hot water heat pump suppliers over the years.
SPRSUN offers an extensive range of residential and commercial heat pump water heaters. They include the DC inverter heat pumps, air source heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps, swimming pool heat pumps, R290 heat pump hot water, and so on. Each of these aforementioned heat pumps have achieved the highest rating available which is the ERP A+++ rating.
Thanks to the quality & reliability of their products, SPRSUN have won a great reputation among suppliers and consumers globally.
Unlimited production capacity and effective quality control procedures.
Numerous quality certifications (MCS, SAA, ROHS, TUV, ERP, CCC, CE, and CB certificates).
Global market network.
Two independent testing laboratories.
36 months warranty on every product.
High upfront costs of products.
Daikin industries is a Japanese multinational conglomerate that has become a global pioneer in the heat pump industry, having been in operation for over a century. They offer a range of water heating solutions from domestic heat pumps to large-scale industrial heat pumps.
Daikin is renowned for its development of eco-friendly refrigerants, focus on energy efficiency, use of sustainable energy like the inverter technology, and heat pump’s quiet operation. Types of water heater heat pumps produced by Daikin include; air-to-water heat pump, ground source heat pump, water source heat pump, and hybrid heat pump.
Energy efficiency & reduced environmental impact.
Hot Water Heat Pumps (HWHPs) operate with minimal noise generation.
The heat pumps can perform both heating and cooling functions.
High initial cost.
Heat pumps can’t produce hot water in very cold climates.
Complex installation and maintenance requirements.
This is an international heat pump water heater manufacturer that develops, manufactures, and supplies energy efficient water heating systems for homes and commercial buildings. As a world class heat pump water heater supplier, NIBE prioritizes sustainable living and environmental wellness.
They manufacture a wide range of products that can perform heating, hot water supply, ventilation, and cooling purposes. These products include ground source heat pumps, air-water heat pumps, and exhaust air heat pumps.
NIBE Industrier combines renewable energy with innovative smart technologies.
HPWHs have high efficiency and potential for lower operating costs
Reduced environmental impact.
High purchase and installation cost
Heat pumps are not ideal for homes with poor insulation.
Some NIBE heat pumps can be a bit noisy.
Mitsubishi is another Japanese multinational conglomerate that is not only revered as a top heat pump water heater manufacturer but also known for production of automobiles, electronics, and electrical products. As a brand, they are committed to producing HPWHs that offer tangible benefits such as cleaner air, lower green-house gas emissions, superior reliability, and cost-saving energy efficiency.
Mitsubishi heat pumps are designed with additional features like Kumo Cloud, smart home technologies, and whisper quiet operating systems.
They can perform dual functions of heating and cooling.
Some of the HPWHs are designed to maintain efficiency even in cold climates.
Controlling it is easier with the integrated smart home technologies.
More expensive than other heat pump water heaters.
Complex installation and maintenance requirements.
Quite short warranty.
Bosch Thermotechnology is a German heat pump water heater manufacturer that has gained prominence across Europe’s heating and cooling industry. Its hybrid electric water heaters provide efficient heat pump technology integrated into a storage tank to meet all hot water needs.
HWHPs produced by this company can be used as a standalone solution or in conjunction with other heating systems. Bosch stands out for its smart device control, compact designs, and long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.
Smart control and noise reduction.
Eco-friendly.
Low operating cost.
The performance is climate dependent
The temperature of the water isn’t constant.
They require more space than other types of water heaters.
Lennox is a multinational company that manufactures appliances for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration purposes. After over a century of operation, the company has established itself as one of the best manufacturers of heat pumps for water heating purposes.
Lennox heat pumps offer one of the highest SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings on the market, making them ideal for homeowners seeking maximum energy savings. Even when other domestic hot water (DHW) heat pumps fail to function properly in cold climates, Lennox heat pumps are well equipped to operate in extremely cold weathers.
High efficiency rating.
Precise temperature and humidity control.
Durability and reliability.
Large space and frequent maintenance are required.
Some models may produce more noise than others.
Not readily available and requires high initial investment.
Carrier incorporation is unarguably one of the best heat pump water heater manufacturers in the world. They manufacture high-capacity HWHPs with a strong focus on decarburization through electrification, utilizing lower GWP refrigerants, increasing energy efficiency standards, reducing reliance on fossil fuels & natural gas, and increasing reliance on “clean” sources of energy.
Carrier corporation’s HWHPs make use of the latest technologies and are designed to meet current and future regulations for energy efficiency. They can be used in residential & light commercial buildings, multi-level facilities, retail refrigerants, and many more.
Newer Carrier HWHPs offer quieter operation especially those with variable speed or two-stage compressor.
Well known for their reliable design and durable components.
Carrier HWHPs can be more energy-efficient than other traditional heating systems.
You may require supplemental heating during colder climates.
High purchase and installation cost.
Higher electricity consumption and costs during cold weather.
With more than 50 years of operation, Wolf boasts as an expert in regulating indoor climates. Some of their products include solar thermal technology, air conditioners, mechanical ventilators, oil heating systems, gas heating systems, and heat pumps. They produce heat pumps that are technically advanced to operate dependably and promote environmental friendliness.
As a heat pump water heater manufacturer, Wolf has a large product catalog that fits perfectly with your home design. The smart home control technology in some of their products allows them to be integrated into your home’s smart grid, hence, you can manage your hot water supply with ease.
Environmental friendliness
Lower heating costs
Requires less maintenance than traditional heating systems.
Potential need for a backup heating system in colder climates.
Complex installation procedure.
High upfront and installation cost.
Vaillant is one of the world’s long-lasting family-owned heat pump suppliers, having been in business for more than 150 years. As a leading supplier of HWHPs, Vailant prioritizes sustainability by making use of only sustainable materials in manufacturing and also using comprehensive digital services to improve energy consumption.
Products produced by Vaillant include commercial & DHW heat pumps, solar thermals, low-energy building ventilation systems, air conditioners, and some digital appliances. They all function to guarantee convenience in residential and commercial facilities at all times.
Vaillant heat pumps offer a blend of efficiency and environmental benefits
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They operate quietly—not making a noise.
They have a high energy efficiency rating.
Not ideal for poorly insulated homes.
A backup heating system may be needed in colder climates.
Installing the HWHP unit requires both internal and external space.
As one of the top 10 heat pump water heater manufacturers, Panasonic combines its over 100 years of experience with its ambitious sustainability goals. These goals include smart living, environmental protection, and energy efficiency. The company assists homeowners and businesses to lower their carbon footprints while maintaining year-round hot water supply.
Panasonic heat pumps are developed under the “Aquarea” brand. They are designed to be very efficient, emit low amounts of carbon dioxide, and operate at very low temperatures, especially during winter. Many of their HPWH models are compatible with solar energy integration and make use of low-GWP refrigerants.
Panasonic HWHPs, especially the Aquarea models, are known for high energy efficiency.
They are designed for quiet operation, thereby minimizing noise pollution.
They are very durable because they are built with long-lasting components.
Like every other HWHP brand, Panasonic heat pumps have a high upfront purchase price.
Their efficiency can decrease in very low temperatures.
Complex maintenance and repair requirements.
There is a large number of HPWH manufacturers on the market. It is therefore important to critically review them before selecting the brand to purchase from. Here are a few criteria to consider when evaluating heat pump water heater manufacturers.
As of today, there are various HWHP brands on the market and not all of them produce good & quality appliances. Hence, it is necessary that you check for the quality & durability of the heat pump components, availability of efficient quality control procedures, the brand’s market reputation, and the quality of certifications they possess.
For example, SPRSUN ensures to purchase and use the best components when manufacturing heat pumps. The heat pumps undergo 5 stringent inspection processes, which include; System Design, Incoming Material, Assembly System, Piping Graft, and Finished Product. The company also has two independent heat pump testing laboratories that confirms the operating performance of the heat pumps at ambient temperature from -30 °C to 50 °C. In addition, SPRSUN has obtained numerous quality certifications and the brand is highly rated in the global market.
The R&D capacity is one of the most important factors to consider before choosing your preferred heat pump water heater manufacturer. It refers to the knowledge, technical know-how, and expertise of the manufacturer, which will determine how efficient the products are. Ensure you go through the manufacturers website and examine their factories to see the quality of production & quality control procedures.
SPRSUN, for example, has laboratories that are ratified by TUV SUD, meaning that the labs can directly issue test reports approved by the European Union. The company also prioritizes employment of various experts and product designers to ensure production of high quality hot water heat pumps.
Another important factor to consider is the ability of the heat pump water heater manufacturer to produce heat pumps in large and small volumes within a given timeframe. This will influence when your orders will be delivered, especially if they are needed within a short timeframe. Trustworthy HWHP manufacturers have a history of producing reliable products and prioritizing timely delivery of products.
One of the reasons why SPRSUN made the Number 1 spot on our list is that the company can handle various scales of production in a very short time. They are able to accomplish different production scales thanks to their sufficient manpower & equipment, enabling environment, and collaboration with other leading HWHP companies like Mitsubishi, Daikin, Panasonic, and many others to deliver quality products.
You must do research on the efficiency of the company’s product delivery network, supply chain, and their export experience to various parts of the world, especially if the manufacturer is based in a different country from yours. Also make sure you choose a brand whose products conform to the regulations in your country.
As a reputable heat pump water heater manufacturer, SPRSUN boasts of a globally efficient supply chain for delivering orders and it has 560+ global strategic partners available in over 60 countries to ensure that you receive your orders with ease and in record time.
Choosing a heat pump water heater manufacturer whose products are relatively affordable and guarantees excellent energy efficiency is a big win. The costs to consider include the initial investment, installation cost, operation cost, and maintenance & repair cost. As for energy efficiency, find out if the brand prioritizes sustainability by reducing carbon footprint and making use of “clean" sources of energy.
The higher the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings of a hot water heat pump, the more energy efficient they are. SPRSUN heat pumps, for example, have ERP A+++ rating, which is the highest rating available. They also have the Energy Star Label, which is a certification that proves the heat pump system meets strict energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Choosing a reputable heat pump water heater manufacturer is the first step in the journey towards sustainability but it can be very difficult because of the increasing number of brands on the market. In this post, we’ve discussed the top 10 hot water heat pump manufacturers in the world and the necessary things to consider before choosing to purchase from any of these brands.
Number 1 on our list is SPRSUN. They have unlimited production capacity, prioritize production of high quality heat pumps, have been certified by various governing organizations, and have a global market network that ensures delivery of HWHPs on time.
A heat pump is an electrical appliance that can be used to replace a fossil fuel-based heating system. When run on clean, renewable electricity, they reduce emissions and protect consumers from fluctuating fossil fuel prices. Heat pumps can be used to warm or cool a building, heat water, or produce low and medium-temperature heat for industry. They can be effective even in very cold climates – cold-climate heat pumps are still able to heat a building in weather conditions down to about -30°C.
Unlike some other low-carbon technologies, heat pumps are not new – they use the same technology used in fridges and air conditioners. It was first demonstrated in the mid-s, and heat pumps were first installed in buildings in Switzerland in the s. Inside a heat pump, a gas called a refrigerant absorbs heat from one location, is compressed to increase the heat, before the heat is released in another location (for a more detailed explanation of how heat pumps work, see Box 1).
There are three main types, which are designed to absorb heat from different places:
Heat pumps come in various forms – a heating unit with fans, a water-based distribution system (like radiators) or a ducted ventilation system. They can also be used for hot water, either by retrofitting an existing hot water tank or by combining a heat pump and water heater. Excess heat from the pump itself can even be used to provide instant hot water.
Heat pumps can also cool buildings, and rising global demand for cooling presents an opportunity for increased uptake. In cooling systems, a heat pump works the opposite way, removing heat from inside a building and dumping it outside. Reversible heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling are also available.
Heat pumps can be powered with renewable electricity, dramatically reducing emissions compared to fossil fuel-based heating.
Taking into account the current energy mix in the power system, operating an air-source heat pump already produces fewer emissions than the most efficient condensing gas boilers in North America, Central and South America and the Asia-Pacific region, according to the IEA.
Heat pumps are very efficient, with an energy output several times the amount of energy put in. A typical household heat pump has an energy output four times greater than the energy (electricity) needed to run it. This makes heat pumps three to five times more efficient than gas boilers, and around four times more efficient than conventional electric heaters. This is because the heat provided by a heat pump is absorbed from its surroundings, rather than produced. The exact efficiency of a heat pump depends on the type of pump, the climate and source of heat.
Other technologies for clean heat are not fully developed and remain more expensive than heat pumps or carry other risks. The technology for clean hydrogen heating is not yet available – hydrogen is currently made using fossil fuels, risking locking-in fossil fuel use for heating – and will be more expensive and less efficient than heat pumps, as well as carrying a risk of explosions. Biomass heating emits dangerous pollutants that are harmful to health. Solar thermal systems are another option for clean heat, but these generally need to be used alongside another heat source.
The IEA considers heat pumps to be “the cornerstone of sustainable buildings”, a technology that will play a fundamental role in decarbonising space heating and cooling, alongside energy efficiency measures. Buildings account for around four gigatonnes (Gt) of direct CO2 emissions annually – around 10% of total global CO2 emissions (see chart below). Over half of this is direct emissions from space and water heating.
If all governments meet their energy and climate targets on time, heat pumps will produce nearly 20% of heat in buildings in – double that of today – with capacity growing in all regions. In this scenario, heat pumps will account for half of the reduction in fossil fuel use for building heat by , and energy efficiency for the other half.
Industry is responsible for 23% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, with heat making up two-thirds of industrial energy demand. Estimates indicate that the heat pump technology available today could meet 10% of industrial energy demand, although the potential decarbonisation impact of heat pumps in industry varies sector-by-sector.
The greatest potential impact is in sectors with high demand for low-temperature heat, like the paper, food and chemical industries. Heat pumps are currently used in industry to produce low to mid-temperature heat (>160°C) for processes like bleaching and de-inking paper, or evaporating water to concentrate food. Heat pumps can also be used tocapture and raise the temperature of waste heat, producing heat up to 160°C for processes like drying paper and food, and distilling chemicals. Alternatively, heat pumps can take waste heat to warm nearby buildings.
Heat pumps have been developed to produce heat up to 180°C and systems producing temperatures up to 200°C are under development. However, other clean energy technologies, such as direct electrification, currently offer more economical solutions for high-temperature heat. Clean hydrogen may provide a solution in the long term.
District heating networks are large-scale heating systems that provide heat to multiple homes or businesses through a network of insulated pipes carrying hot water. Today, they cover around 9% of heat demand, particularly in very cold regions, including the EU, Russia and China. However, the majority of district heating is still produced with fossil fuels – just under half is produced with coal and 38% with natural gas. Research has shown that district heating systems have the potential to meet half of Europe’s heating demand, with heat pumps powering up to 25% of these systems.
Electrical heat pumps can be used to retrofit networks that burn fossil fuels. Heat pump systems function at a lower heat than combustion systems, circulating water at around 45-60°C, which reduces wasted heat and improves overall system efficiency. District heat systems incorporating heat pumps can also make use of waste heat from nearby industry or businesses. For example, a district heating network in Vienna uses waste heat from the Therme Wien thermal baths. Water leaves the baths at around 30°C and a heat pump raises the temperature to 85°C, supplying heat to 1,900 households.
Heat pumps are set to be “the central technology in the global transition to secure and sustainable heating”, according to the IEA. Over the past year, the technology has received more attention as a way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, especially natural gas in Europe, and to ensure energy security.
Heat pumps are already in use around the world – in , 190 million were operating in buildings globally, meeting around 10% of building heating needs. In some countries, the technology represents a big proportion of heating appliances – 60% of buildings in Norway have heat pumps and 40% in Sweden and Finland.
Sales of heat pumps increased by more than 13% globally in , with particularly high growth in Europe (35% year-on-year). In the first half of , Italy saw 114% growth compared to the same period in , while the Netherlands saw 100%, Poland 96%, Finland 80%, Germany 25%, Norway 11% and the US 7%. Meanwhile some countries have had relatively stable heat pump markets for decades, including Japan. Despite this, fossil fuel air and water heaters still accounted for almost half of all heating equipment sold in .
According to the IEA, heating a home with an air source heat pump works out cheaper over its lifetime (without subsidies and including up-front costs) than a gas boiler in the US, Korea, Japan, Italy and China, and marginally cheaper in Canada. It is also cheaper than gas in the UK and Germany when subsidies are taken into account. These calculations were made in , before the Russian invasion of Ukraine caused spikes in gas prices, which led to a rapid increase in energy bills.
Despite saving consumers money on heating over time, heat pumps are usually more expensive to buy and install than gas boilers which can deter consumers. Purchase and installation costs vary between countries, types of heat pumps, and according to the infrastructure and energy performance of the building – the heating system may need to be upgraded (see below). The unit costs for heat pumps are unlikely to go down at the same dramatic rate seen in other clean energy technologies, like EVs and solar PV, as the technology is already mature.
The local cost of electricity will also impact the cost of heating a home with a heat pump. In places where gas is cheaper than electricity, potentially because of government subsidies, heat pumps are less economically appealing. As a result, some clean heating policies include measures to make the price of electricity more competitive compared to gas.
Thanks to their technological maturity and existing use, it should in theory be easy to scale up heat pump production and rollout. However, there are a number of barriers that require policy support and new technical solutions to overcome.
A building must be well insulated for a heat pump to warm it efficiently. The better insulated the building, the less powerful the heat pump needed to heat it, meaning lower upfront costs, lower electricity bills and less strain on the power grid. The technology produces lower-temperature heat than gas boilers and is most efficient when left on all the time, meaning good insulation that allows heat to build up is paramount. In Denmark, heat pumps installed in houses with the highest energy efficiency rating (A+) have been found to consume 30 times less energy than those with the lowest energy efficiency rating (G).
Although new buildings can be built to the energy efficiency standards needed to operate heat pumps efficiently, heat pumps also need to be installed in existing buildings. In order to meet the REpowerEU goals, around five million will need to be installed in existing buildings by in Europe. This presents a greater challenge in countries where existing buildings are poorly insulated, like the UK. Similarly, existing district heating networks are designed to carry high-temperature heat, which is not suitable for integration with the low-temperature heat produced by heat pumps.
A resident who has decided to install a heat pump may also run into problems with local regulations, landlords or other tenants. In some regions, heat pump installation is subject to a lengthy or unclear approval process, especially if a ground-source heat pump involves digging or drilling a borehole.
A lack of skilled technicians trained to work with heat pumps is creating supply bottlenecks, for example in the EU. Expensive and non-standardised training schemes can be a barrier to workers becoming qualified. A study carried out in the UK found there is no clear training pathway for a career in clean heat, plus a lack of retraining incentives – either financial or in terms of clear career opportunities.
The forecasted rapid growth in heat pump rollout will require an increase in workers across the heat pump supply chain, and especially in installation. The same UK study estimated there are currently 3,000 heat pump engineers in the country, a number that will need to increase by 4,000-6,000 annually for the next six years for the country to reach its net-zero target. The IEA estimates that 450,000 people worldwide were already working with heat pumps in , but if governments are to meet their pledges, employment in the sector will have to almost triple to more than 1.3 million workers by .
Electrifying all sectors of the economy will contribute to an increase in total electricity demand. Some have questioned whether existing power grids will be able to sustain the additional burden, raising concerns about energy security, grid instability and blackouts. Electricity industry body Eurelectric estimates that updating the European and UK power distribution grids will require EUR 34-39 billion in investments each year between and – around 0.2%-0.3% of current EU GDP.
According to IEA estimates, if all current government pledges are met, heat pumps will contribute around 9% of the increase in electricity demand expected by , and will only add moderately to peak energy demand in cold months. This impact can be limited if heat pump installation is paired with improving building energy efficiency, installing smart systems and grid planning that allows for flexibility. Heat pumps even have the potential to act as a demand-side response to help balance the grid – when used in combination with energy storage and smart systems, they can help balance grids by storing excess energy or reducing electricity demand at peak times. However, this application requires smart and integrated systems in well-insulated buildings, and as such is still in early development.
In countries where heat pumps are rare, a lack of information about their benefits and how to choose the right kind of pump can deter consumers. A study carried out in the UK found that although 90% of respondents felt that reducing CO2 emissions was important, many did not know that heating played a role in emissions reduction, while only a minority said they were aware of low-carbon heating technologies. Concerns around appearance and noise, installation works and learning how to operate a new system can also dissuade consumers.
In some countries, however, heat pumps have achieved broad public acceptance. In Norway, 60% of buildings have them installed thanks to decades of government support, high taxes on fossil fuels, low electricity prices and a ban on oil-powered boilers. Heat pumps need to be affordable and accessible for consumers to choose them. Increasing access to clear information about upfront costs, installation and how to use them efficiently can help sway consumer’s choices.
Heat pumps move heat energy by pumping a gas, called a refrigerant, around a closed system. Most heat pumps produced since the s contain a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), a type of fluorinated gas. HFCs are powerful, short-lived greenhouse gases producing a warming effect that can be thousands of times worse than that of CO2 over a few decades. However, HFC gases are only emitted when heat pumps leak or are dismantled or destroyed without proper measures being taken to ensure the refrigerants are not released. Other types of refrigerants are already being used in heat pumps and governments are making moves to limit HFC use.
Unlike some clean technologies, the challenge with heat pumps is not in technology development, but in implementing policies that both address the challenges outlined above and make the most of the opportunities available to encourage heat pump rollout.
Because the technology is already well developed, the sector is unlikely to experience swift technological development that leads to a sharp drop in price, as was and is being seen with solar PV and wind power. However, producing more heat pumps will result in lower unit costs, while fiscal and financial incentives, such as grants, rebates and subsidies, can be used to reduce the upfront cost of a heat pump.
When gas prices are high, heat pumps gain a competitive edge, but high electricity prices raise operating costs and make heat pumps less appealing. Policy is needed to control electricity prices to ensure heat pumps remain competitive as gas prices fluctuate. Furthermore, carbon taxes or tax relief on electric power can help balance costs.
Governments are putting in place national climate policies that aim to reduce emissions from heating, many of which are combined with direct support for heat pumps. The most common policy support for heat pumps is fiscal or financial incentives. As of November , 30 national governments offered grants for residential heat pumps, 24 offered low-interest loans, nine offered income tax rebates and five offered VAT rebates. The 30 countries offering grants are responsible for almost three-quarters of global space heating demand.
This existing policy momentum was boosted by fluctuating gas prices and gas supply shortages, meaning governments are likely to continue strengthening policy to accelerate the heat pump rollout. In March , the EU announced the REPowerEU plan, aiming to install 10 million heat pumps between and to reduce reliance on Russian gas. Germany and the Netherlands have announced bans on heating systems that run on 100% fossil fuels from and respectively, combined with improved training, scaling up production and financial support for purchasing heat pump systems (100% and hybrid). As of December , 10 EU countries and the UK had a current or announced ban on some or all fossil fuel heating – all of which come into force before .
Building codes, insulation regulations and clean heating mandates are also being used to encourage heat pump installations in new and existing buildings. France’s building energy code, which came into force in , limits the emissions intensity of space heating and cooling. There are a few examples of heat pumps specifically being mandated for new buildings, including in Washington State (from July ). Such policies can take advantage of the natural replacement cycle of old heating appliances, as is the case for theUK’s boiler upgrade scheme.
In other regions, heat pumps are being encouraged through national and sub-national clean air initiatives and renewable energy targets. Through its Clean Heating Act, the Chinese government has encouraged the uptake of heat pumps in northern China to replace coal heating and improve air quality. Today, China is the global leader in heat pump installations.
In order to meet growing demand for heat pumps, governments and manufacturers will need to work together to expand production capacity. Governments are setting targets to scale up manufacturing – for example, the UK government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy sets aside GBP 450 million for subsidies to switch out gas boilers for heat pumps. It also aims for a thirtyfold increase in heat pumps manufactured and installed in the UK by , with support for supply chains and industry. Manufacturers also announced plans in to expand production and open new manufacturing sites, including Mitsubishi in Turkey, Daikin in Poland and Panasonic in Czechia.
Meeting government targets for heat pump installation will also require a big push to train and reskill technicians to carry out the work. In the IEA’s announced policies scenario, the number of installers (around half of the heat pump workforce) will increase by 650,000 by . Technical professionals from related fields, especially those working in fossil fuel heating, can be retrained to work with heat pumps. Research indicates that workers are willing to retrain as the new skills and expertise are needed and jobs involving fossil fuels come under increasing threat. New people will also need to be trained to enter the sector, particularly in regions where a significant proportion of the energy workforce is approaching retirement, including in the UK and US.
Governments and industry are working together to update certification and provide incentives for technical training and retraining. For example, the Dutch government announced it is working with the installation sector and manufacturers to ensure there is a training centre in every region. Pressure for installers can also be eased by standardising heat pump design and making them easier to install, reducing the need for extensive specialised training.
Current research and development aims to improve heat pump performance in different contexts and to reduce costs and environmental impact, as well as making them more appealing to consumers. According to the IEA, key areas for heat pump R&D are:
Another way of reducing the upfront cost of heat pumps is through innovative business models. These include heat-as-a-service (HaaS), in which energy suppliers sell heat as a ‘service’, usually for a monthly fee that covers the loan of heating equipment, maintenance and the amount of heat generated. Such models are increasingly being tested in Europe, with energy companies in Estonia, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland offering HaaS contracts in some form.
Other business models for heat pumps include:
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