Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen says heat pumps and boiling water taps are the future

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has revealed that heat pumps are among his top four modern home "must-haves", with solar panels, triple glazing and a boiling water tap also making his list.

The TV personality feels so passionately about the renewable heat source that he has partnered with Daikin UK to raise more awareness about them in the hope that they can boost uptake together.

Daikin's campaign with the interior designer seeks to position heat pumps as an essential part of creating low-carbon, environmentally-friendly homes, aiming to fulfil the government's target of 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028.

Llewelyn-Bowen says heat pumps don't mean compromising on style

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen took on the heat pump partnership with his usual flamboyant style, posing alongside the renewable heat source with an electric blue three-piece suit with black stripes and open black shirt.

He was quick to point out that including a heat pump in the design of a home doesn't have to "compromise on style" and can instead enhance your home's feel.

"Many of the ‘modern home must haves’, like heat pumps, are thoughtfully designed and can be incorporated seamlessly,” he explained, "other modern 'must-haves' include a boiling water tap and smart lighting" as well as adding that he believed solar panels were also modern home essentials.

Talking about why more heat pumps being added to homes is so important, he explained: “This research shows how what we want from our homes is changing. People are not only thinking decoratively but also environmentally when it comes to what they want their home to be like, and what it says to others."

With Llewelyn-Bowen at the helm, Modern Home Must Haves intends to make heat pumps more accessible to the public, contributing to the UK's push towards a more sustainable future.

Laurence added heat pumps: "Are a sustainable way of making sure that you can heat your home and provide yourself with as much hot water as you can use and can actually save you money in the long run.

"Air source heat pumps are compatible with most homes and if you're thinking about installing one there are funding schemes available that make the installation of an air source heat pump more or less the same cost as a gas boiler."

Lack of awareness not helping heat pump uptake

A report by the National Audit Office (NAO) reveals that the government’s flagship programme for promoting heat pumps is falling short of expectations, with less than half the anticipated installations.

Despite heat pump grants, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, being increased, public knowledge about the benefits and the need for heat pumps remains low.

The NAO stresses the importance of consumer engagement to meet net-zero targets, calling for more comprehensive public awareness campaigns and better cost management to encourage widespread adoption.

Only 18% see heat pumps as a priority

The campaign stems from Daikin's survey of 2,000 homeowners and renters, revealing shifting attitudes towards sustainable living.

The research shows that 81% of respondents now view features like heat pumps, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and solar panels as essential for a modern home. Additionally, 90% of those surveyed consider these features important when buying a house.

Despite this growing eco-awareness, there is still a significant knowledge gap. While 94% of respondents agreed on the need to protect the environment for future generations and 81% expressed a desire for their homes to be more eco-friendly, 71% admitted they lacked the knowledge to make meaningful improvements.

Among the eco-conscious features considered most desirable, heat pumps were ranked lower, with only 18% of respondents considering them a priority compared to solar panels (44%), triple-glazed windows (43%), and EV charging points (28%).

Laurence stated: "I don't think it's a surprise that 90% of you suggest that eco-friendly solutions are absolutely up there for house hunters looking for their home of their dreams."

'The government needs to collaborate with the industry'

Daikin UK’s residential new business director, Iain Bevan, highlighted the need for greater education: "The research shows homeowners and renters are becoming more environmentally aware. However, the government needs to collaborate with the industry to raise awareness of the benefits of heat pumps and dispel myths surrounding them. The heat pump industry can't achieve this alone."

The campaign with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen aims to fill this gap by showcasing the importance of heat pumps in reducing carbon emissions and helping the UK meet its net-zero goals.