Shocking poll reveals how pensioners really feel about boiler alternatives like heat pumps

Of the Brits aged over 55 surveyed—often called ‘Baby Boomers’—27% said the biggest deterrent to transitioning their home heating away from gas boilers is the initial cost.

The survey—conducted by clean heat provider Rendesco and Churchill Living—found an additional 10% are most put off by the perceived running costs.

The polling also highlighted a shift in attitudes among ‘boomers.’ More than 61% of respondents aged 55+ expressed moderate to high concern about the impacts of climate change, with 40% of this age bracket also reporting these feelings growing over time.

In comparison, only 14% indicated a decrease in their concerns, while 42% said their level of concern remained unchanged. Conversely, only 35% stated they were “not that worried” or “not worried at all” about climate change.

Meanwhile, just 7% of ‘boomers’ fear that eco-friendly alternatives may not provide adequate warmth, indicating they now trust the technology – whilst still misunderstanding the costs.

Alastair Murray, CEO of Rendesco, said: “This polling shows that there is a misunderstanding about the cost of heat pumps, preventing older generations from taking the green steps they clearly support.

“Green heating solutions like heat pumps and ground source heat networks have similar running costs to gas boilers if they are set up efficiently.

“As gas is projected to become more expensive, heat pumps will likely become the cheaper option in the long term.”

Every Churchill Living development is powered by renewable energy or heating systems, which help to generate sustainable energy or hot water. Homeowners at Churchill Living’s Lewis Carroll Lodge in Cheltenham, for example, have been benefiting from ground-source renewable heat pump technology since 2018. The technology, designed and installed by Rendesco, has reduced CO2 emissions by 75%, and residents have experienced first-hand its reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Beyond cost concerns, a lack of urgency also plays a role for the over-55 age group, with 28% saying they were reluctant to change because their current heating system works well. 5% cited the perceived effort and time required for the transition as the main reason to stick with their current set up.

Spencer McCarthy, CEO of Churchill Living, remarked: “This research confirms what we have long been hearing from customers: that while they certainly want to do their bit when it comes to cutting their impact on climate change, they are unclear about the extent to which new, greener technologies can be cheaper and more efficient for them.

“Churchill Living has been an early adopter of clean heating and energy technologies and seen at first-hand how our customers have welcomed their new home being more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly.

“Homes account for 13% of UK emissions, and as the UK population is aging, it is important older and middle-aged people are actively considering how their properties play a critical role in reaching climate targets – as well as how clean heating and energy technologies can help them save money and stay warm.”

To achieve net zero goals, the Government aims to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028 and intends to phase out gas boilers by 2035.

Find Out Now polled 2000 UK adults over the age of 55 on July 24, 2024.

Churchill Living is committed to supporting the UK's climate goals, and it is actively involved in promoting the installation of clean heating solutions in its developments so that customers can benefit from energy sources which are less costly and more environmentally friendly.