Choosing efficient water heating is now even easier

Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency, Jeanette Fitzsimons, has today announced that heat pump water heaters will soon be included in the solar grants scheme, giving consumers more efficient hot water choices.

Ms Fitzsimons says a performance standard for heat pump water heaters has been developed, so quality can be measured. A pilot scheme will start next year. EECA will consult with the heat pump water heating industry on the detail of the scheme. The level of the grant will relate to energy savings over the expected life of the heat pump water heaters.

“After three years working on improving quality standards and installer training for solar water heating we are now able to remove the requirement that suppliers be accredited by the Solar Industries Association. Installers will still be required to have undertaken an approved solar water installation course.

“As it is not possible to use the same cost effectiveness measures for heat pump water heaters as for solar hot water, the threshold for financial assistance currently used for the solar hot water programme will be removed.”