Octopus Energy, the UK’s leading heat pump installer, has released compelling data highlighting overwhelming customer satisfaction with heat pumps, positioning them as a superior alternative to traditional gas boilers. The findings reveal that an impressive 94% of surveyed customers find their heat pumps provide as much, or even more, comfort than their old gas systems. Furthermore, 85% report that their heat pumps cost the same or less to operate, debunking common misconceptions about running expenses.
This positive customer feedback coincides with a significant move by the UK government to scrap outdated planning regulations that have historically hindered the widespread adoption of heat pumps. This change is a major step towards making green home heating more accessible and affordable for households nationwide. Previously, an astonishing 41% of heat pump installations faced planning permission requirements due to a rule mandating units be at least one meter from neighbouring properties. Analysis by Octopus Energy showed this added an average of £347 in costs and caused delays of up to eight weeks. If you’re considering making the switch to a more efficient and greener heating system, you can explore your options with Octopus Energy and even get a head start with a referral bonus by visiting
While the recent update to planning rules is celebrated, Octopus Energy points out that a significant hurdle remains: stringent and outdated noise regulations. Currently, around a third (35%) of installations still encounter delays because heat pumps must operate at a noise level quieter than 37dB as measured at the nearest neighbour’s home – a volume comparable to quiet birdsong. This regulation persists despite 86% of households reporting their heat pumps are as quiet or even quieter than their previous gas boilers. Octopus suggests that raising this noise limit by a mere 1dB could halve the number of homes needing to go through these planning hurdles, thereby accelerating the UK’s transition to cleaner heating.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy, commented on the developments: “It’s great that the government has finally tackled one of the biggest hurdles to wider heat pump adoption, making it easier and cheaper for thousands more people to make the switch to green heating. Our customers tell us loud and clear that heat pumps are quiet, cosy and affordable – and the data backs them up. But we’re still asking them to jump through hoops because of old-fashioned noise rules, even though heat pumps are quieter than fridges and sit outside. If we fix that last hurdle, we can get even more heat pumps into homes – cutting carbon, cutting costs, and cutting our reliance on gas for good.”
The demand for cleaner heating solutions is evident, with Octopus Energy ramping up its award-winning heat pump installations and reporting over 50,000 new enquiries in the last three months alone. For those inspired by the positive experiences of current users and the move towards more supportive regulations, learning more about heat pumps and starting your journey with Octopus Energy is a great step. Don’t forget, you can use a referral link like