Snow problem for heat pumps: 9 out of 10 customers kept warm during UK cold snap

• Survey finds majority (86%) of heat pump owners reported the technology passed with flying colours during the UK’s latest cold snap
• More than two-thirds (69%) say their heat pump is cheaper, or as cost-effective to run, as a gas boiler
• Bespoke tariffs mean heat pump customers can save up to £315 a year on running costs compared to a gas boiler

London, 29th January 2025 - A recent survey of over 1,700 UK households* with newly installed heat pumps reveals that customers were overwhelmingly satisfied with the performance of their heat pump during the coldest days of winter.

The research conducted by Octopus Energy found the vast majority of households (86%) reported their heat pump kept them as warm as they wanted during the bitter cold snap in early January.

As heat pumps become more mainstream, it’s important that they perform as well as or better than their gas boiler counterparts.

Almost two thirds (63%) of former gas boiler users reported that their heat pump made their home more comfortable. Additionally, 83% of all surveyed said they would recommend switching to a heat pump to friends and family.

Not only do they perform better, but thanks to the £7,500 grant from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), the costs of getting a heat pump are now on par with a new gas boiler.

Dedicated smart tariffs mean heat pumps are also cheaper to run than gas boilers. Octopus’ ‘Cosy Octopus’ can save heat pump customers £315 a year on heating costs compared to gas boiler customers on a standard tariff**.

This is supported by the data found in the survey, with two thirds (69%) of heat pump users reporting their heat pump was the same cost or cheaper to run than their previous gas boiler.

To further drive down running costs, the government is currently considering moving environmental and social levies off electricity. This would help the country fully commit to electrification and accelerate the uptake of heat pumps by bringing prices of cleaner energy down.

Alex Schoch, Global Director of Clean Tech at Octopus Energy at Octopus Energy, said: “As temperatures plummeted, heat pump performance soared. This survey confirms what customers tell us every day: heat pumps are just as good if not better at keeping their houses cosy, and our innovative tariffs mean they’re better for wallets too.

“Even when snow and sleet were dumped across the UK, heat pumps remained robust and proved themselves as a cost-effective alternative to gas boilers.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

*Survey of 1,750 Octopus Energy customers who had a new heat pump installed in their home between 1st April and 31st December 2024. Survey carried out by Octopus Energy between 15th and 21st January 2025.

**Includes savings from no longer having to pay standing charges for gas (when a gas meter is removed). These are estimated savings at 3,083 kWh annual heat pump consumption and 2,700 kWh other home electricity consumption (Ofgem medium home).

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About Octopus Energy Group

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy tech business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting edge energy products to 9 million households globally. Its operations span 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. The group invests in, builds and flexibly manages renewable energy, operating a £7 billion portfolio of projects.

Octopus has licensed its advanced data and machine learning platform, Kraken, to support over 54 million customer accounts worldwide through licensing deals with companies such as EDF, E.ON and Origin Energy. Kraken enables Octopus to drive the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative cleantech. Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. For more information, check out our website.