British Gas has completed the first installation as part of its new mass market air-source heat pump offering to consumers.
The company, in partnership with Daikin, is starting its rollout in the South West and the maiden installation took place at a home in Ivybridge, Devon.
Parent company Centrica is already installing air-source heat pumps into social housing under its PH Jones brand and is planning to deploy up to 1,000 in 2022. By 2025, the aim is to install up to 20,000 per year.
British Gas said it will incorporate Hive heating controls into its proposition later this year, enabling customers to remotely manage their heating.
Jana Siber, managing director at British Gas, said: “Heat pumps are an essential part of the UK’s journey towards a decarbonised future. Our first homeowner installation in Ivybridge is testament to our commitment to helping customers lower their carbon emissions using smart technology.
“Partnerships like this one with Daikin are vital to encourage further uptake while the market is in its relative infancy. Installing a heat pump is one of the single best things households can do today to lower their carbon footprint.”
Henk van den Berg, strategic business manager for heating and renewables at Daikin UK, said: “As well as investing into a strong value proposition for UK customers, the collaboration will see Daikin technology used in British Gas training centres.
“For this British Gas customer, and anybody else who is in a position to install a heat pump, it will bring real benefits – not just in terms of providing a more efficient means of heating their home, but also in terms of greatly reducing their carbon footprint.”