UK homes are breathing cleaner air thanks to heat pumps, according to new research from the European Heat Pump Association.
The report finds that replacing a gas boiler or wood stove with an air source heat pump can slash harmful pollutants by up to 99%, dramatically reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Experts warn that accelerating heat pump adoption could protect health, cut pollution costs, and make homes safer for millions of families.
How heat pumps improve air quality in homes
The EHPA study highlights two major pollutants from home heating: nitrogen oxides (NOx), which worsen lung and heart conditions, and tiny particles (PM2.5), which penetrate deep into the lungs and increase disease risk.
Replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump can reduce NOx emissions by 75%, while switching from a wood burner can cut PM2.5 pollution by 99%.
Paul Kenny, director general of the EHPA, said: “Having a polluting heat source in your home harms you in the place you should be safest. Rolling out heat pumps faster, with a focus on supporting the poorest first, helps people’s wellbeing and sets them up for the future, which will inevitably be fossil-free.”
Health and household benefits
In the UK, around 23 million homes use gas boilers and nearly 2 million households have wood-burning stoves, which are major sources of indoor air pollution.
Particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from these heating sources contribute to asthma, lung disease, and other health problems.
Experts say widespread adoption of heat pumps could significantly reduce these risks and ease the strain on the NHS. Cleaner heating could also help families avoid costs linked to air pollution-related health issues.
Boosting heat pump adoption in the UK could save lives
Uptake of heat pumps remains slow. In 2024, fewer than 100,000 units were installed, compared to 1.5 million new gas boilers, highlighting a large gap.
Dr. Iain Staffell, energy systems researcher at Imperial College London, commented: “Heat pumps offer a triple win for UK households – they reduce harmful emissions, lower long-term energy costs, and make homes healthier. But adoption will only rise if the government improves incentives and ensures installation is affordable and straightforward.”
Experts recommend expanding air source heat pump grants, adjusting energy levies, and mandating heat pumps in new builds to accelerate uptake, protect health, and reduce pollution in homes across the country.
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