William Bown, CEO of SuperFOIL, warns that the critical role of insulation is being neglected, an oversight that risks jeopardising the future potential of an effective rollout of heat pumps.
Following guidance issued from the government earlier this year, the Future Homes Standard, now expected to come into effect from 2028, will require newbuild homes to use low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps or heat networks, with a move away from traditional gas connections. Homes will instead rely on these systems alongside increased use of solar panels.
William Bown commented:
“The successful rollout of heat pumps is fundamentally linked to the thermal integrity of the homes they are fitted to. High-performing insulation should go hand in hand with these schemes, to ensure that every homeowner moving into these new homes from 2028 onwards receives the best value for their money and can enjoy a properly heated home.
“By focusing on this now, we can ensure that the technologies of 2028 are not just functional, but a seamless addition to the British property market. The focus must be on delivering a robust, fabric-first foundation that optimises system performance and works towards a more sustainable future for the UK and homeowners.”
While government programmes like the Future Homes Standard and the Warm Homes Scheme are two huge developments for the industry, Bown says that the extent of heat pump efficiency is dependent on a home’s thermal foundation, which is where insulation comes into play – in poorly insulated properties, a heat pump is required to work harder to compensate for heat loss, ultimately leading to higher costs and a shorter lifespan for the unit.
Beyond the technical means, there are also aesthetic considerations for prioritising insulation, says Bown. A well-insulated home would need a smaller, lower-capacity heat pump, reducing overall running costs and avoiding wasteful oversizing. Smaller-sized heat pumps also avoid the ‘industrial’ look which is so often associated with external retrofits, making them more neighbourhood-friendly.
Similarly, Bown says, high-performance insulation is a passive, invisible upgrade that enhances a property’s value without requiring maintenance or needing visibility. By championing this fabric-first approach, developers can ensure they are delivering a premium, future-proof home that can give homeowners peace of mind and lower running costs.
